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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 December 9, 1954 reads "A magic wand in the hands of 'Miss Van Nuys,' pretty Joy Reynolds, today activated the automatic doors officially opening the new Von's Pacoima Market. Left to right are Wilfred Von der Ahe, company executive; Byron Roberts, market manager; Miss Reynolds, Charles Von der Ahe, founder of Von's Markets, and Ted Von der Ahe, company executive. Others present at the opening were Kenneth Lynch, director of the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce; Lilliam Freidman, Pacoima postmaster; Dan Spencer, San Fernando Mayor; Bert Maze, Van Nuys Chamber of Commerce, and Walter Rueff, president of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce."
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1 photographic print :b&w ;21 x 26 cm. Photographic prints
Von der Ahe, Charles,--1882-1973 Von der Ahe, Charles,--1882-1973--Family Vons Companies Vons Companies--Employees San Fernando Chamber of Commerce--Presidents Men--California--Los Angeles Women--California--Los Angeles Fathers and sons--California--Los Angeles Businessmen--California--Los Angeles Beauty contestants--California--Los Angeles Mayors--California--San Fernando Supermarkets--California--Los Angeles Dedications--California--Pacoima (Los Angeles) Stores & shops--California--Pacoima (Los Angeles) Signs and signboards--California--Pacoima (Los Angeles) Flowers--California--Los Angeles Pacoima (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs Group portraits Valley Times Collection photographs
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