Chalup, Charles M.

Charles M. Chalup, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 3, 1873, was a self-made entrepreneur who established a successful grocery business in Fresno, California. Educated in the public schools of the Buckeye State, he gained early practical experience working in various Cleveland grocery stores. At the age of twenty-seven, he moved west to try his fortune at mining in Nevada for one year before arriving in Fresno in 1901. He secured employment in the grocery department of Einstein department store for two and one-half years, which allowed him to prepare for opening his own independent business venture in the region.

While still working for Mr. Einstein, Chalup and his wife utilized a small capital of seventy-five dollars to open their first store at the corner of Fresno and C Streets. His faithful helpmate, Ellen New, a native of Illinois, managed the store for the first two years while he continued his employment, and her good judgment contributed greatly to the business growth. The couple prospered beyond expectations, expanding the enterprise from a small shack into an up-to-date grocery store while Chalup also found success buying and selling real estate. Beyond his commercial achievements, Chalup served for one year as a city trustee under appointment by Mayor W. P. Lyon and was a highly active member of the Fresno Lodge of Masons and the Eagles.