they thought it was as funny as Pearl and I did. WHERE’S THE SALAMI? Speaking of my mother – on Wednesdays we would keep the dress shop open late and then we would go out to dinner. One of these times I ordered an antipasto – an Italian vegetable plate with different meats and vegetables. My moth- er was tired of her usual vegetable plate fare and decided to try the antipasto. Mom was always trying to stay Kosher, when we made bacon at home she would walk out. She loved the anti- pasto and was happy with her choice. When she finished, my brother, Allen, asked her, “Mom, what did you do with the salami?” My moth- er was shocked, “What salami?” she asked. To which Allen responded with appropriate chagrin, “Dear God, please forgive my mother; she didn’t see the salami.” MOVING ON I was involved with the dress business for seven years until I was married when I left it to Pearl and her husband, Al Nipon who was an accountant. I assumed that the income from Herman’s restaurant would be more than enough for us. As it turned out Herman and I were in for a long struggle before we would be comfortable
her dress designs. The effect was attractive and unique. She was also the first to use the colors black and brown together and make them work. McCardell was a genius, a most exciting designer. A year later, when we wanted to expand our busi- ness to reach new customers, Pearl would negotiate a month to month lease for a storefront shop of our own. The man who owned the building laughed at the idea of this ambitious young girl but he was simply charmed into submission by Pearl. It worked out very well for him because the help he gave to a little startup business turned into a very long term tenant. Thelma Sabreen, Eddie’s sister, worked for us in the store for years as a sales girl and bookkeeper. She lived near us and we would often give her a ride home. We used to laugh at Thelma’s pessimistic attitude, which she demonstrated every time we approached her house – if all the lights were on in her house, Thelma would say, “Something is wrong, all the lights are on.” If all the lights were off in her house, she would say, “Something is wrong, all the lights are off.” Thelma was also famous for coming into the office once and saying, “I think I’m getting a sore throat, the wind blew up my dress.” WORD OF MOUTH My mother always told our customers to make sure they told everyone where they got the dress they bought from the Schluger sisters becuase it looked like it came from the Nan Duskin which was the most exclusive dress shop in town. And whenever Pearl would be in a crowded elevator in a neighborhood building she would say, “Have you heard about the great new dress shop the Schluger sisters opened just down the street.” When the fall season began we once sent out a post- card to all our customers that featured a squirrel hold- ing a nut and the caption, “Nuts to you.” I don’t think
Allen Schluger
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