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An early Seattle Curtain Manufacturing display at a downtown Seattle department store.
An early Seattle Curtain Manufacturing display at a downtown Seattle department store.
Ralph Capeluto emigrated from Rhodes in 1920 and stayed in New York, where he repaired sewing machines for a living. While visiting his sister in Seattle, he met his bride-to-be, Rachel. She asked him: “How do you intend to support me?” He said he would open a candy store. She said: “Why not try something you know?” So they decided to make curtains. Ralph maintained the equipment and Rachel sold their wares. At the time, curtains were available only from manufacturers on the East Coast. By offering a local supply, Seattle Curtain Manufacturing Co. found a regular customer base in the city’s big department stores. The family-owned business continues to operate today, housed inside a former roller-skating rink.
