Charles Ilfeld Company

Charles Ilfeld, born in Homburg, Germany in 1847, arrived in Santa Fe, N.M. in 1865. After working as a clerk for the mercantile business of Elsberg and Amberg he relocated to Taos to work for Adolph Letcher. In 1867 the Adolph Letcher and Company moved to Las Vegas, N.M., where Charles became a partner in the firm. Seven years later, Letcher sold his interest to Ilfeld, who changed the name of the business to Charles Ilfeld Company. Ilfeld's business eventually grew into the largest mercantile firm in New Mexico. Max Nordhaus, Ilfeld's brother-in-law, joined the company in 1886. His expertise in finance led the company to expand, opening branch stores around the territory. Shifting focus from retail to wholesale distribution, the company closed most of its retail stores in 1907. The business operated until 1961, when increasing competition forced the decision to sell off assets. A new company was formed at that time dealing solely in hardware. In 1970 the Charles Ilfeld Hardware Company was liquidated.

From the description of Records, 1865-1929. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 40966517

...