Vintage H.P. Selman & Co Wooden Hanger Rare Find

H.P. Selman & Co aka Selman’s was a high end, one might say exclusive, ladies and children’s apparel and accessories store in Louisville, Ky. The fur salon operated from 1904–1970. Founded in 1904 at the NW corner of Walnut and 4th St. as Gutman’s, a local shoe store, it changed ownership in 1915 and was bought and renamed by Homer P. Selman. It was located in the Atherton Building, since demolished.

In 1928, Caron’s Louisville Directory listed H.P. Selman’s as a women’s outfitters. In 1929, control passed to out-of-town investors. Selman’s had a Design Studio for custom made hats from at least the 1930s. They advertised lower priced merchandise in their “Selman’s Subway” department in the 1930s-50s. By WWII, the name was usually shortened in advertising to Selman’s. The shortened Selman’s label is in use by 1947.

As a sample of their prices, in 1949, Selman’s chambray and Bemberg summer dresses were advertised at $14.99, when others w $4.25
Rare Antique Find ~ Great Condition