Moses Alexander, Founder
Mayor of Boise 1897-1899, 1901-1903
11th Governor of Idaho, 1915 to 1919
On his way to somewhere else, Moses Alexander stopped in Boise, noticed the potential for business in the capital city of the new state of Idaho, and stayed for good. It was 1891. He located Alexander's Clothing Store for Men at the corner of 7th and Main streets (now the site of Boise City Hall).
As his business prospered, Alexander opened stores in nearby towns. Needing additional help, he hired his son-in-law, Will Simons, the husband of his daughter, Emma. His son, Nathan, had been doing chores around the Boise store from the time he turned nine years old. Nathan later managed the Alexander stores in Baker City and Nampa.
In 1925, the store moved to 9th and Main streets, into a striking building with a facade of white terra cotta tiles and a plate-glass display island. In the basement was a receiving warehouse; retail sales took place on the ground floor; and the second floor held offices, a tailor shop and storage.
After Moses died in 1932, Nathan became president of the Alexander businesses, and Will Simons' son, Bud, became vice-president. Moses’ grandson, Nathan M. Alexander, joined the firm in 1955.
The building was remodeled in 1955 to add air conditioning, create an interior mezzanine office and move the front facade to the sidewalk, eliminating the display island.
Still standing, the building remains a legacy of the Moses Alexander family and its enterprising spirit.
Read more about Alexander Davis Men’s Clothing.