Philip A. Kaufer, our founder, was the editor of a newspaper in Minnesota when he decided to move West in the Fall of 1903. In February 1904, he opened our first store in Tacoma, Washington. The Northwest cities of Tacoma and Seattle were booming because of the Alaska Gold Rush. Although the area was still not heavily populated, Mr. Kaufer built up a fine clientele throughout the West, personally calling on churches in several states. He published our first catalog in 1905, the same year he opened our second store in Seattle. Mr. Kaufer was also a musician and wrote the music to four complete Masses in addition to several hymns. He retired from the business in 1952 at the age of 84.