The material, appearing to be a raffia-type ribbon, was in fair condition.   The ¼-inch ribbon was off-white with green edges along the 125-inch length of ribbon. The printing on one side of the ribbon in an eight-inch section with a five-inch space between repeats was legible and read: The Paris Fashion–Marquette, Mich.– “BE ALIVE TO LIFE–KEEP FASHIONABLE.” 

The John M. Longyear Research Library provided leads to learning more about a store in Marquette called Paris Fashion Store. Searching through Polk City Directories, we found three locations between 1910 and 1950: 302 S. Front St., 112 W. Washington St., and 114 S. Front St. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps confirmed the locations for “clothing businesses” as the buildings appeared to be rented rather than owned by the Paris Fashion store. 

The Polk City Directories also identified Simon Cohen as proprietor and Alice Cowden as buyer. Obituaries were located for both, which offered more information to the search.

Mining Journal, 19 April 1948: Simon D. Cohen, who retired last July after spending more than 50 years in the dry goods, variety and clothing business, died Sunday night in St. Mary’s Hospital, where he had been a patient three weeks. He was 76 years old. Mr. Cohen was born in Lithuania Sept. 15, 1871, and lived in Marquette 38 years. He came to Marquette County from Kaukauna, Wis., living in Negaunee three and one-half years before opening the Paris Fashion here Jan. 19, 1910. For 37 ½ years, he operated that establishment, building it to the point where it is one of Marquette’s leading women’s apparel stores. It is now located at 114 Front St., its fourth site since Mr. Cohen opened it in the old First National Bank building at the corner of Spring and Front Streets. On January 29 of this year, Mr. Cohen announced the sale of the Paris Fashion to William Burns, Ironwood…

This is an example of a ribbon from The Paris Fashion in Marquette. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Regional History Center)

Mining Journal, 26 Jan. 1951: Funeral services for Miss Alice M. Cowden, 59, who died at 8 Wednesday night in St. Luke’s hospital following a cerebral hemorrhage, will be held at 9 Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Cathedral. Burial will be made in Holy Cross cemetery…Miss Cowden was employed by the Paris Fashion Company for 41 years and had served as its manager the past 20 years…Miss Cowden is survived by a sister, Mrs. Harry Kahn, Ishpeming; a brother, Joseph Cowden, Harvey, and an aunt, Mrs. James Bryden, Marquette.

The Paris Fashion in Marquette and Kahn’s in Ishpeming placed advertisements in the Mining Journal on 26 January 1951 to notify customers that both stores would be closed during Alice’s funeral services. Understanding why Kahn’s clothing store in Ishpeming closed for Alice’s funeral made sense after reading her obituary. Alice Cowden and M’Liss (Mrs. Harry) Kahn were sisters. M’Liss’ Mining Journal obituary mentions that she and her husband owned MA Kahn’s store in Ishpeming for many years. The Polk City Directory listed MA Kahn clothing store on Main Street in Ishpeming as early as in 1912. When Kahn’s was sold in 1953, it was known as Vern’s Men’s Wear.

Promotional advertisements in the 1910 Polk Directory stated that Paris Fashion was “devoted exclusively to the sale of Ready-to-Wear Garments, Millinery and Furs for Women and Misses.” The slogan used in 1912 was “Style Authority Shop” and in 1929 it was “When women think of pretty things to wear, they usually think of the Paris Fashion.” Regular advertisements were found in the Mining Journal. It is interesting to note that these ads did not include the street address for business. A photo of the store at 114 S. Front St., Marquette, was found in the John M. Longyear Library files of photographs on Front Street. A sign hung over the front entry to the store to identify the location for customers.

The information we gathered about that loose tangle of raffia-type ribbon with the Paris Fashion advertising is interesting. The store had a great 45-year-run selling women’s clothing in Marquette (1910-1955). We linked Simon Cohen and Alice Cowden to the store for the majority of the time that it was in business, 37½ and 41 years, respectively. Not surprisingly, we also learned about family connections and businesses in Marquette and Ishpeming.

It is unknown what year this raffia ribbon was used in the Paris Fashion store, but upon further contemplation, it was most likely used to secure a garment box after the purchase of clothing at the store. When carefully inspecting the ribbon, it was splitting in a lengthwise fashion in small sections where the ribbon was most likely wrapped around the edge of a box and where it was secured in a knot.

This is an advertisement for the Paris Fashion from The Mining Journal, from Feb. 27, 1925. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Regional History Center)

To learn more about the MRHC’s collection and enjoy colorful fiber arts displays, join us for the Fourth Biennial Lake Superior Fiber Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the History Center. Watch several creative or educational demos and take home free hands-on arts and crafts activities. The Fiber Festival is an open-house event, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with the Fashion Show at 12:30. Great for all ages including families, clubs and individuals. General admission fee will cover entry to the museum and to the Fiber Festival. Sponsor level museum members and above receive free admission.

Plus, you can submit your own creations to the Fashion Show! Flaunt your socks, mittens, hats, sweaters, scarves, shawls, purses and any other sewn, quilted, woven, felted, knitted, crocheted or embroidered garments and accessories. Pick up and submit item description forms to the MRHC by Friday, Oct. 3 by noon. Win door prizes such as books, patterns, yarn and more.