Lillian Cahn is the perfect example of someone who spent critical formative years in Luzerne County, gathered important insights while living here, and later used those insights to change the world. In the process, Cahn and the company she co-founded, Coach, helped to define modern fashion as an artform.

Born Dec.11, 1923, in Sátoraljaújhely, Hungary, Cahn’s story is one of humble origins. At that time, she was Lillian Lenovitz, and she emigrated with her family to the United States during the Great Depression. Eventually, Cahn and her family settled in Wilkes-Barre, where her parents opened a store on East Market Street.

Cahn worked in her parents’ store, and proved to be an observant employee. In particular, she took special note of the paper bags she used to deliver noodles to custome

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