Model Clothing Company started business in Cooperstown in September 1917 as a branch store of Model Clothing Company of New Rockford, North Dakota. The owners were Thomas Irgens, J. E. Forstein of New Rockford and H. R. Noftalin of Elbow Lake, Minnesota. In 1935 Thomas Irgens purchased his partners' interest in the Cooperstown store and in the same year entered into partnership with Ludvig Olson who had purchased his partner's interest in the Olson and Nelson Clothing Company. These two business concerns then consolidated, retaining the name of Model Clothing Company. In 1948 Irgens purchased his partner's interest.

The original Model store was housed in the Stevens building, which later housed the photography studio. The building was torn down in the summer of 1975. The Model moved to its present building in 1925. Thomas Irgens died in 1961 and his wife, Mary Irgens, assumed ownership at that time. The business was managed by his son Donald Irgens and son-in-law Julian Mrozla. In 1964 Donald Irgens left Cooperstown and the Model was managed by Julian Mrozla until July 1973, when Julian and Donna Mrozla purchased the store from Mrs. Irgens.

Donna Mrozla is the youngest of the Irgens family so the Model Clothing has remained in the same family since its establishment in 1917.

Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 48