A person close to Andover Shop founder Charlie Davidson has informed me that he passed away this morning.
On a very personal note, I am also heartbroken to learn that he was recently told that I was moving Newport, where he has spent much of his life, and that he said he hoped to see me again.
Charlie was one of a kind and it was an honor to have known him. Condolences to his vast circle of family, friends and generations of customers. — CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
he called me friend
Plenus annis abiit, plenus honoribus.
“Devastating loss” does not do it justice. A sad, sad day.
I remember him from 1958 on when he was in his early days, setting up monthly in Southborough for us St. Markers to drop in and buy. My first purchase was a red felt belt. He was a gentleman then, and even more so each of the times I met him afterwards. 50 years later he still remembered the name of Joe the Cleaner whose shop he used. Never again will there be someone like him.
Such sad news. Charlie was generous, kind, funny and a great raconteur. He had a talent for friendship. Dropping in to talk and crack jokes with him was always a highlight of my visits to Cambridge.
In a way, you honor Charlie—a guardian of trad style— by moving to Newport.
Charlie didn’t have a fetish for oxford cloth shirts, and was glad to provide me with broadcloth shirts with buttondown collars. This may seem like a trivial thing to remember about Charlie, upon his passing, but it’s one indication of the personalized service he graciously offered to customers he liked.
CC: You were priviledged to know him and you have done a great job in adding to his chance of not being forgotten.
I only knew Mr. Davidson from articles and comments on this site, but he seemed like he would have been a hoot to know and to have been his friend. My wife and I are taking our annual trip to Boston this weekend and it was my plan to drag my wife to the shop on the off chance I might see him and chat about straight ahead jazz.
My condolences to those who knew him and to his family. I like to think that he may be up there talking to Miles Davis and all the other great musicians who have passed on.
God speed,
Will
I’ve been blessed as an African country man, master tailor by trade and Jazz through my veins to have Charlie as a Boss and Dad for almost 30 years
Charlie has such a good heart, always saying something thoughtful or doing something kind.
Indeed Humanity will miss you, when you get at you castle in heaven please give my love to Charlie Bourgeois and high five to Miles Davis.
Africanly yours forever Dad.
Charlie was one of the purest souls I know. Always wanted help everyone and anyone, selfless to no extent. This news is heartbreaking and as your African Grandson i will always miss you. This is a huge loss for the whole world.
When Larry Mahoney called me to tell me that Charlie had died I was coaching a Lacrosse team during a Championship game. I call a time out just to collect my thoughts. I had known Charlie since 1959 when I was a third former at a boarding in MA. My parents brought me into the Cambridge store and set up a charge for me with a limited of $75.00. Back then that would by you a Gant shirt ($7.25)and a poplin suit. Since than there was hardly anything I wore that wasn’t from the A Shop. I have met Sam Rosenthal( Rosenthal-Maretz),Sid Winston ( Chipp) the Press boys( J Press) and many other names in the Mens clothing industry . None of them had the eye for style and fit and color that Charlie had in mens clothes. Her was legendary !!!!
The wife and I visited Boston last weekend. I can honestly say that I did not see one well dressed man all weekend. I did see quite a few men in skinny, too short pants, puffy coats, scarves tied in feminine ways, small watch caps worn askew and beards. Looked like damned fools.
I tried a look that was new for me and was well received. I have to admit that a white OCBD, two button wool blue blazer, cordovan Alden loafers this time with grey socks, tan London Fog raincoat with heavy lining and worn in 505 Levi blue jeans looked pretty natty.
Couldn’t wait to get back to Virginia.
Will