Welcome to a brief page all about rupert cornelius

In a nutshell, we are clothing retailers. Our family has been retailing in Madison, Wisconsin, since 1890 when my great grandfather, Frank Kessenich opened a department store with two partners. In 1921, he left and built his own department store. He commissioned Frank Riley, a leading Madison architect, to draw up the plans. When the store was completed, State Street was treated to a beautiful new granite building with a copper roof. Today this building is the center of the new Overture Center. Frank Kessenich and his son, my grandfather Harry Kessenich, continued the business for many years. My grandfather specialized in beautiful fabrics, patterns, and notions. At that time, many homes had a sewing room, replaced by the home office of today.

After many years in the department store business,
my father Rupert Cornelius, decided to open his own clothing store. With his wife Frances (Kessenich) to assist him in store design and buying, they opened many stores in the Madison area. In 1976 I joined forces and in 1988 bought the Hilldale store from my family.

We have been in business at Hilldale for over 25 years My son, Justin Machus, is the next generation to enter the business. A fifth generation retailer, he was trained in the business, but chose to pursue a career in photography. His retailing roots caught him however and before he turned 27 he had his own store in Portland, Oregon: Local 35. He fuses a solid arts background into his retail space and sells very hip clothing for the young urban set.

Our family has produced independent, creative, risk takers with a great love of clothing and fashion. Every generation has had its own business and it’s own way of doing things.

We appreciate your loyal support though the years.

Sincerely,

Julie Cornelius

All of us at Ruperts.