Weinstock, Harris

Harris Weinstock (1854-1922) was born in London, England, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1855. He relocated to California in 1869 and became a San Francisco merchant. With David Lubin, he established the Mechanic's Store in Sacramento, Calif. (1874). In 1888, the Mechanic's Store incorporated as the Weinstock-Lubin Company, which went on to become one of the West's largest department stores. Weinstock-Lubin's one-price policy revolutionized retail business and led to the proprietors having reputations for placing principle above gain. In addition to his business endeavors, Harris Weinstock held official positions in public service. His public service was especially concerned with labor and industrial affairs. He served as a member of the U.S. Industrial Relations Commission, to which President Woodrow Wilson appointed him (1913). As a State Market Director of California (1915, 1917), Weinstock facilitated the formation of growers' cooperative associations. He was also a philanthropist and an active member and officer of numerous civic and social organizations, including the Jewish Publication Society and the Commonwealth Club of California, of which he was founding president. He also served in the National Guard and wrote the book, Jesus the Jew and other addresses (1902). Harris Weinstock married Barbara Felsenthal in 1878 and together they had 4 children: Alice, Helen, Robert, and Walter.