Mutual Stores was a chain of grocery stores owned by the Mutual Creamery Company. It was started by Emil Hagstrom, who came to Oakland in the spring of 1917. The first store was at 3979 Piedmont Avenue, first opened to sell milk, cream and other dairy foods at cash and carry prices. He started with only $75 capital, part of which was acquired by pawning his watch. Mrs. Hagstrom, his wife, was the first clerk and opening day receipts were $15.28.
After a year a second store was opened and then a third. A limited stock of groceries was added to the first stores, as convenience to the customers. Later bakery goods were stocked. Eventually the stores were made into small markets with the addition of fruits, vegetables and meat counters.
A few years later Hagstrom bought a small creamery. In 1923 a new facility was built to to act as a creamery, bakery and distribution center for all his stores. This was located at 425 East 11th Street.
1923 1
The new plant consists of three separate units, namely: Creamery, bakery and grocery warehouses...In the creamery building will be installed up-to-date equipment for distributing and the handling of 50,000 quarts of milk a day. 1
The business prospered, additional stores were open in almost every neighborhood including a one in San Francisco. In May, 1929 with a chain of more than 300 stores. Hagstrom sold his company to MacMarr Stores that was doing business all through the west. He was kept on as Division Manager at MacMarr. MacMarr became part of Safeway.
*****more needed**** See Hagstroms Food Store for next chapter
Links and References
- Creamery Plant To Be Model Institution Oakland Tribune November 18, 1923
