B. Stern Truck Driver
Photo Courtesy of Hancock Whitney Bank
Amite, Louisiana.
B. Stern located in Amite, Louisiana was incorporated in 1861. Levi Stern was one of the several Jewish families in Amite, Louisiana. Levi Stern was born in a small Gerrman Village in 1828. He was a young boy when he came to America with his family. He enlisted and fought in the Confederacy for his new homeland. After the war ended, he settled in Amite, Louisiana and opened a store. He opened the largest department store in Amite in 1870. He named the store "B Stern" Levi passed away in 1888 and was buried in Amite, La.
People from Amite and surrounding areas frequently shopped at the department store. People occasionally window shop, perusing all the goods displayed in the store windows. During the Christmas holiday, toys were displayed in the window that captivated the children's attention. My mother often talked about shopping at B.Stern. During the the 1950s and the 1960s, African Americans would dress up on a Saturday and head into town for shopping, a movie, and ice cream cones.
One the weekend, going into town was a great way to unwind after working hard all week. This was a easy to see their friends who didn't live in close proximity. Many of the younger people spent the long summer days working in the fields, picking beans and other produce. In the 1970s a hamper of beans went up to a $1.50 a hamper. So with that being said, it was far less in the 60s. They worked and saved their money. They enjoyed spending their hard earned money on items they wanted or needed. Nevertheless, some people still window shop because they had other obligations for their money.
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