| Dates: | 1920-1992 |
| Size: | 1 linear foot in 1 box, includes 3 photographs |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Collection Number: | spe.c00210 |
| Immediate Source of Acquisition: | Donated by Gloria Hoff in 2024. Gloria is the daughter of Clarence Hoff. |
| Custodial History: | Gloria’s friend, Marjorie Monaghan, who worked for Chicago Public Library for many years, brought the materials to Special Collections and signed the deed of gift on Gloria’s behalf. |
| Conditions Governing Access: | Materials are open without restrictions. |
| Physical Location: | Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least 24-hours prior to your research visit to coordinate access. |
| Conditions Governing Use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection. |
| Preferred Citation: | When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Clarence Hoff Papers on Marshall Field and Company, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library |
| Finding Aid Author: | Johanna Russ, 2025 |
Abstract
Clarence Hoff worked as an electrician for Marshall Field and Company from 1942 until 1985. Marshall Field and Company grew out of earlier wholesale and retail companies of which Marshall Field was a part beginning in the 1860s. Marshall Field’s grew to be one of the most recognized department stores in America, with its flagship building in the heart of Chicago’s downtown Loop. Field’s was acquired by Macy’s in 2005. This small collection documents employee activities and company publications in the mid-twentieth century.
Biographical/Historical
Clarence Hoff was trained as an electrician and then served in World War II, where he earned two purple hearts. After he left the military, he went to work for Marshall Field and Company, beginning in 1942. He worked as an electrician for most of his career at Field’s, serving in the Mechanical Service Department. Hoff retired in 1985, after more than 40 years of employment.
Marshall Field and Company grew out of earlier wholesale and retail companies of which Marshall Field was a part beginning in the 1860s. Marshall Field and Company, commonly referred to as “Field’s,” grew to be one of the most recognized department stores in America, with its flagship building in the heart of Chicago’s downtown Loop at 111 N. State Street, taking up the entire block bounded by N. State Street, E. Randolph Street, N. Wabash Avenue and E. Washington Street. Field’s was acquired by Macy’s in 2005.
Scope and Contents
The materials in this collection were gathered and kept by Clarence Hoff and his daughter Gloria. They include correspondence recognizing Hoff’s work anniversaries, clippings that follow Marshall Field’s leadership, electrical and mechanical plans for Field’s State Street store, information about a 1974 project collaborating with colonial Williamsburg, photographs and more. Of special note are several issues of the Marshall Field and Company employee newsletter, “Field Glass,” employee handbooks and publications from Marshall Field and Company documenting the store’s relationship to the city of Chicago.
Arrangement
Folders are arranged alphabetically by subject and either alphabetically or chronologically within.
Related Materials
- Chicago City-Wide Collection
- Chicago Collection of Kenan and Carol Heise
- Chicago Loop Alliance Collection
- Chicago Postcard Collection
- Trade Catalog Collection
Subject Terms
- Marshall Field & Company
- Marshall Field’s (Department store)
Collection Inventory
| Box 1 | Folder 1 | Employees: Benefits, training, handbooks, manuals, pay stubs | 1922-1984 |
| Box 1 | Folder 2 | Employees: Newsletter, “Field Glass” | 1943, 1969-1984 |
| Box 1 | Folder 3 | Employees: Photographs | Undated |
| Box 1 | Folder 4 | Employees: Recognition of work anniversaries for Clarence Hoff | 1957-1983 |
| Box 1 | Folder 5 | Marshall Field & Company: Electrical and mechanical floor plans, 111 N. State Street | Undated |
| Box 1 | Folder 6 | Marshall Field & Company: Williamsburg Shop project | 1974 |
| Box 1 | Folder 7 | Publications: Clippings on Marshall Field & Company leadership | 1943-1975 |
| Box 1 | Folder 8 | Publications: Marshall Field & Company, “Chicago and Marshall Field’s” | 1936 |
| Box 1 | Folder 9 | Publications: Marshall Field & Company, “Marshall Field and Company and Chicago” | 1951 |