Carl A. Kroch papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 13-1-2790

Scope and content

This collection documents the life and work of bookseller Carl A. Kroch dating 1958-1998. The collection includes personal items such as diaries (1958-1998), a typescript memoir, Navy records, and miscellaneous items including souvenirs relating to the International Wine and Food Society, a statue of Ezra Cornell, and a framed diploma; business papers from the 1930s-1950s; programs, brochures, photographs, clippings, and correspondence documenting the dedication of Carl A. Kroch Library at Cornell University and Kroch’s endowment of a Librarian at Cornell; and writing by Kroch, including copies of “So Red the Nose” and photocopies of newsletters from Kroch's & Brentano's, with columns by Carl Kroch. The collection also contains 34 photograph albums, 1981-1986, documenting: social life, including birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays; events at Kroch and Brentano's including Lana Turner autographing party; wine tasting events, including Commanderie de Bordeaux dinners; events and dinners at the Tavern Club; and events honoring Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. Also athletic events, including Super Bowl games (XVI 1982, XVII 1983, XX 1986) and other football games, Cincinnati Reds training camps and games, All-Star baseball games, Championship (1984) and World Series games (Philadelphia 1983, Kansas City and St. Louis 1985, N.Y. and Boston 1986); and Lake Zurich Golf Club. Also a dissembled album of Kroch and wife Jet, visiting Cornell including a trip to Olin Library to tour the rare books and manuscripts departments. Photos include Kroch with the Gettysburg Address. Illustration of Kroch the man and the library done in the style of an illuminated manuscript, presented at the dedication of Kroch Library by artist William Benson.

Dates

1958-1998.

Creator

Kroch, Carl. (Person)
North, Sterling, 1906- (Title of work: So red the nose..) (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Carl A. Kroch was born in 1915 and attended Cornell University. In 1947 he took over his father’s Chicago bookstore, Kroch’s, and in 1953 merged the store with Brentano’s Books to form Kroch's and Brentano’s. The store was the largest bookstore in Chicago and eventually had 22 stores in the Chicago metropolitan area. The final store closed in 1995. Kroch was also a benefactor to Cornell University, where he endowed the University Librarian position and provided the principal gift for the construction of Carl A. Kroch Library. Kroch died March 6, 1999 in Chicago.

Extent

8 cubic feet. (8 cubic feet.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Carl A. Kroch (1915-1999) owned and operated the Chicago-area bookstore chain Kroch’s and Brentano’s from 1947-1986. This collection includes diaries, a typescript memoir, photographs, and other personal items, as well as business records from Kroch’s and Brentano’s and records pertaining to Kroch’s gifts to Cornell University in the 1980s and 1990s.