This photo, with Bruce’s Five & Dime store (now Julian’s), shows The Bank of Chapel Hill on the right and Andrews-Henniger, a downtown department store staple, on the left.
Julian’s, a Chapel Hill tradition and the birthplace of Carolina argyle, is a family business celebrating 80+ years on Franklin Street. Founded by native New Englander, Maurice Julian, UNC Class of ‘38, the store was right across the street (where 1922 is now) for the first 65 years of business.
Master colorist and designer Alexander Julian, designed the Carolina basketball uniforms and, amongst many awards in fashion and furniture, also designed the Carolina graduation gowns - in sustainable fabric in the truest shade of Carolina blue. His textile designs are in the Smithsonian.
Mary & Maurice JulianJulian’s 2006, Painting by William Mangum
In July 2023, Bart Fox, Maurice & Mary’s grandson and the third generation raised in Julian’s, assumed ownership of the store he has loved and played in his entire life - with all the family continuing as his joyful cheerleaders. Julian’s is definitely HOME for this family and the art of dressing well and feeling great in your clothing is a passion.
For more of the story…
Maurice came to Chapel Hill from Brockton High School in Massachusetts to attend Carolina in the fall of 1934. He selected Carolina for the quality of its education and comparative low price, as many others do today. The son of Russian immigrants, he paid for his college by cutting meat at Pender’s Grocery Store (then on the corner of Franklin & Columbia St), selling football programs and corsages, stringing tennis rackets and, in 1936, opening a shop to service and sell bicycles (in the space today below Time Out).
In 1942, Maurice sensed an opportunity. He rented the recently vacated space in the Hill Building at 140 East Franklin Street - owned and leased by the University (directly across the street and current site of 1922 Coffee). He opened his College Shop to supply clothing to the young men arriving for the US Navy’s Pre-Flight Training Program on campus. He offered everything from rain gear to epaulets to uniforms for the cadets.
From the beginning Maurice also brought in additional items he discovered the soldiers needed - clothing to wear when not on duty and small gifts to send home to girlfriends and wives. The business extended its reach and service. When Maurice was called into active duty for World War II, he designated his brother Milton and others to manage it until his return.
After an eight year on-and-off-again courtship, Maurice & Mary drove to Danville, Virginia to elope on January 27, 1947. The snowfall overnight prevented their telegram from reaching Mary’s parents in Chatham County. Her mom “took to her bed” for three days upon hearing the news!
In those days, interfaith marriage was highly uncommon. And also, perhaps of even more “concern,” was the North/South divide. Many in both Mary’s family - and Maurice’s - returned their marriage announcements unopened with “Return to Sender” scrawled across them.
Love conquers all in this case. They had celebrated a marriage of 46 years when Maurice passed away in September of 1993. Mary died two years later at the age of 80.
Maurice was a true master of style and innovation. After the war, he distinguished his shop by his peerless taste, an unending quest for only the finest, and his belief and joy in the art of self-expression through your clothing. He brought his New England sensibility to the South and helped to create “preppy.” Mary added her love of color. He was the first to put the University’s Old Well on a necktie. Merchants from across the country literally followed him around the buying shows. “I’ll take what Maurice just ordered!” they would proclaim to the clothing salesmen. Julian’s ushered in an era that recognized Chapel Hill as “a fashion powerhouse” across the country. As an example, Maurice and his Julian’s College Shop sold more Lacoste knit shirts than anywhere else in the USA when he initially introduced the brand from France. Maurice and his wife Mary created a rare, unique and genuine specialty store.
Mary received the “Head Coach” Award. And, for more than 30 years, Mary had her own program for downtown beautification. She always kept flowers blooming outside around the tree and in window boxes in front of the store. All the grandchildren helped their Gran plant her flowers. Today, a large brick planter surrounds that same tree.
Step into Julian’s - eight decades after Maurice Julian opened his shop. Bart Fox, his colleagues and probably part of the family will welcome you.
“I am very proud to continue my family’s legacy on Franklin Street and in my hometown,” says Bart. “I know success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes dedication, experience, a studied expertise and passion. Please join us in keeping this tradition alive. Experience the pure joy and art of expressing yourself in what you wear. We have stories to share and stories to create - with you!”
