While the building that housed the clothing store was destroyed by the 1893 fire, the most important aspect of this location to focus on is the prior owner: Alexander Stern. He was born in Giessen, Germany to Aaron and Emily Stern. Alexander Stern originated from humble beginnings, as his father was a farmer and stock raiser. He was raised and educated in Germany until he was a teenager when he then immigrated to the United States. Alexander Stern is a true representation of the American dream, a rags to riches tale, having started in a new land with just twenty-two dollars in his pocket to eventually become one of the wealthiest men in Fargo.[i]
In 1882 he arrived in Fargo and opened a clothing store, quickly becoming a success. By the time of the Great Fargo Fire of 1893 Stern had built two business blocks as well as changed store locations. The properties fell victim to the fire, but Stern continued on and rebuilt[ii]. He was instrumental in the initial building and development of Fargo as well as the rebuilding and repairing of the destroyed downtown following the Fargo fire. The Edwards building, Stern building, and the Donaldson Hotel (the Hodo) are just some of the buildings he constructed.[iii]
Alexander was involved in many groups and enterprises vital to the growth of Fargo. He was director of Merchants State Bank, a member of the Mystic Shrine and of the Foresters. He was also apart of the board of directors for the Agricultural College, which later became North Dakota State University. He later became mayor of Fargo
[i]Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota. Chicago: Geo. A. Ogle & Company, 1900. Digital Horizons: Life on the Northern Plains (7475674).
[ii]Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota. Chicago: Geo. A. Ogle & Company, 1900. Digital Horizons: Life on the Northern Plains (7475674).
[iii]Fargo Forum (Fargo, ND), August 12, 2007.
“Stern, pioneer civic builder, dead, end comes for Fargo banker and merchant at age of 76” Fargo Forum and Daily Republican (4 Jun 1934): 1.
