Harvard Associates Mourn Passing of Keezers' Ex-Owner

Keezen New and Used Clothing Store has long been a Harvard tradition, and white the current owners plan to maintain that special relationship, they will miss the man who did much to forge the bond, former owner Frederick Salo who died two weeks ago of a heart attack.

Keezers, which 15 years ago moved from its original location in Harvard Square to the corner of Huron and Concord Avenues, has retained its steady clientele of Harvard students, alumni, and professors throughout the years.

And the customers often returned just to say hello to Salo, who worked in the store since he emigrated to America in 1938 from Germany, and had owned it since 1960 Although Salo retired three years ago, he continued coming into the store for a few hours several days a week to work. Len Goldstein, the current owner of Keezers, said recently.

"At Commencement the parents of graduates would come in and thank Fred, saying that they could have never afforded Harvard without the low prices at Keezers Salo's widow Dorothy said yesterday.

Dorothy added that her husband had a "wonderful rapport with all the students" and that he enjoyed watching them develop into worldly professionals.

Archie C Epps III dean of students, said recently he started shopping at Keezers 25 years ago adding that he now brings his two sons, who are two and a half and seven years old, to the store "I am trying to start them off in the right tradition." Epps said, adding that Keezers" suits my traditionalist tastes."

According to Epps, Salo "was kind to a penniless student," frequently lowering the price when a student did not have enough money."

Like Epps, Lowell House Master William H. Bossert '59 is a long standing customer, saying that he frequently bought little ornaments for his rooms at the store when he was a student at Harvard Bossert followed the store from its original locale to Huron Ave, adding that he walks up to Keezers when he needs tablecloths for a Lowell House high table.

"It has the atmosphere of a great Harvard like the old Cronin's." Bossert said, adding that he likes browsing through Harvard memorabilia such as old oars and 1904 football team pictures.

"I always run into undergraduates there," Epps said, adding. "Frequently I will hear from the other side of the aisle. 'Good morning. Dean Epps" "It's absolutely unique," he added.