T. A. Chapman Co. Backpack
Carry a piece of Wisconsin retail history into your everyday routine with this T. A. Chapman Co. backpack. The company began in 1857, when Timothy Appleton Chapman founded a department store business that would become a familiar part of Milwaukee commerce. Its downtown flagship opened on Wisconsin Avenue in 1872 and was rebuilt after a fire in 1884. For collectors and longtime Wisconsin shoppers, Chapman's story makes this backpack a thoughtful way to celebrate a family-founded name and the changing history of retail across the state.
T. A. Chapman Co., commonly known as Chapman's, was a department store chain based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Timothy Appleton Chapman founded the company in 1857. In 1872, he opened its flagship store on Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Milwaukee. Fire destroyed the original Wisconsin Avenue location in 1884, and the store was rebuilt. The company later expanded beyond Milwaukee: in 1978 it acquired Manchester's Department Stores in Madison, Wisconsin. The Chapman family retained ownership until 1983, and the chain eventually reached seven locations. By the time the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1987, it had six stores: three in Milwaukee, two in Madison, and one in Appleton. The company’s history links a family-owned retail business founded in the nineteenth century with downtown Milwaukee and later expansion into other Wisconsin cities. Its documented story includes a rebuilt flagship, an acquisition, a change in family ownership, and a bankruptcy filing.
A rugged, everyday 20L backpack designed for days that move fast and demand durability. Built from water-repellent 600D polyester, it shrugsoff drizzle and light rain while protecting what matters inside. The padded laptop sleeve holds up to a 15" device snugly, and a fleece-lined pocket keeps sunglasses or small screens scratch-free. Two mesh side pockets keep a water bottle within easy reach, while roomy compartments organize chargers, notebooks, and daily essentials. Clean lines and practical pockets make this a dependable companion for commutes, classes, and short travel stints.
Product features
- Durable 600D polyester construction with water resistance
- 20L capacity, one-size carry for everyday use
- Padded sleeve fits up to a 15" laptop
- Fleece-lined pocket for eyewear or media devices
- Mesh side pockets for water bottles and quick access items
Care instructions
- Before cleaning the bag, remove all the items from the bag. Suggested to pretreat visible stains with stain remover. Mix warm water with laundry detergent and clean the bag with terry washcloth or soft bristle brush. Let the bag air dry.
| One size | |
| Width, in | 12.50 |
| Height, in | 19.00 |
| Depth, in | 5.50 |