Message From the Owner: A Brief History of Bill's

Bill's was founded in 1961 by William Platt. I started working there in 1966 when I started Cal as a freshman. Bill passed away in 1971. I continued to manage the store after my graduation in 1971 and purchased one-half of the interest in 1974 and the remainder in 1979.
Bill's has evolved from mostly a men's store into mostly a footwear store specializing in comfort/casual shoes for men and women. Over the years, we have actively participated in the Berkeley Public Education Foundation. In addition, we have contributed to various sports groups from the University of California. Bill's has also supported all the local merchant groups promoting Telegraph Avenue and the Sather Gate business area, as well as being a member of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce since the 1960's. We also are frequent contributors to local church and charitable organizations--usually through gift certificates for fundraisers.
In appreciation of the local support Bill's has received over the decades, it is only fitting that Bill's reciprocate the support and goodwill through continued contributions in preserving the rich ambiance and experience only the community of Berkeley may provide.

Marty Berg
 
Bill's Men's Store continues to provide their support in furthering youth education through working with and supporting the local community group, the Berkeley Public Education Foundation. Through gift certificates for Berkeley Public Education Foundation sponsored fundraisers, Bill's contributions are welcomed with open arms as local youths and schools benefit from the additional donations these contributions generate. The Berkeley Public Education Foundation is an organization founded by a group of and community leaders with a vision of restoring excellence in Berkeley public schools. Projects and schools that the Berkeley Public Education Foundation have undertaken and supported include: The Berkeley High School Health Center, Elementary School Music Program, Science Curriculum Enrichment Grades K-8, Rosa Parks (formerly Columbus) Elementary School, Longfellow Arts & Technology Middle School, and the Early Literacy Program.

Founded in 1961 by the late William Platt, Bill's Men's Store is a fashion boutique specializing in comfort/casual foot apparel for both men and women.

For additional information regarding the Berkeley Public Education, please reference the following link:
http://www.bpef-online.org/