We asked our curator, Jim, for the story behind “North Cool Avenue” off Queen Street downtown. Here’s what he shared this week for “What’s in the Attic with Jim?”
It turns out North Cool Avenue gets its name from the “Northcool” brand of tailored suits which were manufactured right here at the Sagner factory on the NW corner of Queen and Pasteur Streets. Sagner & Sons operated in New Bern (headquartered in Frederick, MD) from the 1940s to 1970s. This photo circa 1956 comes from our Benners-Kellum photo collection. Other photos we have indicate that there was a ribbon cutting event on this day which may explain the large crowd gathered out front. Northcool Suits were marketed as “The Tropical Suit that Breathes Fresh Air;” a light-weight cotton blend material allowing you to stay COOL in the summer heat. Sadly, this two-story building was razed, but we know it employed several hundred employees at a time throughout the course of its operation. You can see Union Station Train Depot in the background, and we've heard the many stories to accompany this era about the popular Pinnix Drug Store serving lunch across the street. More than just a street name - we think this is another “cool” part of our local history! Can you share any memories of Sagner/Northcool factory?
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