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Leo Popper & Sons Timeline
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  • Leo Popper b. 25 Mar 1831, Teresov, Bohemia to Samuel Popper and Rosalie/Theresia Bullowa.
  • Late 1830s to early 1840s · Poppers start coming to the U.S. from Bohemia (Austria); they were opposed to the Metternich regime. Leo works in NYC as apprentice to an Italian marble mantlepiece maker.
  • 1848 · Leo tries his luck in California in the Gold Rush
  • 1849 · Some success: Leo sets up general store at Rattlesnake Bar near Sutter's Mill with his capital.
  • ~1860 · Leo returns to NYC, marries Anna Opper [whose parents are Abraham Opper and Theresa Hartmann], and starts a family at 35 East 52nd Street.
  • 1862 · Leo's first son, Edwin S. Popper born.
  • 1864 · Second son, Caleb S. Popper born.
  • 1868 · Leo and nine others begin manufacturing sheet glass in Brooklyn.
  • 1869 · Third son, Emil L. Popper born.
  • 1873 · Glass works unsuccessful (due largely to changes in tariffs)
  • 187? · "brief whirl in the liquor business"
  • 187? · Leo begins making buttons at 338 Pearl St.
  • 1880 · Leo Popper & Sons established. They make imitation jewelry, pearls and jet, and import sheet glass and mirrors.
  • 1882 · Caleb joins business; import business increases; larger space taken at 5-16 Sullivan Street (just above Canal Street)
  • 1889 · Emil L. joins the company (fresh out of college).
  • 1891 · Edwin S. joins also.
  • 1894 · Caleb, R.I.P. (died "in bed in a rage"); business becomes a partnership of Leo, Edwin S. and Emil L.
  • 1910 · Leo, R.I.P.; firm moves to Franklin Street location.
  • 1930s · Safe burgled! They only got Emil L.'s gold medal (track) and a hunting watch owned by Ed's uncle Adolph Opper. Better leave it unlocked from now on, with a sign saying so.
  • 1948 · Edwin S., R.I.P. (Emil L. now sole proprietor)
  • 1949 · Delivery horse put to pasture (one of Edwin L's modernizing influences)
  • 1959 · Emil L., R.I.P.; Edwin L. (his son) takes over.
  • 1971 · Shut down by Ed after 61 years at Franklin Street.
  • 2003 · Ed L., last president of Leo Popper and Sons Glass, R.I.P.