Maxine Bender commissioned this painting of H. Bender and Sons, a successful business selling novelty items. She planned it to be a gift for her husband, Murray, on their 25th wedding anniversary. 

The building itself, I was told, was originally built for the daughter of a Civil War general. Later it became a chocolate factory, and after that it was used in commercial other ways. Murray's parents bought the building in the late 60's, and they and their two sons began this business.

The elder Mr. and Mrs. Bender, their sons and the rest of the family are pictured in the street in front of and next to H. Bender and Sons