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Charles Theodore Von der Ahe was born in Denmark on August 29, 1882. His family moved to the United States in 1889, and they eventually settled in Illinois. Von der Ahe became an American businessman, an innovator in the grocery business in Southern California. He founded the Vons supermarket chain in Southern California. In 1906 he opened Von's Groceteria, his first store at the corner of 7th and Figueroa streets in Downtown Los Angeles. The chain eventually grew to more than 325 stores. He died on June 4, 1973. Photograph caption dated January 14, 1955 reads "William Von der Ahe, fourth from left, and Joseph N. Chase hold shovel full of dirt at ground-breaking ceremonies for new Von's Market, part of Chase Knolls Shopping Center, soon to be built in Sherman Oaks. Site is located at Riverside Drive and Fulton avenue. Others shown are left to right, C. D. Chase, Walter Von der Ahe, Max Isaac, R. B. Quigley and A. G. Tutor. Little boy is Isaac's son, Marc, 2 1/2."
Type
image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
Von der Ahe, Charles,--1882-1973--Family Vons Companies Men--California--Los Angeles Boys--California--Los Angeles Brothers--California--Los Angeles Fathers and sons--California--Los Angeles Supermarkets--California--Los Angeles Stores & shops--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Signs and signboards--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Shovels--California--Los Angeles Ground breaking ceremonies--California--Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles) Fences--California--Los Angeles Sherman Oaks (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs Group portraits Valley Times Collection photographs
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