Patch Portrait: No Business Like Family Business

This week's Patch Portraits was produced and edited by Lisa Cisneros and Jacob Nelson, featuring photos by Allison Williams and Philip Downie. Check back on Mondays for the next installment.

Also showcased, a  who talks to Highland Park Patch and a  who open up to Glenview Patch.

Spiegler's Department Store, opened in 1900 by Louis Spiegler, was one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Des Plaines until they sold in 1986, as more corporate businesses found their way into the city and independent businesses ended up on their way out.

Cousins Roger Spiegler, 87, and Bob Spiegler, 83, were the final owners of the family business. 

"When we sold our store we were about one year in advance of all the small department stores in this area," said Bob. "We sold out first and came  out pretty clean."

"We weren't upset about selling out because their was no question about what was going to happen," he said. "It was an easy decision to make. 

Though he said he wouldn't have chosen to retire at the age of 58, "What was I supposed to do? Go back into business?" Bob asked. "We all had our own shares and enough funds to do what we wanted to do, we belonged to country clubs and went golfing, fishing and hunting--and golfing."