#36. Exploring Schoen's Bookstore's Treasures and It's Connection to Pauline Trigère

Young Jane Trigère with Pauline

Pauline Trigere's wooden case

Jane Trigere and Ken Schoen

Jane Trigere with Robert

Old punch-in clock at Trigere

Ken Schoen and author Jessica

Jane Trigère, the niece of Pauline through her brother Robert, played a vital role in my research on Pauline Trigère. The JaneTrigere.com website was crucial in providing valuable materials from the Trigère family archive. It was one of the primary resources I utilized at the beginning of my research journey. Jane, who was also a talented artist, meticulously gathered and organized detailed records, videos, correspondence, and genealogy that documented the entire family history. Jane's website features many rare fashion videos, all carefully documented. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to meet Jane, as she passed away from ovarian cancer on November 27, 2018. However, I was able to connect with Jane's husband, Ken Schoen, in Massachusetts at the charming Schoen bookstore.

In 1991, Jane and Ken crossed paths, leading to their marriage in 1994. At their wedding, Pauline delivered a humorous speech about her practicing writing Hebrew for three days straight in order to sign the Ketubah, a Jewish marriage contract. Pauline's wedding remarks highlighted Jane's proficiency in multiple languages - French, Spanish, English, and Hebrew - and emphasized the language of love. She joyfully exclaimed "Mazel tov" to Jane for marrying the exceptional Ken.

Schoen Bookstore, situated in Western Massachusetts, focuses on Judaica books in various languages, as well as works on the Holocaust, exiled authors, and psychoanalysis. The bookstore was converted from an old firehouse that was acquired and renovated in 1994. Ken and Jane lovingly curated a vast collection of books, including many out-of-print editions. Exploring the jam-packed book aisles full with photographs, paintings, and memorabilia adorning the shelves, it is a place of discovery for exploring Jewish history.

Jane was a versatile artist and writer. Noteworthy items included Jane's exquisite fabric quilt titled "Woman of the Balcony." A lovely illustration of hers is a New Year’s Card created for Schoen Books, featuring sketches of books drawn with minimal lines flying in the sky. The pages of the books began to soar and gradually took the shape of a bird's wings, until the book completely turned into a dove. Jane also authored a children’s book titled "What’s a Grandparent", which was wonderfully illustrated by Lu Vincent. This book describes the unseen connections that unite a family and is still available to purchase HERE.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted and guided upstairs to Ken's second-floor living room. My attention was immediately drawn to the carved wooden case on the right side, which was the backdrop for the 'Trigère Entertaining' publicity photos. Inside was a photograph of a teenage Jane with a young Pauline standing in front of the same wooden display case. Ken had gathered an array of photographs and memorabilia, including cartoons by various illustrators featuring Pauline. Additionally, there were turtle stained glasses placed in different corners of the house. Our gaze then shifted to the low tables in the living room, which were from Pauline's country house "La Tortue." From another room, Ken showed us a Pauline Trigère ivory short-sleeve cropped knit jacket and kindly asked me to try it on. To my delight, the jacket fit perfectly, prompting Ken to generously gift it to me. As we strolled through the countless aisles of bookshelves, Ken picked up a leather belt with metal trimming and offered it as another gift. Later, I came across a video of Jane and Ken's wedding, where I noticed Pauline wearing the same belt on that special day. During the latter part of our interview, Ken brought up the historic town nearby, offered to take us on a short drive with him as a guide. As we explored the area, filled with magnificent oak trees, Ken mentioned a red garment trunk in his possession. I recalled reading about the missing red trunks in a previous research, which led to the cancellation of a fashion show due to the luggage trunks being mistakenly sent to another city. The giant suitcases were eventually found by an airline baggage handler who recognized their distinct red color. It was satisfying to confirm the existence of the red trunks. Next to it was a smaller black suitcase, slightly larger than a modern carry-on. The luggage has original leather straps criss-crossing its sides, with a label indicating Robert Trigère's name. The image of Robert carrying the very first Trigère collection of 11 dresses on a Greyhound bus in the early years immediately came alive. Ken also highlighted an antique clock used by workers to punch in and out at the Trigere office, a fascinating piece of machinery from the past that predates its modern counterpart.

I am thankful for the chance to meet Ken, not only to understand deeper into Jane's close relationship with her aunt Pauline, but also to learn about her artistic achievements, her love story with Ken, and the remarkable life they have shared.

Ken’s website SchoenBooks.com includes many details of Judaica history, rare books, Holocaust and audio recordings. One story that stood out in particular involved the murder of his aunt in Vacha, Germany. I invite you to read his journey with his son Seth on his website.