B Black and Sons Logo

The World’s Finest Woolens & Tailoring Supplies

Serving the Trade Since 1922

About Us

B. Black and Sons Fabric

B. Black & Sons is a family owned fabric business, operating from the same location for over 100 years. We think knowing how we got here might help you appreciate how truly dedicated we are to carrying on the family tradition of excellent service to our customers.

Sadie and Barnett Black
Jack Black plaque hanging in B. Black and Sons in Los Angeles
Old exterior photo of the B. Black and sons building in Downtown los Angeles fashion district
oldstaffphoto
Men in suits in the early days of B. Black
Current B. Black family members who work in the store
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1882

Barnett Black is born

Our founder, Barnett Black, was born in a small town in Russia in 1882. As a teenager he met and became friends with a young woman named Sadie Brown from a nearby village. 

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1900

Barnett comes to America

At the age of 18, Barnett left his family and his homeland and journeyed to America. He arrived in New York in 1900, where he found employment in the garment industry. Unbeknownst to Barnett, Sadie and her family arrived in New York about a year later, and the two childhood friends were reunited at a party. 

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1902

Barnett and Sadie are married and begin a family

Sadie and Barnett were married in 1902 and their first son, Jack, was born 2 years later. 

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1905

Brown & Black Woolen Company is established in Chicago

In 1905 they moved the family to Chicago where Barnett Black started out selling pants from a pushcart. Soon, he was able to start “Brown & Black Woolen Company” with his brother-in-law, Sander Brown. In 1909, Sadie had another son, Sy, and then in 1912 gave birth to Gertrude.

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1922

The family comes to Los Angeles and opens B. Black & Son

Although B & B Woolens was doing well, in 1922 the family moved to Los Angeles in the hopes it would be better for Sadie’s asthma, which it was. Barnett and Jack went into business together and opened B. BLACK & SON on South Los Angeles Street, just across the street from where it stands now. 

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1935

The company becomes B. Black & Sons and moves to its current location

Within a few years they outgrew that space and Sy was ready to join them. The company became B. BLACK & SONS and they moved up the street. In the meantime, Gertrude met Edmund Volk and they were married in 1932. The next year, Ed also joined the growing business and in 1935 the company moved for the last time to its current location.

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1945

Barnett passes away leaving the business to Sy and Ed

Barnett died in 1945 and Jack took the helm of the business with his brother Sy and brother-in-law Ed at his side.

After graduating from High School, Gertrude & Ed’s eldest son, Irwin, represented the 3rd generation to enter the family business. For several years he apprenticed with his Uncle Jack who was eager to teach him the trade.

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1954

Irwin Volk becomes the President of B. Black & Sons after returning from the Korean War

In 1954, Jack passed away while Irwin was serving in the Korean war. Upon his return, at the age of 24 Irwin became President of B. Black & Sons. The Black family business had now gone on to become the Volk family business.

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1969

Barney becomes partner at B. Black & Sons

Irwin’s younger brother Barney, also followed in the family footsteps and became his partner in 1969. 

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Today

The 4th generation at B. Black & Sons

The 4th generation is now an integral part of B. Black & Sons with Irwin’s daughter, Jacki and Barney’s children Shanna and Andrew involved in the business and dedicated to carrying on the long tradition of excellence.

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