About Us

Our Story

The Edith’s story dates back to 1937, when it first opened in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin as a women’s clothing store before evolving into a beloved bridal destination. Over the decades, the business expanded to offer not just wedding dresses but also tuxedos and suits, prom dresses, first communion dresses, and more!

Edith’s has been a downtown fixture for decades in its original location at 9 S. Main Street. Following the retirement of longtime owners Tom and Cathy Deitte at the end of 2025, the business was purchased by Dave and Vicki Schmidt. Then in the spring of 2026, Edith’s moved to its new home one block north at 36 N. Main Street.

From the iconic window displays to the tradition of providing formal wear to generation after generation, the new owners are honored to carry on the Edith’s legacy as a destination formal wear and bridal shop in downtown Fond du Lac. We invite you to stop in, explore our beautiful new space, and discover everything Edith’s has to offer.

Family of two adults and three children posed wearing suits and formal dresses inside of a room

Dave & Vicki Schmidt and Family

Edith’s History

1937: The business was founded by Edith Deitte Murphy as a ladies’ clothing store.
Post-WWII: The shop began specializing in white bridal gowns. White became the cultural standard for weddings by the mid-1800s due to Queen Victoria’s influence on fashion.
1971: After Edith’s passing, the business continued through her nephew, Rolland Deitte.
1989: The business was purchased by Mike and Mary Wendt, while Tom Deitte, Edith’s great-nephew, purchased the tuxedo department.
2000: Tom and his wife Cathy became full owners of the business, eventually narrowing the focus exclusively to bridal and special occasion wear.
2007: The store’s unique pneumatic tube system, used for sending receipts, was featured on the History Channel’s “Modern Marvels” segment.
2025: Tom and Cathy Deitte announced their retirement after decades of service, and the building was purchased by local developer Sam Meyer. New owners Dave and Vicki Schmidt purchased the business in December of 2025, eventually moving to the new location in 2026.

(Courtesy of The Fond du Lac County Historical Society)

A Downtown Fond du Lac Legacy

Meet the Team

  • Dave & Vicki

    Owners

  • A woman smiling at a clothing store, standing next to a mannequin dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and red tie. Behind her, colorful clothing items are hanging on a wall.

    Hanna

    Team Leader

  • A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiling at the camera in a clothing store, wearing a green dress with a yellow measuring tape around her neck, a black and white leopard print cardigan, with clothing racks and shelves in the background.

    Christine

    Lead Tuxedo/Suit Stylist

  • Lonnie

    Lead Bridal Stylist

  • Joseph

    Tuxedo/Suit Stylist

  • A woman with dark curly hair and glasses smiling and standing with her arms crossed in front of a clothing rack with various garments, including dresses and shirts, in a store.

    Carolina

    Formal Wear Stylist

  • Alicia

    Formal Wear Stylist

  • A smiling woman with short gray hair, glasses, and a floral blouse, standing in a store aisle with red and yellow clothing on racks.

    Althea

    Bookkeeper

Edith’s is your destination formal wear store serving Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton, Sheboygan, and more!