The Shukert Building, 1113-19 Grand, was built in 1903 by Ernst Shukert, early-day businessman here who made a fortune in the fur business and invested heavily in real estate .Shukert was born Aug. 29, 1857, in the German village of Wilsduff, a suburb of Dresden. At 14 his formal education ended and his practical education began. He was apprenticed to a furrier and spent four years learning the trade. During that time he received no pay, only food, shelter and clothing. His first job after the apprenticeship was in Leipzig, and he later worked in Paris. He came to America in 1881. He was employed in New York, and then in Denver. His first independent venture was in San Francisco, which seemed to him too far from the fur market in New York. It was on a stopover in Kansas City that he was convinced that opportunity lay in this bustling town, and he wired his young German wife in San Francisco to sell the shop there and come to Kansas City. Their first shop here was in a rented building at 1119 Main. It was the beginning of a 60-year career and residency here for the Shukerts. In later years his son-in-law, Hal C. Brent, and his grandson, Hal Shukert Brent, handled the business and property interests, but Ernst Shukert remained directly involved in the fur business. Even in his 80s he still could cut sealskin coats and thoroughly enjoy it. It was the artistry of the cutting room that he rejoiced in. It was said his fingers were curved to fit the cutting knife of the craftsman.Shukert died in 1945. The family-managed company continued operation until 1970, when it was sold to Swanson's on the Plaza. The old building on Grand was razed in 1967. Today the site is occupied by Allright Auto Parks, Inc. Kansas City Times, May 1, 1976.
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