Louis I. Hoffman (circa 1871-1948) was a Jewish businessman involved in the clothing trade in New York State; he later relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he opened a series of clothing stores. Hoffman, who married Sarah Rebecca Gottstein (circa 1874-1942) of St. Paul, Minneapolis around 1893, had moved to Seattle by 1907. The couple would have five children; two daughters, Marion and Dorothy, and a son, Jerome, all of whom were born in New York, as well as two daughters who were born in Seattle, Greta Grace (known as Grace, born 27 January 1906) and Louise Irene (born 20 February 1912). Hoffman had specialized in men's furnishings in Ogdensburg, New York, but expanded to women's wear after his arrival in Seattle, where he initially served as the manager of the Novelty Skirt Manufacturing Company. Hoffman operated several clothing stores in Seattle over the years, including the Hoffman Cloak & Suit Company, Paragon Cloak & Suit Company, and the Pants Store.
From the guide to the Hoffman family photograph collection, circa 1890-1950, (University of Washington Libraries Special Collections)
