Lasker Meyer family collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 0746

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Forms part of the Houston Jewish History Archive. Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

This small collection includes correspondence, certificates, dance programs, newsprint, photographs, and pamphlets pertaining to Lasker Meyer, his family, and the Foley’s department store chain that he ran until 1987. The materials are in good condition, and range in date from 1921 to 1980. This is an ideal collection for researchers interested in Houston Jewish historical figures and the local Houston scene, though the materials focus more on the Meyer Family than the store itself.

Dates

Creation: 1921 - 1980

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research. Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Lasker Meyer Family Collection must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Lasker Meyer served as chairman of Foley’s Department Store chain, a beloved Houston landmark, from 1982 to 1987. He later wrote a book detailing the history of the locally-based store and its impact on the Houston scene before it became a part of Macy’s.

For Meyer and many others, Foley’s was an “integral part of Houston's history and for everyone aged 18 and over the memories associated with Foley's were probably an integral part of their growing up...It was not just a place to work. The camaraderie was irreplaceable” (Lynn Meyer Brown, Lasker’s daughter). Meyer himself recalls selling model airplane kits with his friends at age 14. He grew up holding summer jobs at the original store, and when the first branch store was built, he became the manager. After a series of promotions, he became president in 1979 and chairman and chief executive officer in 1982.