File:Werntz Dry Goods Store at 100 E. Potomac Street, circa 1933.jpg

Summary

A photo inside the Werntz Store at 100 E. Potomac Street, circa 1933, according to a clipping of this photo in the Brunswick Citizen. That's owner Himan Werntz on the ladder.

Mr. Werntz, a leader in the local Jewish community, was introduced to Brunswick by the Kaplons. He ran a dry goods and grocery store in the same building across from the YMCA and owned several residential properties in Brunswick including the Jordan House on Maryland Avenue and lots on N. Virginia Ave before the bridge was put through.

Whereas Kaplon's sold premium brand mechandise, the Werntz store sold discount items to railroaders situated conveniently across from the B&O YMCA.

According to Nancy Merchant Langley: "I loved that store. When I was a little girl I always liked when they would go up the ladder to pick out a pair of shoes. He had a little bit of everything."

(Photo courtesy of the Brunswick Heritage Museum)

Frank McKnight: Unknown to a lot of people, Mr. Werntz was a very caring gentleman who had a great love for Brunswick. He offered credit to anyone who needed it. He offered the house at 505 East A Street to my parents at a very reasonable price. Certainly he was a big part of Brunswick's history!

Susan Alexander: My sister, June Alger, worked there when she was young.

David Tuwiner: It is my understanding that he also owned two homes on Maple Ave, two homes on West B near the circle, my house on Brunswick Street and a home on A street.