Answer: A retail jewelry chain.

S. Kind and Sons was started in 1872 as S. Kind & Co. by Samuel Kind, a Bohemian immigrant. The firm first opened on Callowhill Street, but it soon moved to 241 Chestnut Street. There Kind sold various kinds of jewelry and personal accessories, such as fans.

The store moved a couple more times before the end of the 19th century, but it eventually took up residence on back on Chestnut Street. The store stock has increased to include silver-plated mementos and gifts. In the early twentieth century, Kind's three sons, Frank, Oscar, and Philip were all brought into the business in various capacities. The firm then became known as S. Kind and Sons. During this same time, Kind acquired a diamond-importing business, which further increased his selling capacity. His store sold everything from rings, pins, and necklaces, to watches, perfume bottle, and silverware.

During the 1930s, the business moved yet again, still on Chestnut Street but closer to Broad Street. In later years, the store would expand to locations in Bala Cynwyd and Cheltenham.

Due to changes in shopping habits and gift preferences, the Kind family chose to close its Philadelphia store in 1964. The Bala Cynwyd and Cheltenham stores would eventually follow suit.

The work of the Kind family still exists in the spirit and work of New York-based jewelers, S. Kind & Co., which was founded in part by Samuel Kind's great-great-great grandson.

Among HSP's collections is a three-volume work titled The House of S. Kind and Sons, by Joseph Halberstadt and Ernest Cramer (Am .0903). They contain the compelling story of Samuel Kind and what it took to build and expand his business in Philadelphia.