Born in Bavaria, Samuel Star arrived in Denison in September 1872 and ran the store until 1900. He and wife, Emma Eppstein, were married in the synagogue in St. Joseph, Missouri, on April 25, 1874. They became pillars of Denison’s early German and Jewish communities. They had a fine home at 129 West Gandy Street.

The original Star Store was built in 1881 at 125–131 West Main Street by two of Denison’s earliest clothing purveyors, Samuel Star and his sister's husband, Charles Waterman.  An 1886 newspaper ad describes the stock: "Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Etc. 3 floors covering ... 18,000 square feet. 13 departments under one roof. Carpets, oil cloths and window shades made to order." Others associated with the store were Max Grundstein and Fred Schulz.

The Star building still stands, more recent occupants having included a bowling alley, skating rink, and pawn shops. The buildings to the right were demolished in 1968.