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| B. Altman & Co.'s Neo-Renaissance palazzo anchored the east end of 34th St., and Fifth Avenue, too. |
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| The store's Fifth Ave. side was built in 1906, replacing an older facility in lower Manhattan, as the store moved northward. |
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| In 1914, B. Altman & Co. reached its ultimate form with the addition of a 12-story building to the rear that doubled the size of the store. |
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| As a store, Altman's exuded the same classic dignity as its building, here seen from Madison Avenue |
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| The charming eighth-floor Charleston Gardens restaurant featured a real plantation facade and three other walls of murals simulating an outdoor garden. |
B. Altman & Co.
361 Fifth Avenue (at 34th Street)
New York, New York 10018
MUrray Hill 9-7000
Main Floor
The Collectibles (127) • Sportswear One (106) • Blouse Bazaar (141) • Handbags (21) • Gloves (22) • Belts (14) • Revlon (55) • The Perfumery (19) • Toiletries (19) • Neckwear (14) • Hat Bar (34) • Fine Jewelry (38) • Watches (38) • Gems (127) • Better Jewelry (127) • Sunglasses (4) • Hosiery (25) • Ribbons (13) • Handkerchiefs (24) • Umbrellas (28) • Small Leather Goods (88) • Robes (26) • 1001 Notions (17) • Gift Shop (43) • Camera Shop (38) • Candy (51) • Luggage (41) • Stationery (20)
Altman’s Men’s Store Studio I (9) • Men’s Tailored Sportswear (41) • Men’s Sport Shirts (49) • Men’s Shoes (39) • Men’s Raincoats (41) • Men's Hats (32) • Men’s Sportswear (104) • Men’s Outerwear (112) • Men’s Clothing (41) • Men’s Ties (66) • Men’s Furnishings (27) • Men’s Sleepwear (26) • Men’s Slippers (39) • Men’s Gloves (26) • Men’s Socks (26) • Men’s Accessories (32)
Second Floor
Shoe Salon (53) • Shoes on Two (53) • Aigner Studio (53) • Slipper Bar (128) • Junior Lingerie (115) • Robes (72) • Sleepwear (48) • Lingerie (46) • Loungewear (72) • Slimwear (45) • Studio II (48) • The Pampered Pet • Shops for Girls 4-6x (61) • Shops for Girls (57) • Children’s Lingerie (50) • Infants Apparel (57) • Toddlers Apparel (49) • Boy’s Shop 4-7 (118) • Infants Furniture (138) • Children’s Shoes (74) • Young Juniors (133) • Charles of the Ritz Beauty Salon
Third Floor
Studio III (147) • Geoffrey Beene Shop (147) • Dana Shop (145) • Versace Shop (147) • The Designers (70) • Designer Jeans (83) • Better Sportswear (146) • Meadowbrook Shop (143) • Opulent Dress • Fur Salon (13) • Sweaters and Skirts (30) • Sport Dresses (78) • Sports Separates (83) • Millinery (34) • Beach Shop (122) • Active Sportswear (126) • Skiwear (122) • Young Expressions Sportswear (113) • Young Expressions Dresses (114) • Young Expressions Coats (69) • Americana Dresses • Americana Coats (63) • Leather and Suede Shop (89) • Raincoats (89) • Blouse Bazaar (141)
Fourth Floor
Glassware (31) • Dinnerware (60) • Chinaware (60) • Silver Shop (35) (120) • Art Porcelain for Collectors (16) • Waterford Gallery (131) • Wedgwood Gallery (60) • Figurines (16) • Boehm Gallery (16) • Gift Shop (87) (108) • Table Linens (84) • Sheets (86) • Blankets (85) • Bedspreads (10) • Pillows (65) • Towels (33) • Bath Shop (134) • Curtains (81)
Fifth Floor
Book Shop (97) • Trim the Tree Shop (137) • Basket Shop (136) • The Buffet Shop • Pot and Plant Shop • The Kitchen (105) • Housewares (29) • Cutlery • Electricals (12) • Buffet Shop (105) • Art Needlework (65) • Fashions-by-the-Yard (11) • Handcraft Gallery (136) • Fireplace Shop (136) • Crewel-by-the-Yard (82) • Candles (93) • Lamps (93) • Broadloom (92) • Oriental Rugs (91) • Area Rugs (77) • American Express Travel Service
Sixth Floor
Casual Dresses (54) • Forenoon Shop (160) • Moderate Sportswear (140) • Women’s Moderate Dresses (68) • Women’s Moderate Sportswear (121) • Murray Hill Shop (62) • Murray Hill Coats (90) • Today’s Separates (192) • Miss Altman Dresses • Success Shop • Spare Parts for Young Men (3) • Boy’s Shop 8-20 (58) • Young Colony Dresses (2) • Young Colony Sportswear (6) (64) • Young Colony Coats (5) • Young Colony Shoes (15) • Junior VIP Sportswear (130) • The Shop for Pappagallo (142)
Seventh Floor
Williamsburg Craft Shop (710) • Hitchcock Gallery (96) • Upholstered Furniture (98) • Living Room Furniture (101) • Furniture (100) • Tables (99) • Mattresses (75) • Recliners (132) • Sofa Beds (132) • Dining Room Furniture (52) • Bed Room Furniture (96) • American Gallery • Charleston Town House
Eighth Floor
Music Center (88) • Electronics (88) • Records (88) • TV (88) • Toy Fair (56) • World of Games (56) • Sporting Goods • Art Gallery (116) • Collector's Gallery (102) • Delicacies (51) • Charleston Garden Restaurant
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| East Orange, NJ 1930 |
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| White Plains Bloomingdale Road 1930/1949/1963 Charleston Garden |
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| Manhasset 1951 Charleston Garden |
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| The Mall at Short Hills Short Hills, NJ 1956 Charleston Garden |
St. David's Square
Radnor, PA
1965
Charleston Garden
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| Ridgewood-Paramus, NJ The Fashion Center 1967 Charleston Garden |
Coming in due course.
I fondly remember Altmans; my mother worked part-time in the childrens dept. on the 2nd floor. I was on its 17 Fashion Board in the late fifties while in high school and loved wearing clothes and walking around the store modeling them. Altmans was like a family; Mr. Burke (then President) knew everyone and always said hello to you. I loved the Charleston Gardens where we had fashion shows for teenagers on Saturday morning complete with brunch. And Altmans even had a 13th floor used mostly for stock but not know by many people. M. Redecha
ReplyDeleteVery nice, I really like info about each floor. Actually I'm looking for information about B. Altman tables, I have few in my house and don't know where to start. Can you guys help me or give an advice? A. Romero
ReplyDeleteI worked at Altman's from 1969 until 1975 in the home textiles division, progressing from an executive trainee to a buyer. Whenever I see the British TV show, "Are you being served," it makes me think of B. Altman and Co.
ReplyDeleteShopping at B. Altman & Co. was magnificient.
ReplyDelete-Leslie Gates
decpainter@gmail.com
I agree wholeheartedly, that Altman's was magnificent. When just out of college, I took a bargain $35 dollar fare on North Central Airlines to New York with my mom, aunt and cousin. I bought a trench coat from B. Altman & Co. It was beautifully made and served me well for many years. It was most emphatically not made in China, but in Poland, a rarity in the days of East-European communism. I will never forget the older gentleman who sold it to me, with a thick foreign accent, and impeccably dressed. He was doted on me as a young man, and gave me the impression that he wouldn't let me leave the store unless the coat fit properly, and I, as well, understood how to wear it. When I asked if I could pay with a check, he replied with a question, "And why not?"
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, however, the store was a beautiful palace of a place, with merchandise laid out as if it was waiting for you just to come in and buy it. I felt they had a knack for having just about the best of anything in stock, and must have known their customer well, to prospered independently for so long.
BAK
I was employed by B. Altman from 1978-86 both in sales and later in management. I have many pleasant memories of the store and the level of service that seems to be a thing of the past today. B. Altman was where I developed my taste for neckties. I still have more than a few things in my home from that store including a Karastan oriental pattern rug in my living room
ReplyDeleteas it been 21 years already?
As a young man working on Park Avenue and 45th street in the mid-1960's, I took a now 217 year old letter to be framed at B. Altman, probably on the Eight Floor. They did an enduring job, with acid free, archival paper and the proper glass and frame. The letter was written by Stephen Decatur, the father of the more famous Stephen Decatur Jr of " Our Country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but right or wrong, our country!" As an ex Navy Officer, I treasure the letter and my experience at B. Altman on Fifth Avenue.
ReplyDeleteAltman's also had opened a short-lived store at Willow Grove Park in suburban Philadelphia in 1982. When Willow Grove opened, it had (as I recall) Bloomingdale's, A&S and Altman's. I guess Altman's thought that their long standing presence on the Main Line would stimulate traffic at the new store. (The Court at King of Prussia, which had opened shortly before, had Bamberger's, Bloomingdale's and A&S.) This Altman store didn't last long; neither did the 2 A&S stores (which were snapped up by Strawbridge & Clothier).
ReplyDeleteI too bought a rain coat at Altman's at the St David's store not long before it closed. Last I knew it was a Marshall's/Filene's Basement kind of place in the front (lower level) and a grocery store in the back (upper level).
ReplyDeleteI miss Altman's, they had the best store restaurant in the city
ReplyDeleteI grew up to the rhythm of Manhattan during the 60's. My most cherished memory was Altman's windows at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThe Manhasset store in the 1970's and 1980's was rather run down (even with the new extension); however, the quality of the goods and service made up for it. There was no service better. The only other great store was the Lord & Taylor down the road (first suburban dept store) with a very run down building but great goods and the best service. We always had the same sales associates and they knew us by name. In the 1980's L & T remodeled and then it went down hill fast.
ReplyDeleteI have an Altman's coffee table and am trying to find out how much it is worth. I can't find any B Altman's furniture for sale on the internet. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteR U sure the coffee table is a B Altman brand table? Altman's sold various brands in their furniture dept. I have a boston rocker from Altman's (Not sure but I think the brand was Williamburg...but I could be wrong). Regardless, I am not sure Altman's had its own brand. They did have a great furniture selection.
ReplyDeleteI have a Twin Canopy Bed with a tag on it that Says
ReplyDeletemade for
B. Altmans & Co.
New York
I got it for moving a movie star to our state. My husband has cancer and I need to sell now. Someone please help me if you know how I can do this. I do have a picture 970-618-4760
For those of you trying to learn more about the value of an Altmans piece of furniture try calling Mary at 914.946.9641. She may be able to help you.
ReplyDeleteFormer Altman's employees family.
I recall some of the furniture at Altman's. Impecable reproductions of period pieces and beautiful dining room sets.
ReplyDeleteLeast we forget, during the Christmas season, the Fifth Avenue store changed their lamp shades on the counters to red! What a beautiful sight to see. The perfect classy seasonal statement. BTW I am pretty sure that Benjamin Altman died without heirs and left his business to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For years they (or whoever ran things for them) controlled the Altman's stores. In the 80's the court's ruled again this practice (why I have no idea)and well we see what happened. A real estate developer Compo????? bought it, ran it into the ground and now no Altman's. Well not to worry, if it had survived it would now be Macy's!
ReplyDeleteI used to work part time at the Manhasset store. It was open Thursday evening and I worked then and on Saturdays in 1964/65. I was a college student. I worked as a salesgirl in whatever department they put me in that day and if someone wanted something gift wrapped, we had to go in the back room and wrap it also. I remember one time a rack of dresses were delivered and they were intended to go to Abraham and Strauss and got mixed up with the Altman delivery, they were tagged and priced. When they were exchanged for the same dress but different rack and price tags for B Altman, the price on them then were much higher. It was a more expensive store but the whole idea was more service and pampering of the customer and that's what the B Altman customer wanted. I met another college student there and we had great fun together. She was a free spirit and was on break from going to University of Miami. All these years later I can not remember her name but can picture her face. We had great fun on our lunch breaks on saturdays. Evelyn
ReplyDeleteThank you, Evelyn, for this insight into the world of Altman's. I had the pleasure to shop there once, and it impressed me as a great and very gracious store.
ReplyDeleteBAK
This is very true, the prices were higher at both Altman's and Lord & Taylor while the same items were less at A&S and Macy's. But customers all came to Altman's and Lord & Taylor because of the service.
ReplyDeleteFor years there was a lovely woman who worked in the housewares dept at the Manhasset Altman's. She also worked in the book dept. I can't remember her name, but she was Polish (with a Polish accent) and she could answer any question about any book. I was once looking at plastic outdoor "patio glasses".... she took me by the arm...said "no" and walked to to very nice glass glasses. She told me they were less money, and were the proper way to drink a beverage...even out on the patio...and what if they fall and break? Well remember they are less expensive.....and can be replaced. That was the perfect service at Altman's.
Today customers are looking for a deal!They expect price breaks and refunds for over pricing. People today will not pay for that old fashion service. I wonder if Evelyn knows this nice lady? I wonder if Evelyn ever served me in the store. What a small world!
And how pleasant for me, that this small world comes together on a site I created about a topic I find fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAbove you'll find my story of a Polish salesman at Altman's, whom I will never forget, and your story about the glasses reminds me of my family - both here and in Poland - who will only drink tea in a glass (it tastes better), and when they take you by the arm and let you into their world, it can be a special thing.
Thanks for sharing your stories.
Bruce
When I got my driver's license the first place I drove to was the Altman's on the Miricle Mile in Manhasset. I bought my Mom a Mother's Day gift.
ReplyDeletewhy do you think B altman and co failed?
ReplyDeletewhat do you think they could have done to prevent this form happening?
What was going on externally that may have influenced its downfall?
Put simply, it was taken over in a leveraged-buyout, and the buyer went bankrupt because of crushing debt, taking down Altman's and the other stores he owned. My personal belief is that if the store maintained the principles and "style" that made it unique, it had a better chance to survive. Externally, I believe a new generation didn't care about shipping at stores like Altman's; they just wanted a lot of things and were content to go to a warehouse to get them.
ReplyDeleteMy opinions are just that; I never had to run a multi-million dollar business in a difficult economic climate, and I certainly don't know it all. However, many of us miss the chance to shop at such a historic and beautiful store.
Bruce
The reason Altman's was sold was because the owners were legally not permitted to continue ownership (MMA?)... then of course the new owner simply used it for the real estate and had huge debt, etc. People who shopped in Altman's never shopped at warehouse stores...today they shop at Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor and miss the old days (as we all do)!
ReplyDeleteHi, I love reading all these wonderful comments about B. Altmans. It was owned by a non-profit organization, the Altman Foundation. The US Government ruled that the store had to be sold due to being owned by a non-profit organization. Why the government ruling I have no idea. In any event, rather than a retailer purchasing the stores, a real estate company purchased the stores for the real estate. As we all know, the flagship store was a whole city block across the street from the empire state building thus prime real estate. Very sad that the building was sold and is no longer a store. What a magnificient store B. Altman & Co. was. - Leslie Gates
ReplyDeletethank you Leslie............that is exactly what happened. Today the flagship store is operated as a brance of the NYC Public Library. Altman's is missed by one and all.
ReplyDeleteI have pictures of my Great Aunt's who modeled for B Altman's in the 1920's. One picture is of one of them modeling at the Hotel Commodore in 1923.
ReplyDeleteI worked for B. Altman & Co. from 1970-1978. I started working on Thursday nights and Saturdays in sales, moved on to suburban assistant buyer and then to assistant buyer. I worked on the third and fifth floors. I enjoyed every minute of it. I took away from there an excellent work ethic. It was all about giving our customers the best service possible. I have very fond memories of the Christmas windows and the Charleston Gardens Restaurant. My sister and mom would come in to the city from Long Island and we would enjoy a great day of shopping . I still have my blue name tag
ReplyDeleteGreat site! Just discovered that an ancestor's first husband worked for Altman's selling furs...around 1920's & 30's. Is there a source for finding employees or photos of employees around this time? Also, did Altman's also sell merchandise on cruise ships? He is listed on several manifests out of Bermuda. Thanks so much for the site!
ReplyDeleteI have a wonderful B. Altman & Co. "The Deerfield Collection" full-sized bedroom set that was my mother's. We were going to sell it, but now that I discovered this site, I am less inclined to do so!! My mother loved to shop in the B. Altman in Manhasset and also shopped in the flagship store when she was a younger, single woman. She also loved Lord & Taylor and Bonwits. She was quite fashionable, an Elizabeth Taylor/Ava Gardner type. We still have some of her clothing from that era including the Jackie O style coats and dresses. I could post a pic of the furniture if there is a way to do it. (vintagedoll@optonline.net)
ReplyDeleteps for those who like 50s/60s furnishings and clothing, the show Mad Men on AMC (now being repeated on sundays at 6 am from the first season - my DVR is set!), is a spot-on recreation of life and things we wore/used back then.
I worked at Altman's from 1971 until 1981 first as an Executive Trainee, then Senior Assistant Buyer and finally as Buyer of Robes and Loungewear from 1976-81. The store had wonderful customer service and great selection of merchandise. I still have my fur coat (pre-PETA) that is now about 30 years old. Lunch at the Charleston Garden was amazing.
ReplyDeleteAdding to some comments above, Benjamin Altman left the store to a NP foundation that had a finite life. It was sold to a Canadian Real Estate Developer who wanted the Manhattan Real Estate Gem - a full city block and had no clue on how to run a store.
HSteinberg
I remember B. Altman having early hanging globe light fixtures on it's upper floors. It's main floor also had wood panels going halfway up it's walls. A still elegant store even into the 1980's....Martin
ReplyDeletehi from Ireland...
ReplyDeletewhat a great site....my uncle lived in New York when he left the Navy and worked in Altman's for many years ........are there any photo's of employees does anyone know...
thanks
Al
An interesting book from the early days of B. Altman & Co. online:
ReplyDeletehttp://legacy.www.nypl.org/research/sibl/altman/tcont.html
B Altman & Company will live in our memories forever!
ReplyDeleteWhen I arrived in NYC in 1985, I applied for a job there. Maybe it's still on file.
ReplyDeleteAltman's offered the greatest walk-in feeling of any store -- from the crystal chandeliers to the potted plants. It offered good prices on high-quality merchandise and was simply a joy to see. I went to its closing death-rattle sale with sadness. The library which is using its edifice is great but much less fun.
Does anyone know what the value of a 1920's-30's B Altman fur would be worth or who I should consult?I usually am good with this type of thing. I love the vintage B Altman items I run across many I keep for me :) -I purchased this for resale from the estate of a NYC opera singer. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSee:http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/sarabrazilvintage/DSCN0147-2-1.jpg
Sarabrazilvintage@yahoo.com
I worked @ B Altman, while a student in HS..for the Christmas season..they kept very few of us after The Holiday, I was one of them.
ReplyDeleteI gift wrapped gifts purchased at the store, that were to be mailed. Because of my work ethic, I was asked if I wanted to stay, I did. I loved working there. To this day, I attribute my greatly admired gift wrapping skills, to my work experience at B Altman's. I was saddened to see that the store had closed, after I moved out of NY NY. Thx for posting this..brings back wonderful memories.
Ladyrain
I worked in Altmans on 34th Street from 1975 to 1980 as a college student at Columbia. In the summer of 1977 I went to work for the Manhasset store as my parents moved to Long Island from the city. That year (summer) I met my wife. Catherine worked in the Mens department in Manhasset. We have been married for 31 years and have two sons. I LOVED working in NYC. For those of us who worked there---- remember the 915? Our bedroom set, china and so much of our furniture is from Altmans. My greatest acquisition of course was my wife. Altmans was a wonderful store. I met so many prominent individuals, heads of state. Most important were the people I worked with. Wonderful genteel people- with the quiet elegance of a bygone New York era.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Altmans circa 1974/75 in mens' shoes.It was great dept store. I miss it tremendously.
ReplyDeleteJack
i worked in b. altmans during high school in nyc. my mother was an assistant buyer in the toy department. several of my friends also worked for b. altman on saturdays during the school year. it was probably during the 1960's. i would love to see some pictures of the store during that time.
ReplyDeleteAs I was wrapping presents this Christmas I found a metallic wrapping paper for Christmas from B Altman's priced at $2.60. It looks great and modern.
ReplyDeleteI worked there 1981- 1985 in Manhattan, N.Y on 34 St & 5th Ave. I worked the Bath dept. Mrs. C was the Sopv. Pat Z. Worked there too. I would also fill in at the Bridal Reg. yes I was sometime Ms Besty Abbott...loll.
ReplyDeleteI was able to put myself thru college working here.....
Great memories. I loved working there.....
I was there when that leveraged buy out happened. I was running the Charleston Gardens. I remember the ladies who lunched were always proper with matching coat & hat, gloves and brooch. Everything had to stay the way it always was.
ReplyDeleteLovely store.
irina
Anonymous asked about the "Polish woman in the book dept at Manhasset" - you are probably referring to Helen Petracek, who was as knowledgeable as any librarian...I had the pleasure of working with her one Christmas season in the mid 70s...my mother and I were regulars there until it closed November 1989.
ReplyDeleteI have a samll but tall side table mark B Altrman & Co. It looks to be a early 1900's style but I can find no Alterman furniture for sale on the Internet. Once trying to look it up it has been facinating reading about this store. Anybody have any views on this table.
ReplyDeleteVivienne
I HAVE 2 FOYER TABLES I PURCHASED AT B. ALTMAN. THEY ARE AS HANDSOME TODAY AS THE DAY I PURCHASED THEM. B. ALTMAN WAS A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE- LOU CARUSO
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know of anyway to access pictures of the interior of the New York store? I worked in NY all during college I posted previously about working one summer in Altmans Manhasset and meeting my wife there. I would love to see pictures of the interior of the NY store
ReplyDeleteI shopped in the Manhasset store in the early eighties as a kid.
ReplyDeleteI never understood why they had no escalators, two sets of elevators.
The woman on the PA, system was great. "the B.Altman co. will be closing in ten minutes". They had the best candy department, loved the non-pariels chocolate. It's now a Crate & Barrel, when I go in there I can see a small hint of the store.
I have a tabletop salad dressing set from that restaurant...6 small bottles, in a brass holder. Wacky stuff like "Buccaneer Dressing". They have the most wonderful labels, and I got this set in near perfect condition at a yard sale...always wondered about that restaurant...
ReplyDeleteI have a very old chair that has a tag near bottom of chair that says Made in France for B. Altman & Co. Cant find any furniture or reference on Internet. Chair is extremely beautiful. cloth needs repairing. Anyone with knowledge pls email me: jpdavis1980@gmail.com Thank You
ReplyDeleteAs is the case with so many long-gone stores, I had the pleasure of seeing the renovated flagship in the last year of operation and was astonished by the glamor revealed after the awful 60's/70's "improvements" were stripped away (my previous unimpressed vision of the building). I remember gawking at the number of fur coats being worn and the sparkling floors, framed oil artwork, and plaster detailing on the first couple of floors. By that time the new-ish owners ran out of money to support the gorgeous institution. Too bad they never got around to fixing up the pathetic St. David's branch that never seemed to get repaired or repainted. Glad to have that last experience in NYC.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.... yes mrs. Petracek... she was a wonderful woman...knew her books and knew everything else on the floor.... she worked in the book dept and also worked in housewares (but books were her love)... excellent service from an excellent woman.
I have very fond memories from my youth when I would meet my grandmother at B. Altman & Co. and we would have a delightful lunch at Charleston Gardens. It was my grandmother's favorite store. I was so sad to see it close.
ReplyDeleteDo you happen to know anyone who would be interested in an original 1920's B. Altman beaded near mint condition Flappers Dress?
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Human Resources Department and was the Editor of the very last editon of the B Altman & Co. newsletter. It was an amazing company to work for. It was so sad ater 125 years of successful operation that an Australain real estate developer ran it to the ground in one year. I have the best memories of my years working there and the wonderful people I met.
ReplyDeleteI would be very interested int he 1920's falpper dress. You can email me at LIDOCK@aol.com. I tried to reply but the site is not responding
ReplyDeletei have some old b. altman steak knives stainless steel made in franch with brass and bakelite handles.anyone have a clue?I Can,t find a such thing at all on the internet? george.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was a long time employee of B'Altman's. Does everyone remember the "9-15"? An employee discount second to none! Could it be true we collected clothes and got them at cost? Me and my sisters were always on the best dressed lists! on a "shop girls" salary!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the recipe for the Honey Bread that could be bought at the bakery at B'Altman's? Bakery the best in NY.
ReplyDeleteMy father was the store manager of both the Short Hills store (1956-1965) and the store manager of the Paramus store from (1966-approx. 1983). I worked as an assistant buyer in the 5th avenue store back in the late 1970's. Our family grew up with these stores, and our many friends and associates of B.Altman are forever missed.
ReplyDeleteI actually sold a Steiff teddy bear to Andy Warhol - while working as an assistant buyer of toys in the 5th Avenue store in the 1970's. He told me it was going to be a birthday present for Bianca Jagger, Mick's first wife. Andy Warhol was a very polite and cordial person to speak with. He certainly was easy to spot!!
ReplyDeleteI still have a copy of my Altman credit card.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Altman's throughout the 1950's.As I recall the brand name BALTA appeared on shoes imported from England and Italy.The store had a tennis court on the roof for executives.The employees were totally devoted to the company and the company responded in kind.We had a prayer breakfast every May attended by Cardinal Spellman.
ReplyDeleteAltman's was the victim of the 80's urge to merge especially from companies that have no idea how to operate a department store. Austrailan real estate developer LJ Hooker built a few malls in bad locations and foolishly thought that the stores they purchsed Altman's, Bonwit Teller and I think Parisians would be profitable. They were crushed in debt and sadly the end of these fine retailers. The 80's was not a kind decade for Department Stores, Campeau takeover of Allied and Federated Department Stores and the end of Carter Hawley Hale.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone help?
ReplyDeleteWe have a wonderful Box retailed by Altman & Co New York, dated around 1909-1911. It is a Silver Gilt Vanity Box of the highest quality made in London by Betjeman & Sons. Any factual evidence of its original owner will be kindly rewarded.
I picked up a beautiful claw armoire on the side of the road back of it has a stamp B. Altman & Co. I loved reading up about how wonderful the owners were to their employees...too bad things have changed so...is this worth much
ReplyDeleteI miss the store too. I still have a plaid flannel shirt in the back of my closet in San Francisco from there. Occasionally I will see there label on an old coat or a bar of lanolin soap or an old box fro there and I get choked up.
ReplyDeleteI miss B.Altman and Company Store. I worked as a Fitting Room Checker and in the Security Offices with Mr Brandi,Mrs Connie Curcio Secretary, Ms Rosa Rodriguez,Mr Thomas Giolito and Mr ED Gebhard. And with Ms Ana Torres and Mrs Helena as the Checker Supervisor. B.Altman's Store was a Family Store very helpful,courteaous a friendly Store. At Christmas the Show case was very magnificant. The last Christmas was the Williamsburg Colony Beautiful arranged.I love B.Altman and Company Store especially the Designer Clothe. I have a fee into my closet also my Mother and Sister. I miss there so much
ReplyDeleteMy mother, Eve Campo, worked in the Manhasset branch of B. Altman in the '60s and bought baby clothes for her granddaughter with her employee discount. I found this site researching a toddler's formal hat and coat set with three labels: Small World B. Altman, Mode Enfant, and Hockanum Fabric. Unfortunately, the fine wool has a number of moth holes, but I am looking into French weaving to repair it. I also bought the silk tulle for my wedding veil on the fifth floor of the NYC store. This page brought back many fond memories. icr[at sign]sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteWow. What happen to all these Wonderful People
ReplyDeleteIt was May 1970 and my girlfriend Mary was working in the store and I met her on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th. She was quite fashionable, as was the store and I remember it well. Sadly, I never saw her again after that day in Spring!
ReplyDeleteI currently work there as the B.M. of the NYPL, still a great building.The sole engineer (employee)left from the days of B Altman finally retired last year,his name is Marty.He used to tell me grand stories of what it was like here years ago, when it was the store and how good they were to their employees.Days gone by indeed.
ReplyDeleteIn reply to June 2011 comments - you have some of the facts correct. B.Altman was run by a foundation, and it was forced to sell because it hadn't turned a profit in over 10 yrs, and couldn't pay it's taxes. The store was purchased by private investors, who did turn a profit. Unfortunately, one partner sold to Hooker & Co, who forced out the other partners & ran the stores into the ground. It was a fantastic place, that in this day & age, we will never see the likes of again. Everyone now loves " big box" and not finery.
ReplyDeleteI worked in B. Altman's while in High School during the Christmas season in 1955. They kept me on after the holidays. I worked in the shipping department and eventually trained the new girls on how to pack merchandise for shipping. After I graduated, I worked as a full-time employee and also worked on the selling floors doing special gift wrapping. I also remember the great buys we got in 915. My closest friend was Mary Chimenti. I wish I knew how to reach her now, but don't know her married name. We both worked in shipping. Vincent Palermo was head of the shipping department. I also met my husband Phil Giuliani while working there. I left B. Altman's when I had my child. My maiden name is Rosemarie Tardibuono. If anyone knows Mary Chimenti, I would love to get in touch with her.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to find this site. My grandmother Isabella Klein worked in the engraved stationery department for almost 50 years at the Fifth Avenue store. Altmans was indeed a family store to us and almost everything in our home came from Altmans. I lived in a two family house with my grandparents upstairs so I saw my grandmother daily. If I ever needed anything clothing-wise, makeup-wise or accessory-wise, she brought it home for me. Since we lived on Long Island and Thursday nights were Altmans late nights, my grandfather drove into Manhattan to bring my grandmother and a few of her colleagues home. I usually accompanied him and luckily got to do a little shopping before the store closed.
ReplyDeleteAltmans was a huge part of my life and seeing it close broke my heart.
I grew up in Lansing, Michigan. While in college at Michigan State I worked at a travel agency and was receiving travel benefits. I knew "Bloomingdales" was one of New York's big splashy stores, and just before I embarked on my first trip to New York in 1976, I was mentioning the fact to the owner/buyer of one of Lansing's better gift stores who was a client at the agency where I worked. She emphatically informed me that "No, no, no, Bloomingdales is not that great. In fact the very best quality department store in New York City is B ALTMAN & Co" And with that, (though I did still go to Bloomies) I also got down to Altman's, where I bought a nifty sport shirt with the label of an unknown name at that time, called "Polo by Ralph Lauren..."
ReplyDeleteLost my whole comment when the screen went to Google Blogspot!! Try again...This is a wonderful site; departmentstoremuseum and blog. I found it searching for records of the Furniture Department at Altman's. My Mother furnished our apartment, later house, in 1956 from Altman's (and maybe 1 other store). She chose Grosfeld House Furniture, then made in Brooklyn. Mostly traditional designs with a Modern twist. I have been researching two chairs I have left; Regency style sort of. The label mentions "horsehair" as the padding in the back rest; caning on the seat and "latex foam" in the seat cushion. A combination from Thomas Edison creating/discovering "latex rubber" and horsehair leftover from the 19th century! Anyway, I am seeking any paperwork, catalogues, purchase orders from Altmans. Is there any other retiress besides "Mary" (mentioned in 2011 here) who might be helpful? I think the Style 3 is 4362 on the two arm chairs.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love all these posts about my favorite store of all time....I had the privilege of being hired there one Christmas over 30 years ago and I never go long without a cherished memory. I began in the Delicacies Dept. and worked in several areas after that, as I was kept on. I can still remember the plush ladies' lounges and the incomparable Charleston Garden lunches........Oh, please, does anyone have pictures, as those were the days when we did NOT have a cell phone or a digital camera as part of our clothing! I would so love to see pictures of the store as it once was, and my search online has proved unfruitful............Sheila
ReplyDeleteI am in possession of a beautiful wooden jewelry box with glass top circa 1900 or before, depicting a 17th century man woman and spaniel dog. Clock on wall is at 11:30. (Im thinking p.m.) She is walking to the door and he wants to prevent her departure. I would love to know more about it, the age and purpose of the box and of course value. Now tht I know the history of the company and how cherished the memories of your audience, the box will be preserved and not used.
ReplyDeleteThe section of this site devoted to Altmans seems to be the one with the most responses. I think this speaks volumes about the legacy of the Altman's culture and people working there. I posted several posts up (I worked there while a college student at Columbia and met my wife, who also worked at Altmans ....now married 32 years.) Everytime I pass the B Altman building I am a 21 year old man again=== in love, hopeful and filled with the bitter sweet memories of the store and the way it left us. Sounds corny but I loved the people and the promise --that one day I too will be an Altmans customer. So many great memories in the B Altman building. The beauty of the store and a young mans heart beating faster as he looked for the woman he loved!
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather on my mother's side bought my graduation pearls at B. Altman's, and my grandmother, on my father's side, had a gorgeous set of graduated pearls with a diamond clasp, also from Altman's. I still have both sets. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of working in the 34th Street store right out of High School 1985.It was the best working experience of my life. I met many fine people & a few celebrities while working there. I started out in the Bottom Line Dept & was in many different dept's after that. I ended up working for Intimate Apparel after it was remodeled ( 2nd floor) My favorite place in the store was The Charleston Gardens. I wish I had a picture of it. I have many fond memories of BAltman & Co. I loved the prize winning Christmas windows. Thank you for coming up w/ this reunion of memories!! There will never be another place like this ever! Denise
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical name: B. Altman & Co! If you spent $50.00 at Altman's you got your $50.00's worth. B. Altman's was absolutely the last of the 'carriage trade' stores where respect and civility reigned. All employees knew each other by first name but out on the sales floor and in front of customers it was always, "Miss, Mrs. or Mr." ... especialy when addressing your manager or department buyer. I worked at the Fifth Avenue store in the 'seventies - sixth floor, Toys (but your directory lists it on the eighth?). The stockroom windows overlooked Fifth Avenue and on a snowy winter day the view was right out of a Thomas Kincaide painting. I remember well the old open-cage employee elevators (employee entrance was on 34th then downstairs to the long rows of dark green metal lockers to hang your coat) and the employee cafeteria (12th floor?)... great mac & cheese! In the late 'eighties I worked at the Fashion Center branch in Ridgewood, NJ. Behind the scenes we used to crack about some of the older and more monied regular shoppers. It was generally accepted you didn't lunch at Charleston Gardens unless you had blue-rinsed hair and wore support hose! While working in the Ridgewood branch I bought my wife a new coat, of course with a generous employee discount. Once while leaving work she had the coat over her arm with that famous label exposed. A co-worker saw it and exclaimed, "B. Altman's?" To which my wife replied, "I said I needed a new coat and my husband brought this home for me." Her friend said, "I wish MY husband loved me enough to buy ME a coat from B. Altman's!" I was with them right through bankruptcy and closure. Sad. The Australian real estate company that destroyed B. Altman's was named Hooker, a name we thought quite appropriate since - as we said at the time - they prostituted the good name of the store. Altman's holiday commercials would always end with the tagline, "Be merry, B. Altman's." That last holiday season a smart-mouthed TV news reporter ended a piece about the store's impending demise with the comment, "Be bankrupt, B. Altman's." It was not amusing. Each Christmas Altman's would put out a special piece of china - usually a mug or cup and saucer - in white with a gold design always with the store's famous caligraphy "B.A&Co" logo and year on the bottom. I have two mugs from the last year, 1990, decorated with the New York skyline: Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Woolworth Building, United Nations, World Trade Center, and of course the Fifth Avenue store. I also have a booklet on the history of B. Altman's put out by the company in the 1960's. Did you know Altman's was the first department store to purchase a fleet of horseless delivery vans? Not for the sake of keeping current but rather to cut out the expense of stabling their many delivery van horses! Altman's always bought the best and they ordered their new electric-powered delivery vans directly from the world's largest vehicle manufacturer - who had also made the store's custom-built horse-drawn vans - Studebaker Brothers. Those last few months at B. Altman's were bittersweet. I do remember the employees organized the Altman's Alumni Association but lost track of it as I needed to get on with my life. Every so often as I pass the Fifth Avenue store or the Fashion Center I remember the last department store where employees were regarded as civilized human beings not associate numbers. Be merry, B. Altman's.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your memories . . . truly, Altman's was a spectacularly good store, which makes it so much more of a shame that it isn't with us anymore.
ReplyDeleteJudging by the number of comments received about the store, we are not the only ones that feel that way!
I would love to see that history brochure - any chance it could be scanned and sent to The Department Store Museum? (bakgraphics@comcast.net)
Bruce
Bruce:
ReplyDeleteI will try to remember where I have that B. Altman's pamphlet ... I do remember it has a yellowish cover with the caligraphy B.A&Co. logo embossed in gold. When I find it I will try to scan it. By the way, I still have (somewhere) my employee ID and name tags from Altman's and my time at Stern's. Would you believe we have a set of cups and saucers with the B. Altman's stickers still on? I'm beginning to think my house may be a treasure-trove of defunct department store price tags and boxes!
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAltman's evokes a lot of memories, and I would think any time you see a tag, box, or anything with the Altman logo, a sense of nostalgia would be summoned.
It would be fantastic to share that booklet with Museum visitors.
Thanks for your interest.
Bruce
I would like to have anyone who worked in the New York B. Altman's store in the Fine Jewlery Department in the earlier days (50's possibly) contact me. I have been researching a necklace for over 2 years and have not been able to resolve questions I have about this rare and beautiful piece. Contact me at leuchtw@yahoo.com...Awaiting someone please - Pat
ReplyDeleteI am the owner of a B. Altman&Co. Spring and Summer catalog dated 1897. If anyone is interested contact me @ billglend@yahoo.com Bill
ReplyDeleteis anyone looking any women knit top blouse styled by apollo, new york? or c.crawford Hollidge
ReplyDeleteIn 1989 I bought a charcoal-grey, double-twill tweed, double-breasted overcoat at the Murray Hill Collection boutique at B. Altman's in Manhattan.
ReplyDeleteIts not cold enough to have worn it often but I have worn it every year since then.
I brought it to a tailor to let it out a bit last year. He was so impressed with its quality that he threw in a whole new black silk lining and resowed in the original label.
The coat is heavy, warm and timeless. What a great store Altman's was.
I worked at b. Altman's from 1984 to 1989 when it closed up in the customer service dept. Can't remember what floor it was on, but I think it was the 10th floor. I was 17 when I started and thought to my self after a few months, I'll be working here forever. I loved working there...loved shopping there...loved helping customers over the phone. There are so many fond memories I have of this wonderful store. Anita
ReplyDeleteAs a child, shopping trips to the 5th Ave Altman's were so special to me. When Altman's opened at The Fashion Center in Paramus we went there also...I continued the tradition with my children. Altman's closed,but the original graciousness of the store and it's employees never will. After being closed down, the Paramus store posted a farewell letter on its doors. It thanked the customers and the final line was: 'Altman's. It was always a pleasure'.
ReplyDeleteFascinated to read about such a well-loved store. I only visited it in its death-throes and it was very sad.The restaurant was just-about still there and visitors were very few...I would have loved to have seen it as all your correspondents so fondly describe it. Over here in London we have Harrods and Peter Jones, but B. Altman's sounds even better!
ReplyDeleteI know this may be trivia but I remember the first time I was in Altman's in the 1960's at St. Davids on the main line.The parking lot lights were like the ones on the suburban parkways around NYC and the architecture and interiors were exceptional( quiet sophistication) fitting in perfectly to the setting.And to a kid the escalators rode as smooth as velvet.The lady who paged and did the public announcements was from England and added to the atmosphere that was Altman's.
ReplyDeleteAltman's... ah, my favorite place to shop. My family's budget was Macy's/Ohrbach's, but for very special occasions we might go to Altman's - and of course seeing Altman's Christmas windows was a "must" for us!
ReplyDeleteAs an adult, I loved being able to shop there and I still have my Altman's "credit card".
Does anyone remember (this was in the late 1950's or early 60's)the "Penny Bank Shop" - which was set up for children to buy inexpensive gifts for their family members? (And to train a new generation of Altman's shoppers, of course!) My aunt took me to Altman's one year just for this, and when my small purchases were wrapped for me to take home, I also received a little ceramic piggy-bank (about 4" long). Above the coin slot it says "B. Altman & Co." in their classic script, and below the coin slot are the words "PENNY BANK SHOP". I have this piggy bank to this day, and cherish it and the memories it brings back.
Also, does anyone remember their recorded music "loop" that played during the Christmas shopping season? It played just inside the main doors, where you entered the store from 5th Avenue. I can faintly hear it playing in my head: "All the joys of Christmas at Altman's" or something similar. I wish I'd owned a tape-recorder back then, because I'd love to hear that Christmas "jingle" again.
I have so many memories of Altman's - their fabric department (to swoon for!), their incredible notions department, etc. I always felt very "grown-up" buying gloves at the glove bar (and I can picture it clear as day in my mind's eye).
Thanks for having this blog!
No, thank you for your wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteBruce
Does anyone have info about a B. Altman & c\Co. store in Cincinnati, OH 1988-1990?
ReplyDeleteAt an estate sale today I purchased what looks to be a heavy silver poodle face. On the back of it reads "Made in Italy" and B. Altman and Co. Has anyone seen or know what it is worth? Or where I might find info about it?
ReplyDeleteB. Altman's was my first job while in H.S. I started as a seasonal packer and was retained through out High School. It was a magnificent store with impeccable standards. The dress code was strict working both on the sales floor and off the sales floor. Does anyone remember the terrific lunchroom with full hot meal service at a bargain cost? Or their employee thrift shop or 9/15 program?
ReplyDeleteMUrray Hill 9-7000 listed as the store's number is incorrect. In the 1970s I was an operator on the 10-position cord switchboard at the flagship store. The main number was ORegon 9-7800. The number listed here was used in newspapers and television ads for telephone orders.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a treasure this site is! That it exists in fact, is a testamnet to the social aspect, and not just acquistive nature, of shopping in twentieth century America. The shopping experience was redolant with symblolism. Beyond this was of course the opportunity for exchange; with shop keepers, fellow shoppers and our shopping companions. The gracious halls of all manner of booty was, in some ways, merely a backdrop for our lives. I do remember Altmans with great fondness. The small wall fountains in marble in the foyer ushered one into the hushed halls. Altmans in particular, was an isle of calm off busy 34th Street. The air subtley scented with perfumes on the main floor. Yes, there was something distinctly calming about Altmans compared with other department stores of the period. Always very understated. I suppose this was their downfall; in an era that venerated brash sales tactics, Altmans became an anachronism. Still, I'm glad to learn that others share these same fond memories and recollections.
ReplyDeleteI have been searching help relating to the Bakery Department at the Short Hills store circa 1960s and 70s - I am looking for help locating the recipe for the famous Honey Loaf sold in their bakery. I have been working to track this down for years and years. Please send any information you can to me at gchanley@aol.com. I would be eternally grateful. I suspect this was also sold in the New York store. Many, many thanks!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSome above says what a treasure this site is - agreed and double agreed. My Mom worked there in the 50s in I believe ladies dresses.
ReplyDeleteI have a fabulous faux fur full length coat with B Altman Fifth Avenue New York label, and Styled by Russell Taylor label. Any interest, please email me. Thanks
pbarsalona@yahoo.com - please title it B Altman in case it goes to spam.
What a glorious website! Tonight I was going through some old boxes and found a small coat that belonged to my daughter when she was a toddler. Since she is 43 I had no idea where it came from but the lace trim was so lovely. I looked at the label and saw Mode Enfant so I typed it in my computer. And there it was. Memories came flooding back about the trip her grandmother and I took her on from Alabama to New York. Tears streamed down my face thinking how many years ago that was. Thank you for making my Saturday night quite eventful.
ReplyDelete30 year ago I bought my first Steinbach nutcracker at B Altman in Willow Grove. It was the first Christmas the store was open and the department was run by an amazing woman Ronnie Graf. I was a part of the staff that trained in the St Davids store, was there at the opening,was promoted to the NY store and was part of the team that came down to close the store. I worked in the Paramus store and ended my tenure at B Altman's in Short Hills. A lot of history, a lot of good memories and wonderful people that helped direct the course of my life. I just put the nutcracker on display it's still in the original box with the B Altman and Co. price tag. If I could have one thing it would be the recipe for apricot croissants. They used to bake them in St Davids and send them to Willow Grove because we didn't have a Charleston Gardens.
ReplyDeleteDid the B. Altman company ever make a wrist watch that said B. ALTMAN on the face? I don't know much about the company but as my name is B. Altman and I thought it would be great to have one. If anyone has one for sale I am interested.
ReplyDeleteThanks
B. Altman
Each time my mother shopped at the B. Altman at Short Hills, she would bring home chocolate brownies from the Bakery. These delicacies were superb!! They were oversized rectangles with a luscious chocolate ganache icing piped on top. In the 1980's the Bakery had to remove the hazelnuts, because some of the older customers were losing their fillings.
ReplyDeleteIt was not uncommon to see women shopping at Short Hills with their dogs, their bubalas as elegantly coiffed as they.
I was in the Fifth Avenue store one Christmas season, an absolute madhouse! What a stately store - only surpassed by John Wanamaker.
If anyone has the brownie recipe, I would be much obliged. Never tasted a sweet quite so nice since Altman's closed.
Thank you, Paul
jerseypaul@hotmail.com
I have such fond memories of the 34th street store. My grandmother worked there for many years on the phones taking orders. She loved to shop for me in the thrift store and I must say I was one of the best dressed kids in school. Each season, she'd outfit me with a few dresses and a good winter coat before school started. I distinctly remember entering the store onto those beautifully aged wooden floors and going up the caged elevators. Such an exquisite store down to the red boxes with golden elastic ties. B. Altman's offered me a sense of class as a kid that has remained with me to this day. Beautiful store. Wonderful memories. So sad to see it gone.
ReplyDeleteFifth Avenue Altman's was the place to go with Dad and get your blue blazer and grey slacks. Actually I started off with blue blazer and grey shorts. Different days. Dad was all business, in through the Madison Avenue entrance right into the Men's dept. on the first floor and back out. With Mom, it was enter through Fifth Avenue, walk all 8 floors and have lunch in between. Little did I know that 30 years later I'd end up buying an apartment and live across the street in the former Bond Dept. store building. Very happy this great building was not lost and now houses City University.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know how much vintage Stern's, Baltman and Bloomingdales paper bags are from the late 60's to 70's? I have about 100+ of them. Please email me @ asecondglancethrift@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI remember my mother shopping at the Altman's in St. David's when I was very young, I used to love going there because they had a playhouse in the children's department and we used to always stay for lunch. Glad to see the memories are still alive!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful site it oozes nostalgia. I spent my entire day reading every comment smiling, and tearing with Joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks a million for that everyone.
I was researching a beautiful piece that was given to me 2 years ago.
The Tag on the back of the credenza says "Collectors Group-This piece was handmade by expert cabinetmakers under our supervision
Made in 1935 No. 7031 B Altman & Co"
If anyone has any information please contact me missfitt615@aol.com kindly use B. Altman as the subject.
Continued Blessings
Stephanie
B Altman had a wonderful antiques dept and had
ReplyDeletereproductions made, and marked appropriately. The
orginal owner, Benjalmin Altman had a particular
interest in Asia, I think. I have reproductions of
"Japanese Porcelain Ware Decorated in Hong Kong with B Altman" signature. My Mother would make regular trips to the antique departments of both
Macy's and B Altman...walking from Penn Station to
Macy's first and on up to B Altman!
The deep window sills at B Altman were where my 2
very small boys sat waiting with me one summer day and many stopped to admire them in their matching outfits (including saddleshoes) and healthy complexions acquired in Arizona. The boys were fascinated with the hubbub and the steam coming out of the grates in the streets! They loved seeing "Oliver" one summer and "Sound of Music" another. In Phila the Eagle at Wanamakers was the place to meet...in
NYC the window "sills" at B Altman was our spot.
Great memories...thanks for letting me reminisce and read your memories.
Your memories are pretty great, too - especially the ones of your boys on the window sills!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing them.
Bruce
My aunt would bring me when I was young to the store during the Christmas season and see and hear the sounds of Xmas as I went thru the store. Little did i know i would be working there in my senior year of high school and thru college. From Staten Island - on the Staten Island Ferry then the R train.
ReplyDeleteHas time gone that quickly (1977 - 1983). I worked as a stockboy in women hosiery for many years and worked with many pretty women. The buyer Maryann Visco was a person that was not easy to get along with but I enjoyed it. My boss Allan Ditizon gave me the responsibility of setting up the Willow Grove merchanise as the store was being built in Pa. Then on to import expeditor. I go buy the store from time to time and it brings back found memories of a time gone buy. Worked Thurs night and then Saturday for a whole $3.15 per hour. Had fun there and it was family.Worked during the summers , made some money and even went up the Empire State Building before I left. Reading the comments brought back a flood of memories .Thank You All
Paul D
PJD959@aol.com
I was a stockboy at the St. David's store, in Radnor, PA. It was my first job. I worked there after school, and during the summers,from 1968-1970. I remember I was working there the day we first landed on the moon. I was a student at Radnor High School, and would walk to work after school. If I remember correctly,my suppervisor was Mr.Harry Harris,(the head of Shipping and resieving). I also worked as a dishwasher,and busboy in the kitchen of the Charlston Gardens, in 1970. . It was one of the best jobs I had, and the nicest people and company I ever worked for.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments - especially to say "the nicest people and company I ever worked for." How many people can understand what that means today?
ReplyDeleteI would love to have an image of the St. Davids store to post, preferably a store rendering like the ones I do show, and certainly from the time that it was B. Altman's, before the demised of this most loved and respected of department stores.
Bruce
I remember shopping at the White Plains store, nothing like B. Altmans, and Bonwit Tellers on 5th ave. Sad day when Bonwits was torn down to make Trump Tower. I have a raincoat from B. Altmans, and my Mom had a desk from that store. When I was a kid, my Mom, would by allot of my clothes from their. Someone needs to bring back both these store, to their former glory, selling high end clothes, and accessories.
ReplyDeleteI worked for B Altman's from 1975 to 1985. I started as a stock boy in Manhasset and went on to become a buyer in the New York store. It is Altman's that shaped me into the fine person I have become. It wasn't just another job. You were taught and you were surrounded by the best merchandise and customers. You were treated with respect and a family atmosphere. It was a privilege to come to work each day. As buyers we were treated very well. I loved that no one used your first name on the selling floor. As a buyer, I was able to visit each store location and even helped set-up the Willow-Grove store. When news came that the store was being sold to a group I decided to leave because I knew that life there would change. It broke my heart when the doors closed right after Christmas. Michael Marchitto
ReplyDeleteI worked at B. Altman's from 1979 to 1984, in the 8th floor Art Gallery, which sold autograph letters, rare maps, rare books and all kinds of art, from the 18th century to the 20th. Robert Tollett, "Bob", was the buyer who found all the treasures we sold. He searched the USA and Europe for the items we sold. It was where the most expensive & special gifts could be purchased. I sold to Dame Joan Sutherland, Jessye Norman, many opera singers from the Met. ,actors and theatre people, writers such as Lillian Hellman. Jackie Onassis, The King of Spain purchased rare maps from the gallery. B. Altman did leave the store to several charities, such at the Met. Museum, and other NYC museums, the 13 Rembrandts in the Met. were Altmans! In the early 1980's, the president of B. Altman & Co. went to Washington D. C. to meet personally with President Ronald Regan, to try and restore the tax exempt status, but to no avail. Slowly the store died and it could not keep up with the other retail giants. B. Altman & Co. had an interior design department which did over parts of the White House, Katherine Hepburn's NYC. brownstone, the renderings of these jobs were framed and placed on the wall of the design Dept. Hattie Green, "the witch of wall street", John Wanamaker and others loaned B. Altman the money to build this, his final store. I remember there was a natural spring which ran under the store, providing each "selling floor" cool spring water from carved marble fountains. The Charleston Gardens Restaurant, 8th floor, served mainly lunches and like Wanamaker's (Macys), in Philadelphia, people say, " meet me at the Eagle', people in NY. would say meet me at the Charleston Gardens". Altman wanted to build on top of the 13 floors and the structure was planned for this when the original foundation was constructed. As far as I know, Altman's was the only East Coast store to have a Williamsburg Shop. Fur repair and cold storage, rare china and crystal, custom designed stationary, watch repair were all in house services.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother lived in Manhattan in the 20's while she was at the Art Students League. I inherited a welsh dresser from her that I always adored, and if my memory serves, she bought it used from B, Altman's. does anyone know if they sold used furniture at that time?
ReplyDeletein regard to Sanibelle, 26, April,2013 question concerning used furniture. Altman's sold antiques at one time, I am not sure of these years. I know this to be true as there is a book intitled, "FOX, The Last Word...story of the world's finest theatre" by Preston J. Kaufmann, pub. 1979. This theatre, built in 1929, was as the title state. The furniture and objects, 17th & 18th century European, were from the "Altman Art Galleries. Mrs. Fox used the "real thing", antique items from the palaces of Russia, bronzes and period paintings, needlework, clocks, etc. all from the Altman Galleries. When I arrived at Altman's, in 1979, working in the Galleries on the 8th floor, many 17th & 18th century portraits were being sold, they were also used in displays on the 7th floor, in the furniture department. I purchased an 18th century portrait of William Paley, D.D. on the famous "915".
ReplyDeleteI worked after school and all day on Saturdays in the fall of 1967 as a "carrier". I kid you not; that was my title. I would bring packages from the thirteenth floor wrap desk down to the basement on the 35th Street and Madison Avenue corner of the building where they would be sent up to the UPS trucks after men would pull part of the shipping label off of each parcel. The volume of "sends" was enormous Much of the merchandise consisted of children's personlaized backpacks,umbrellas and raincoats. . We used a special elevator located around the corner of the Madison Avenue entrance. The operator was named Mary and I think that she was Irish. The 13th floor also had the tailor who apparently did the alterations for the branches. One day, he had a suit for a customer from the St. David's store and it HAD to get out that day. Every evening, about 5pm, the employee cafeteria would fill up with people who had second jobs doing the paperwork for the mail and phone orders. Saturdays were very,very busy. I would work as assigned and was exhausted by 6pm. One day,I had to go to a sub-basement to fetch an umbrella box and the man working down there looked as if he had been there forever. It was quite a box with the then discontinued"BA&Co" swirly logo in gold. The logo was cut out of the white paper of the box and placed atop a piece of a piece of bright gold paper. In other words, it just wasn't printed on the white paper. Through the 70's and 80's they started to economize on the quality of the boxes BUT they were the real thing nonetheless---not the folding kind. I often thought that they should have tried to capture the children's business of Best & Co. after Bests was sold for its valuable real estate and put out of business by the ethically challenged corporate raider of that era, Meshulam Riklis. Remember the men's store was on the main and sixth floors until it was all consolidated on the main floor. I purchased a camel hair polo coat in 1984 with the Murray Hill collection label. What a fabulous garment and made in USA by union workers. I still have it---a 40L which had to be altered around the waist area. I haven't worn it in years because I can't due to my inability to button it. I hold onto it hoping that one of these days, I will again fit it. Mary was there as late as 1985. Its last Christmas was very sad, the reused "Williamsburg" themed mechanical windows were in a state of disrepair. The sight of the main floor was truly heartbreaking. The salesclerks of today could not even write up a salescheck. I hate to say it, but I think L&T will be next to fall. May Co. really cheapened the franchise
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