Shopping at fancy-goods emporium Abraham & Straus in Downtown Brooklyn was once an experience in luxury and elegance. “It’s worth a trip from anywhere” was the store’s slogan. While the store was incorporated into Macy’s in 1995, it still holds an important place in Brooklyn lore.

You can learn more about the long history of Abraham & Straus, from its founding in 1865 to its 20th century decline, at an upcoming talk by author Michael Lisicky at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Lisicky will be speaking about his latest book,“Abraham and Straus: It’s Worth a Trip From Anywhere,” which chronicles the saga of the company with a dash of intriguing trivia — including tales of secret jail cells, fishing competitions and a baby elephant.

abraham and straus downtown brooklyn history
In these 1948 images, the various sections of the Fulton Street store are divided by their dates of construction. This image compilation focuses on the store’s Livingston Street frontage

Published in November by the History Press, the book is the tenth on department store history by Lisicky, a Baltimore resident and oboist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

The Brooklyn Historical Society is hosting the talk in conjunction with its new exhibition, “The Business of Brooklyn: An Exhibition on the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.”

The talk will take place at the Brooklyn Historical Society at 128 Pierrepont Street on Monday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. General admission is $5, it’s free for BHS members. For more information or to acquire tickets, click here.

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