Shoe store suicide mars expansion

For The Madera Tribune

A job at Brammer’s shoe store wasn’t enough to dispel Jim Brammer’s despondency. He committed suicide after his father made him a partner.

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In 1917, Herman Brammer and his son, Will, decided to expand their shoe store and build that three story, brick building that still stands on the north side of Yosemite Avenue. At about the same time, they determined to bring Jim Brammer, Herman’s stepson, into the business by placing him in charge of the new clothing department.

By all accounts, Jim was enthusiastic over the opportunity, and in October 1917, he was making ready to launch his new business venture. That’s why most Maderans were shocked when they learned that he hanged himself.

To be sure, Jim Brammer had been somewhat depressed of late. His haberdashery partnership with Gerson Price had gone sour. A small disagreement a few months earlier had pushed Brammer to buy Gerson out. Then in an about-face, he sold the business back to him.