Hess’s was a department store chain based in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  The company started with one store, originally known as “Hess Brothers”, and grew to nearly 80 stores by its peak in the late 1980. The store chain was founded in 1897 by Charles and Max Hess.  

   The brothers moved from Perth Amboy, New Jersey and leased space inside the Grand Central Hotel to start their store. The Hess Brother’s dry goods business became increasingly popular and in 1901 the Hess Store expanded to take over the entire Grand Central Hotel. In 1913, they expanded by acquiring neighboring properties and adding a soda fountain and restaurant that seated 400 patrons, filling almost a city block. They continued to expand until the 80s when their 76 stores were sold. 

   This is one of a series of advertising cards published by the brothers. The image is of the “Goddess of Spring, surrounded by a fountain of water and flowers. It is not dated but is a chrome c 1940s and is in excellent condition.