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Perucca Glass Negatives Collection

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MG Nwk Perucca-(Main)

Scope and Contents

Most of these negatives are unidentified, however, Mr. Perucca believed they were all of the Newark area.

Several negatives show the store "Hilton's" with the label "J. Hilton, prop" (see Historical Note). This business began in Newark, and Joseph was from Newark. However after dissoliving from his brother Philip - he mainly opened stores in New York, suggesting these photos may be from New York.

Other images include unintified buildings, parks and houses. At least one image has a truck that has the words "Newark, N.J."

Dates

  • c. 1910s-1920s

Biographical / Historical

Most of these negatives are unidentified but several are of "Hilton's" store.

Joseph and Philip Hilton were Jewish brothers born 1871 and 1868 in Russia. They founded the clothing company Hilton's in the early 20th century.

Hilton's had several stores nationally as well as a store in Newark at 795 Broad, with a factory at 76 Springfield.

In 1916 the company dissolved, and Philip Hilton took control of the holdings.

Joseph went on to found what was eventually called "Joseph Hilton and sons". There was a 1918 court case, argured by Robert McCarter and others, which forbade Joseph from using the name "Hilton's" even with the additional phrasing "J Hilton, prop". In these images the phrase "J Hilton, prop" can be seen. He was told he had to use "J Hilton and Sons". The original court case states that after being dissolved from Philip Joseph opened stores in Paterson and New York, so this may be a New York store. (Full case text: https://casetext.com/case/hilton-v-hilton-31)

In 1918, Joseph Hilton's factory was on 27 Morton St. By 1923 there was a Joseph Hilton factory on 21 Richmond St.

Joseph Hilton's company eventually expanded to Linden and Rahway and incorporated many members of his family..Josepyh Hilton died March 13, 1933. However, the business was still going strong in 1967 when it featured in a Star Ledger article.

Extent

1.26 Linear Feet (3 glass negative boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of three boxes of glass negatives from the "Newark area".

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These negatives were donated in 2019 by Loretta Rose from the estate of her father James Perucca. He got them from a friend who he helped moved, according to Ms. Rose.

Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Charles F. Cummings New Jersey Information Center, Newark Public Library Repository

Contact:
3rd Floor
Newark Public Library
5 Washington St.
Newark NJ 07102 United States
973-733-7775