Company History
Broadway Costume Company traces its rich history back to 1886 when it was originally established in Chicago under the name Fritz Schoultz and Company. This remarkable journey began with Fritz Schoultz, a young German immigrant and producer of operas and operettas. Inspired by his travels to Europe, where he procured costumes from leading opera companies, Schoultz’s collection expanded with contributions from his wife and local seamstresses and tailors. In 1886, the Fritz Schoultz Collection opened its doors for rentals to the theatrical community and the general public. Shortly thereafter, the company diversified by manufacturing costumes and related items for entertainers and theaters nationwide.
One of the early catalogues featured this quote: “We are able with our enormous stock and great variety of costumes to dress any opera, drama, comedy, musical comedy, or any form of entertainment that requires historical or character costumes, absolutely and historically correct… The space here is too limited to give a list of names of the different companies that we have costumed. We have a special department for the rental of costumes for Masquerades, Fancy dress affairs, etc, etc.” Clearly, the business flourished, and Schoultz received recognition in the form of medals for his work at the Columbian Exposition World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893.
In 1922, Fritz Schoultz retired, passing the torch to his son-in-law, John Sandell. Operating as Fritz Schoultz and Company, the business continued to thrive and was designated the official costumer for La Belle Pittoresque at the Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933, where they even had a headquarters building.
In the spring of 1969, Robert Kondor approached the now 83-year-old Mr. Sandell with the proposition of purchasing the company. On November 1, 1969, Robert Kondor acquired Fritz Schoultz and Company, promptly renaming it Broadway Costume House.
In January 1973, Broadway Costume House expanded its inventory by acquiring the 15,000-costume collection from the estate of the late Maybelle Shearer. Ms. Shearer, an actress, singer, and dancer from the 1910s to the late 1920s, had transitioned into a Chicago costumer specializing in showgirl and nightclub costumes. Her clients included prestigious venues like The Chez Paree Night Club, The Boulevard Room Ice Shows, The Chicago Theater stage shows, and even Sally Rand, for whom she designed the first fans for the Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933.
In the spring of 1975, Broadway Costume House acquired the rental inventory of the New York Costume Company of Chicago, which had decided to exit the costume rental business. By combining its original inventory with those of Maybelle Shearer and the New York Costume Company of Chicago, Broadway Costume House created one of the largest inventories of professional costume rentals in Chicago, if not the entire Midwest.
In November 1988, Broadway Costumes experienced a significant transition when vice president Robert Schramm took the reins from the retiring Mr. Kondor. In the following years, Mr. Schramm garnered several esteemed accolades, including the 2020 Anne Thurman Mentorship Award from the Illinois Theatre Association, the 2013 Extraordinary Contribution to the Festival Award by the Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and the 1998 Award of Honor from the Illinois Theatre Association.
Then, in July 1999, the company marked another milestone as it moved to 1100 West Cermak Road in Chicago, occupying the second and third floors. This strategic relocation signaled the company’s dedication to maintaining and elevating the exceptional quality and excellence for which Broadway Costumes is renowned.
In May 2022, a significant transition took place as Robert Schramm retired, leading to Broadway Costumes becoming an integral part of the Chicago Costume family of Companies. This family of companies includes Chicago Costume, Chicago Mascots, and Broadway Costumes, all coexisting under one roof at 4727 W. Montrose in Chicago, IL 60641. Under the ownership of Courtland Hickey, the commitment remains unwavering in preserving the quality and excellence that Broadway Costumes is renowned for. Simultaneously, there is a steadfast dedication to modernizing and propelling the business into the 21st century and beyond, ensuring its continued success and innovation.
