In 1911 in Queens, New York, Russian immigrant Benjamin Gertz and his wife, Ida, bought a stationary store on Jamaica Avenue. Over the years, B. Gertz Stationery and Sporting Goods grew into Gertz, one of New York’s most prominent department stores and “Where Long Island Shops.”
Generations of New Yorkers bought clothing and furniture at Gertz’s multiple locations and devoured the store’s signature frozen custard with chocolate syrup served up in the Jamaica Ave. flagship location’s restaurant, The Long Island Room.
We are Ben and Ida’s great great grandchildren and we are collecting peoples’ memories about shopping and working at Gertz. Please share your thoughts!