Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-01-07
Charles B. DuIcon Dies:
Ex-Director of Hecht Co.

Charles B. Dulcan. ST.. who re-
tired four years ago from the
Hecht Co. as vice chairman of
the board and managing direc-
tor of Washington area stores.
died early yesterday of a heart
attack at Doctors Hospital. He
was So.
One Of the city's leading
businessmen. Mr.. Dulcan rose
from a temporary" salesman
in 1912 to head the store "a
years later. He was recognized
as one of the outstanding re-
tailers of his day.
Born in Winnipeg, Canada. in
1888. Mr.. Dulcan was the son
of the late Harris and Sarah
Dulcan. who moved to Baltimore
when Mr.. Dulcan was child.
He attended school through the
fifth grade, but later studied at
night and through correspond
ence courses.
On coming to Washington as
young man, he was fired from
his first job in a clothing store.
He then took a part-time job
with the Hecht Co. and started
his climb as a retailer.
HOnOred by Firm
When vice president OF the
company in 1896. he was named
general manager and assumed
complete charge of the store. He
was a great advocate Of ad-
vertiSlng.
After his retirement from the
company on January 80, 1858,
after Al years of service, Mr..
Dulcan was honored at gather
ing Of company officials in the
Hotel Statler. He was given
Cadillac automobile by the COR
poration and a leather book
containing the names of $500
persons who worked with him
here.
Samuel H. Hecht, president of
the firm, said:
1t is with deep regret that
we accepted Mr.. Dulcan's de-
cision to retire to private life
after more than 40 years service
to the corporation. Mr.. Dulcan
has made great contribution
to the growth Of the business
Under his direction the
Washington operation grew from
a moderate-size store to three
large stores -
Headed Housing Unit
Mr.. Dulcan. who said at the
time of his retirement that he
expected to write a book OF two,
never got around to it because
of civic appointments and other
duties he undertook.
In July, 1854, he was APP
pointed chairman of the new
Housing Code Advisory Commit
tee by the District Commits
sioners, heading some 40 COM
mittee members. He also was
active on the Columbia Hospital
Board.
A Community Chest trustee,
Mr.. Dulcan also served as a
trustee of the American Cancer
Society and was member of
the executive committee of the
Greater National Capital Com
mittee of the Board of Trade.
He was a member OF the
present Inaugural Committee
and also served in that capacity
in 1852 and 1913. He was di-
rector Of the National Dry Goods
Association, and in 1916 was
presented the groups Gold
Medal Award.
In March, 1852, Mr.. Dulcan
was named winner of the Co.'S
mopolitan Clubs distinguished
service medal for the previous
year. He was given the award
for his services to Washington
in support of civic, social well
fare and philanthropic efforts.
Red Cross Director
He was a director Of the
Washington Chapter, American
Red Cross, and a director of the
Hamilton National Bank. He
also worked with the Metro
politan Police Boys Club and
was a member of the Washing
ton Criminal Justice Association
A 32d degree Mason, Mr.. Dull
can also was a member of the
Advertising Club. National Press
Club, Princeton Club and Wood
mont Country Club. During the
last year. he was a sponsor of
the Metropolitan Operas annual