Robert P. Ledermann was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. Working downtown throughout his adult life in the retail and credit fields, he appreciated and enjoyed Chicago and its history. The fine museums, libraries, restaurants and learning institutions all contributed to his love of research and writing. His fondness for the history of State Street, with all the fascinating people who added to its growth, encouraged Robert to write this book.
Robert is highly regarded as an expert on Marshall Field's and Uncle Mistletoe and is a huge Chicago and State Street nostalgia buff. His working history started at Lytton's and then Rothschild's. He was a member of the credit board for the Illinois Retail Merchants Association when he worked for the Kroch's & Brentano's Book Store for seventeen years as credit manager. He was a one-time member of the Greater State Street Council (now the Chicago Loop Alliance). He has written numerous articles, given historical lectures and written two other books: Chicago's State Christmas Parade and Christmas on State Street: 1940s and Beyond. He is currently enjoying retirement to the fullest and continues to be active in his neighborhood. His hobbies include collecting Chicago memorabilia.