This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
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 May 19, 1954 reads "Charles Von de (sic) Ahe, fourth form left, Von's Markets founder, breaks ground for 23rd Von's in shopping center at Woodman and Osborne streets, Panorama City. Watching beginnings of half-million dollar structure are, left to right, Ted Von de (sic) Ahe, Earl White, S. R. Price, Will Von der Ahe, and Walter Von der Ahe."
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Von der Ahe, Charles,--1882-1973 Von der Ahe, Charles,--1882-1973--Family Vons Companies Vons Companies--Employees Men--California--Los Angeles Fathers and sons--California--Los Angeles Brothers--California--Los Angeles Businessmen--California--Los Angeles Ground breaking ceremonies--California--Panorama City (Los Angeles) Signs and signboards--California--Panorama City (Los Angeles) Shovels--California--Los Angeles Panorama City (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs Group portraits Valley Times Collection photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
