Holman’s was established in 1891 by Rensselaer Luther Holman when he bough Towles Dry Goods Store. The original clothing and dry goods store was on Lighthouse Avenue in the heart of Pacific Grove.
HOLMAN REBUILT
As his business grew, Holman built a new, enlarged store in 1924.
THE NEW HOLMAN BUILDING
Holman’s grew to become the largest independently owned and operated department store between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
HOLMAN IN THE 1920S
Customers sometimes drove hours to shop at Holman’s. There was always plenty of parking for the stylish autos.
WIDE VARIETY
Because of its reputation and large assortment of merchandise, Holman’s received mail orders from around the world.
HOLMAN'S GROWS
When Holman added another floor, his store boasted 46 departments, which sold goods supplied from New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
JOHN STEINBECK
John Steinbeck lived on the Monterey peninsula for several years and was a frequent customer at Holman’s. It was his go-to place for writing materials and household items.
HOLMAN'S IN THE 50S
View of The Holman Building in 1950.
LATER YEARS
Later, The Holman Building housed an antique mall and retail shops.
HOLMAN'S REBIRTH
The Holman Building is now being renovated, into new luxury residences.
