The shock of Harry W. Schwartz bookshops closing reverberated throughout Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since its inception in 1927, the metropolitan city had counted on the independent bookshop, but by March 31, 2009, the doors at the four locations would be shut. Most recently, President of HWS, Carol Grossmeyer said, “There was a sad feeling we were leaving Milwaukee without an independent bookstore. We are pleased to see Boswell Book Company happen allowing Daniel to maintain that east side connection.”
Early in April, the Downer Avenue location will reopen as Boswell Book Company with owner Daniel Goldin. The opening is a fitting tribute to Goldin’s roots with HWS.
Boswell Book Company on Downer Avenue
Located in the Upper East Side, the neighborhood shares its backyard with the Milwaukee campus of the University of Wisconsin. Over the decades, the community integrated the independent bookshop into its lifestyle.
In a recent interview with Suite101.com, Daniel Goldin talked about his vision for Boswell Book Company and the business of running an independent bookshop. Goldin said, “I like the Powell’s City of Books model, integrating new with used, hardcover with paperback and front list with back list on the same shelf.” While one independent bookstore requires fewer layers of management, in the age of franchise bookstores and online booksellers, starting an independent bookshop is fraught with uncertainty.
Goldin expects to maintain the neighborhood image encouraging the local booklover’s propensity for browsing. Patrons of Schwartz Bookshop in Brookfield will recognize the comfy deep-seated couches now at home in Boswell Book Company. Other familiar features will be the shelf tags by knowledgeable staff and the variety of autographed copies available.
Expanded services will include an indiebound book section, more magazines and a larger children’s area. The book club coordinator’s role will be expanded, the website will have a unique personalized look and book events will feature local authors.
Who is Daniel Goldin
Daniel Goldin left New York City and his publicist job at Warner Books in the mid 1980s. In 1986, at work in Milwaukee for HWS, Daniel Goldin developed a close bond with David Schwartz. From bookseller, to manager of the Mequon store to front list book buyer, the progression has prepared Goldin for this moment.
James Boswell Icon
David Schwartz, a British history major, admired James Boswell for his literary heritage. The iconic image of the man became part of the HWS logo after Schwartz chose to incorporate it into the shop’s name. Now, the icon has found a new home at Boswell Book Company.
James Boswell was born in Edinburgh Scotland. He was an intellectual and writer of history and memoir during the 18th century.
History of Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop
Harry W. and Reva Schwartz established Schwartz bookshop in 1927. Their son, David Schwartz assumed ownership in 1972. After the death of her husband, David, Carol Grossmeyer took over managing in 2007.
The Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop on Downer Avenue closed March 23 and Boswell Book Company will open in early April. The bookshop’s hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. and on Sunday 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.
As Goldin describes the transition, ”We will ground ourselves in the history and move looking forward and past.” In keeping with Goldin’s tradition of promoting book reading, current recommendations include The Family Man by Eilinor Lipman and Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, now in paperback.
Best Funky Portland Coffee Houses offers more information on Powell’s City of Books. Great brew city eatery ideas can be found at Ethnic Restaurants in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
Chris Eirschele - Chris writes on plants grown and gardens explored; she is a member of the Garden Writers Association.
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