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| Click to see the beautiful new book about Younkers by Vicki Ingham |
View of Younkers from 8th and Walnut Street
The Younkers building from 7th and Walnut Streets
Younkers Parkade an 7th and Locust Streets
Younker & Brothers
7th and Walnut Streets
Des Moines, Iowa 50397 (1899)
DOWNTOWN STORE DIRECTORY 400,000 sq. ft.
Basement
Younkers Budget Store • The Coffee House
First Floor
Men’s Furnishings • Men’s Actionwear • Fashion Jewelry • Better Jewelry • Fine Jewelry • Silverware • Hosiery • Slippers • Handkerchiefs • Gloves • Handbags • The Pampered Pantry • Candy • Bakery • Flower Shop
First Floor West
Toiletries • Cosmetics • Notions • Stationery • Neckwear • Millinery Hat Bar • Boulevard Sportswear • Fashion Street Lingerie • Shoe Stop •
Balcony
The Optician • Books • Stark Travel Service
Second Floor
College and Career Shop • Coats ands Suits • Dresses • Casual Colony • Kay Whitney Shop • Blouse Shop • Blouse Bar • Swim Shop
Second Floor West
World of Shoes • Shoe Salon • Pappagallo Shop • Etienne Aigner Shop • Junior Shoes • Children’s Shoes • Sports Shop • Action Sportswear • Millinery Salon • Fur Salo • Carriage Corner • Bridal Salon • Galerie 9
Third Floor
Collegiate Sportswear • Junior Dresses • Emphasis • Junior Deb Shop • Teen Shop • Young Iowan Lingerie • Young Fashionable 7-14 • Crayon Crowd 3-6x • Toddler Inn • Babyland • Layette Shop • Uniforms • Maternity Shop •
Third Floor West
Daytime Casuals • Fashion Plus • Lingerie • Loungewear • Daywear • Corsetry • Uniforms • Daytime Dresses • Maison Lorenzo Beauty Salon • Canned Ego Salon
Fourth Floor
The Man’s Shop • Wynbrooke Shop • Men’s Shoes • Sports Shop for Men • Youngmen’s Shop • Boys’ Shop • Boys' Corral • Coin and Stamp Center
Fourth Floor West
Photo Reflex Studio • Gifts
Fifth Floor
Fashions-by-the-Yard • White Sewing Center • Art Needlework • The Tea Room • The Sweet Shoppe • The French Room • French Room Boutique • French Room Hats
Sixth Floor
Housewares • Small Electrics • Linens • Domestics • The Bath Shop
PARKADE
Lower Level
Sportsman’s World • Luggage • Toys
First Floor
Camera Center • Boulevard Shop • Candies • Deli • Bakery • The Pantry
STORE FOR HOMES
Downstairs
Appliances • Records • Sound Shop • Televisions
First Floor
China • Glassware • Crystal
Balcony
Gifts
Second Floor
Carpeting
Third Floor
Draperies
Fourth Floor
Decorator Studios • Gift Studio • Lamps
Fifth Floor
Living Rooms • Chairs
Sixth Floor
Bedrooms • Sleep Shop
Seventh Floor
Dining Rooms • Occasional Furniture • Casual Furniture
BRANCH STORES
Ames
Nov 28, 1941
314 Main Street
September 7, 1944
S. Federal & 1st St. N.W.
60,000 sq. ft.
Fort Dodge (1947)
828 Central Ave.
Marshalltown (1948)
22 E. Main St.
37,000 sq. ft.
4th & Pierce
162,000 sq. ft.
Ottumwa (1949)
129 E. Main St.
Iowa City (Yetter’s 1951)
115 E. Washington St.
37,000 sq. ft.
Rock Island (1956)
2nd Ave & W. 17th St.
Oskaloosa (1957)
116-118 High St.
16,000 sq. ft.
November 1, 1958
Sterling Shopping Center
Merle Hay Plaza (1959)
Des Moines
195,000 sq. ft.
The Meadowlark
Bettendorf (1960)
Duck Creek Plaza
60,000 sq. ft.
Newton (1960)
1st. Ave. & 17th St.
15,000 sq. ft.
Spencer (1960)
1900 Grand Ave. N.
15,000 sq. ft.
Cedar Rapids
100,000 sq. ft.
Eastgate (1964)
Des Moines
Burlington Fairway (1967)
Dubuque (1968)
Kennedy Center
126,000 sq. ft.
Ames
1970
North Grand Plaza
Davenport (1973)
NorthPark Mall
105,000 sq. ft.
Moline IL (1974)
SouthPark Mall
107,000 sq. ft.
Austin MN (1975)
Oak Park Mall
45,000 sq. ft.
Southridge Mall (1975)
101,000 sq. ft.
The Peacock Room
Sioux Falls (1975)
Empire Mall
105,000 sq. ft.
Newton Mall (1977)
Newton
Westland (1977)
West Burlington
47,000 sq. ft.
Westdale Mall (1979)
Cedar Rapids
100,000 sq. ft.
Crossroads Mall (1979)
Fort Dodge
54,000 sq. ft.
Old Capitol Mall (1980)
Iowa City
60,000 sq. ft.
Southern Hills Mall (1980)
Sioux City
90,000 sq. ft.
I have never lived in Iowa, nor have I ever visited a Younkers store. However, in the 1920s when Younkers at 7th & Walnut in Des Moines was still a new and impressive downtown establishment, my parents, who were students at Drake University, were loyal and enthusiastic patrons. As a child in Boston, I heard considerable reminiscence by both my mother and dad about the role that Younkers had played in their young adult lives. Of particular interest to me was Mother's recitation about the farewell luncheon which she hosted in Younkers' tearoom for her female friends on the day before her marriage... and about the last minute trip which she made downtown to Younkers with her mother and sisters on the morning of her wedding to purchase a girdle to wear beneath her wedding dress. Mother was petite in those days -- about 5'3" and 100 lbs -- so one would wonder if that trip were really necessary. This month is the 80th anniversary of those occasions. Although my parents and everyone else who could have elaborated upon this aspect of my family history have been gone for many years, I did find myself recently thinking about the events of that November so many decades ago.Younkers came into my mind and I did go to the Internet to see if I could access anything about the history of the store. I was both surprised and pleased to run across this site and to see both a picture of the Younkers store at 7th & Walnut and a copy of a directory for its floor space. Perverse as it may seem, I have enjoyed seeing an image of the location where my mother ate only a few hours before marrying my father... and learning of the layout of the store where she purchased the much-chuckled-about wedding corset. My thanks to the person(s) who conceptualized and created this site.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a lovely anecdote. Truly, these institutions were a part of peoples' lives in a way that retailers are not today. Your eloquent comments are touching, and a testimony to the life your parents created for you, with richness and great human value.
If you could get me your e-mail address, I may be able to send you a page from the newspaper on or about the day your parents were married.
Kind regards:
Bruce
I discovered this web site quite by accident, and was pleasantly surprised to find your section about Younkers! Like many of us of a certain age, I grew up thinking of Younkers as "my store." This is where I visited Santa at Christmas, and always hoped for a gift that came inside a Younkers box (especially the Christmas box that had the Spode Christmas tree on it). My hometown is Sioux City, where the 2 local stores (T.S. Martin's and Davidson's) merged with Younkers long before I was born, and it brought back great memories to see the pictures of both in this section. I'm sure people younger than me do not have the same emotional connection to any store, but it is gratifying to know that the Younkers name still exists. Thanks for sharing these pictures and information!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dennis!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comments very much. Younker's was certainly an institution, as it dominated the retail map of Iowa for many years. It apparently took the role as "Iowa's Store" very seriously, if the fond memories of many people like yourself are accurate.
It seems to me that the department store played a very important role in many people's lives . . . it really was a "bridge" of sorts between people and the producers of merchandise. People put great faith in the store to provide quality and a pleasant experience as well. Today, I think people are more fixed on brand names, no matter how little is behind them, than they are on the retail entity which serves them.
It may be just the way things are, but to have lost all of what you refer to as "the emotional connection" is in my opinion a great tragedy of our age.
BAK
Younkers was center in my Youth,,oh so Big, to my
ReplyDeleteeyes growing up. The Fabulous Rarebit Burger, on
Moms Payday,, Top Quality, above our income level,
Meet you under the Clock, that special little gift for Mom and Dad,,waiting upstairs for them to be
Gift wrapped, the old fashioned way...Elevators,
Moving Stairs,,Big Stuff,
Oh and Christmas,,the Unvailing of those Winter
Wonderland, Windows,,Corner of 7th and Walnut was
always special, Christmas lights everywhere,,Beautiful Decorations inside,,and the
best till last,,,,Toyland
On 8th Street, across from the Main Store,
The Toyland of all Toylands,,Trains set up,,
all Toys on display,,for your dreams,,Actually
got a wonderful Christmas Surprise from there,
in 1947,,Most beautiful Lionel Train Set, you
could ever dream of,,,will never know, or want
to know where the money came from,,,but my Parents made sure that i had that set,,that
i spent so much time at Toyland,,,wishing...
Wonderful Store, 40s was a great time to grow
up in Des Moines Iowa,, great memories for sure.
Guy Craig,,Surprise, Az
I can totally relate to the aforementioned descriptions. I remember Younkers from my very early youth in the early to mid 1960's. The escalators and the elevators which were then manned by an elevator operator. A real live person! "Going Up?" And that yummy distinct Younkers Department Store smell. Holidays, back to school, everything. I loved going with my mother while she spent countless hours shopping. It really was the creme` de la creme` of department stores in Des Moines, IA.
ReplyDeleteJust today I looked up Younkers in Des Moines, IA and found that it closed in 2005. How sad!! The best department store I have ever been in. I have lived most of my adult life in Phoenix, AZ and there is nothing like Younkers out her and there never will be.
ReplyDeleteI will be 70 on my next birthday--born and raised in Iowa close to Des Moines and we made trips to Younkers all my life when I lived in Iowa. I used to work at Employers Mutual Casualty Company just a block south of Younkers.
My mother started work at Younkers after my dad died in 1961 and worked there until she was 68 years old (the last three years were part-time)
I just feel so sad that Younkers is not in Des Moines anymore--that was really the main thing downtown, and we used to go to Younkers out at Merle Hay at times--it was closer from home when we were not working. I remember the Christmas windows--there was just nothing like it anywhere else around.
So sad that the people in Des Moines let that store go--I can't imagine what they have downtown now.
I also remember the Tea Room at Younkers someone else has mentioned. There is nothing like that around anymore. We just loved the Younkers' Tea Room.
There are still many Younkers stores, 4 remain in the Des Moines area at Merle Hay, Southridge, Valley West and Jordan Creek Malls; but the main store downtown closed.
DeleteI have wonderful memories of the beautiful windows at the Sioux City store. Visiting Santa in the corner window was always exciting. The (what i considered elderly) ladies that wanted to help you fit a bra was another story as a teenager shopping for herself.
ReplyDeleteIt was a sad day when the took down the Martin's store. The mezzanine was always decorated so nicely, and you felt like you were walking into a castle or something when you could look up.
Main Street Keokuk is searching for an image of the first Younkers brothers (Lipman, Samuel, Marcus) for its Walk of Fame. Anyone know where we might be able to locate a photo or a print? Thanks for your help. < iaplowing1@juno.com >
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know about Younkers having a music label many years ago? I have a 45rpm record with a Younkers label.
ReplyDeleteI have a watercolor done by Kerr S Forman and on the back there is a lable; Younker Brothers Picture and Gift shop. Did YB do framing?
ReplyDeletefuzzhpsn@yahoo.com
YB did do framing. My great grandfather, Frank Heinze, was a framer between 1910 and 1930 at the Des Moines store.
ReplyDeleteI have a Buzza print that must have been framed by your great-grandfather. It is stamped on the back: The Exclusive Picture and Frame Shoppe Frank Heinze, Prop. Des Moines The print is "If" by Rudyard Kipling c. 1910 I would love to hear more about it.
ReplyDeletemjbrower@air-pipe.com
My cousins wedding reception was at the Younkers Tea Room, just a couple of months before it closed. I loved it and the history. I wonder what its being used for now? I've lived in Des Moines my whole life, and whenever I get the chance, I love driving through the downtown area and try to picture what it was like in the 1920's and '30's.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteI am pleased to tell you and any other curious souls out there that the Tea Room is now in use again after a devestating fire in 2013. The floors below it are all modern, clean apartments, and the Tea Room is still on the 6th floor.
While it is no longer a functioning resturant, the Tea Room is available to be rented as a venue for weddings, anniversaries, private parties, recitals, and any other event. It has been restored to it's former glory, with the original moldings, flooring, balconies, and many other features. (The only major change is the color of the curtains) The Tea Room also hosts monthly tea parties and cocktail hours, which are open to the public.
While it will never be the same as it was back in the day, the Tea Room is making a big impact on this generation of Iowans, and it stands as a symbol of class, pride, and history in our city. We couldn't be more thrilled to have this beautiful and memory-filled space back in use again.
I found an old tin art work, on the back it says 1946-1950 but it has no name of artest or other but it did have a sticker that says Younker of Iowa. It has either a chines or other on it. Do you happen to have any information on the art work?
ReplyDeleteMy workplace is on the southwest corner of 7th and Walnut (EMC Insurance). I spent many breaks and lunch hours browsing in Younkers. I purchased many Christmas gifts there. I really miss it now that it is closed.
ReplyDeleteOne day I was on the number four bus route and said to the driver that I was going to Younkers. He informed me that there was no Younkers on this route. He had to take his words back when I got off at Younker Rehab on the Iowa Methodist Medical Center campus, (If I am not mistaken, Younker Rehabilitation is named for the same family as the Younker stores.)
I am busy reading Bill Bryson's book "The Life And Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid" in which he talks about his childhood in Des Moines during the 50s. Younkers features affectionately in the book. It's great to get on line and see what the store looked like. This book is a must read.... I recommend it to all.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Urbandale, the bedroom suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. I remember that in 1961, Urbandale was experiencing a rapid population growth, and did not have room to house their 6th grade class in their cramped elementary school facilities. The children (my sister included) were bussed daily to the new Younkers store in Merle Hay Mall, where they attended class in an upstairs conference room facility for the better part of the school year. That kind of community involvement is seldom seen today...
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a department manager at Younkers so I have many memories of being in the store in the 1950s. Two stand out. though. In 1956, when I was in 1st grade, President Eisenhower came to Des Moines for a campaign parade downtown. Schools let out so children could see the president. My mom took me and my brother down to my dad's office which had a window overlooking the parade route. We had a great view of Ike sitting in a convertible passing in front of Younkers. Second, the store was closed on Sunday, but my dad had some paperwork to finish one weekend. He took me with him to the store and I had a such a good time playing dress up in the ladies' shoe and hat depts. Looking back, I can't believe I had free run of that store on a Sunday afternoon!
ReplyDeleteI remember Younkers Dept store very well. My father, Myron D.Crawford managed the sewing center in both the downtown and Merle Hay Plaza
ReplyDeletelocations. I was deeply saddened when i read it had closed in 2005.I can recall all of the various departments, The elevators with real live operators,the corner window with Santa Claus each Christmas season.What wonderful memories!
Alan D. Crawford
Gulf Breeze,Fl
Younkers was the store memories were made from. My Aunt Mary Cutler was the head baker on the fifth floor for over 30 years. I would hide in the elevator as the operator would say "bridal shop, furs, and Tea Room". then we would sneak out and run down the hall to the bakery and sample all the sweets every woman in a white dress, white shoes and a hair net. I only saw the bargain basement and ate many rarebits. When a restaurant tries to pass off a rarebit I say it's not a real rarebit as it doesn't taste like Younkers. I still have my dear Aunts recipes for all the great bakery items Younkers sold. The pecan rolls, parkerhouse rolls, pies, seven minute frosting, the best of the best. And the monthly newsletter for the employees, what a wonderful family spirit.
ReplyDeleteHello anonymous. Younkers downtown had the best bakery in the basement and made such fabulous oatmeal cookies. Do you happen to have thatvrecipe, and if so, would you please share? Thank you. Linda
DeleteI was born in Des Moines 68 years ago- Younkers Department store was one of my most cherished childhood memories. I went to the Tea Room many times with my mother and grandmother, and my sister was a model of the children's clothes. I would be forever grateful if your collection of bakery items included the delicious glazed donuts. I have searched for many years with no luck in finding it. My sister is now quite elderly, and I would love to surprise her as they were her favorite. Thank you--Warm Regards Cindy
DeleteThanks for that wonderful memory!
ReplyDeleteCan you contact me at bakgraphics@comcast.net
Can anyone come up with the Younkers' recipe for
ReplyDeleteelephant ears or also called crispies.
Thanks,
Dick Coolidge
coolric@att.net
Does anyone remember the name of the restaurant in the basement before it was The Coffee Shop? It would have been during the 40's and 50's.
ReplyDeleteI have a gold, metal screen that was used in window displays in the store in Sioux City in the 1950s or 60s. It was a gift from a friend whose Mom use to work at Yonkers. I am finally at a point that I was going to sell it. Would the museum want an item like this? Thanks
ReplyDeleteAlso, I remember fondly the cage elevators and the people who operated them!
My mothers grandfather, Christian Yetter opened Yetters Department Store in 1888. After his death, his 3 sons took the helm. Chris, Les and Robert Yetter. Each of them passed away at a somewhat early age and their wives' did not have the ability or resources to keep the store. It was sold in 1949. I have listened to many stories of how my mom worked there in the toy department in the basement and also ran the elevator. She started to work there when she was only 12 years old. She was able to buy the nicest clothes at cost, for many years. She is now 82..!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a picture of the seven story building that was across the street "STORE FOR HOMES"? Was that the Kraft Building?
ReplyDeleteI am looking for a picture of that building.
In the August 29 Des Moines Register is an article about the development of the property formerly known as Younkers (copyright problem). The article states that the Tea Room was on the sixth (6) floor. In this blog site the Directory states the 5th floor. In 1953 or 4 I worked in the Tea Room and thought it was on the 5th floor. Does anyone know for sure? Perhaps the developers are counting the mezzanine as a floor.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if there was a davidson's departent store downtown, in the 1920's. My grandfather was an electrician there and I have never heard of it, but would like to know where it was located.
ReplyDeleteI belive David son's furniture store was on the lot where the civic center is now.
DeleteI recall that there was a now long-gone department store in downtown Des Moines that was named Davidson's or perhaps Davison's.
DeleteThe store closed in the late 1960's or very early 1970's and eventually looked rather ragged before it was torn down.
Sited on the south side of Walnut Avenue between 6th and 7th, I also recall that it occupied at least one of those numbered street corners with Walnut.
The Financial Center, which replaced it and was completed in 1973, was the development project that brought about the removal of the old store building.
I was wondering if you would know what years Younkers sold furs. A sweet elderly lady we knew gave my mother a black seal fur coat that she had owned. That was in about 1968. My mother has passed away and I now have this beautiful knee length fur coat. I was just curious as to how old it might be. Thank you for any assistance you can give me.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a good answer to that question, but maybe a visitor to this blog doees. I would think that they sold furs throughout most of the store's life.
ReplyDelete-Bruce
I remember shopping at the outlet in Eastgate plaza as a little child in the mid 80s .I was always facinated by the strangly shaped roof on the building .There were several coin operated rides in the entrance that would busy me as my mom or grandma would rummage for bargains.My senior prom was held in the tearoom Downtown long after the stores hayday
ReplyDeleteI am the granddaughter of Roy W Richards. He was the VP of YOunkers for many years. I am desperately looking for a copy of the Younkers Ad printed for several years in the DSM Register. The paper does not archive online past 2002. Can you help me. It is priceless to me. i would like to discuss anything more you might have as well. Wendy McDermott wmcdermott@remn.com 913.205.3403. I say thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteContact your local public library. The "Des Moines Register" is available at many libraries on microfilm. It's more difficult to find digitized versions of older issues of the newspaper.
DeleteThe Des Moines Register is also available on newspapers.com - with the publisher extra package.
DeleteJanet Sharp
DeleteNot that this matters but I have a full length, heavy, gold framed mirror from the original Younkers building Downtown Des Moines. My husband worked there when they downsized and threw it out. Would love to sell it back to someone who's interested in preserving.
I grew up going to Younker's with not only my mother, but her mother. We would occasionally go to the Tea Room for special occasions, but more often to the coffee shop in the basement. Younker's used to have a bargain basement and I remember getting "lost" on one trip with my mother there. I went up on the stairs (where the railings had permanent groves from the ladies' rings who used those stairs), and I was able to see my mom's head so I found her. I was a preschooler, but I so remember the fright of being "lost." As a younster, I took "Charm Classes" in the Tea Room, and learned some social graces. As I got older and began working downtown in an office, I would shop and browse at Younker's almost daily. I would purchase gifts there for friends and relatives. I shopped there for Christmas. I enjoyed lunch there a couple of times a week in the Tea Room. I loved the Younker's Chicken Salad and the beef barley soup. I was and still am so dismayed that the downtown store closed. I am now retired, and since they "overruled" the opening of a Younker's in Ankeny, and they closed the east side Younkers, traveling over 20 miles to shop at a Younker's just does not excite me, so after being a loyal and loving Younker's customer for well over 60 years, I no longer shop there.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend looking for the recipe for a champagne cake from Younkers tea room. Does anyone have that? Reply to kcwilliams@q.com
ReplyDeleteI am looking for it too!
DeleteWhat is the decor of the Tea Room? Art Deco? Where can I locate good interior photos of the tea room? In color preferably.
ReplyDeleteAh, the wonders of live elevator operators, the book store on the mezzanine and the Red Rooster Room at the Sioux City locations of Martin/Davidson. For a small town kid, it was truly big city life for the yearly trip to these wonderfully massive department stores. Floor after floor of spacious shopping And Christmas! The decorated floors filed with Christmas spirit. Can almost hear the familiar ding of the elevator as it reaches its destination and the operator calls out the number and what goodies were awaiting people on that level.
ReplyDeleteI have a hanging light believed to be from the Younker Martin Tea Room in Sioux City. Would anyone have any pictures of the tea room?
ReplyDeleteThe old Yonkers building in downtown Des Moines has been under renovation recently. Caught fire early this morning, all floors on fire and parts of atleast one wall have collapsed.
ReplyDeleteI worked at dt Younkers as a high school Deca student and live on the southside several miles from the dt store.The morning of the fire we had chunks of soot falling on our back deck,so sad DesMoines died when Younkers closed !
DeleteVery sad to say, the downtown Des Moines building was just destroyed today by fire.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Davidson's Dept Store (the question posed on Oct 7, 2013)... Davidson's was kitty-corner from Younkers to the best of my recollection. It would have been on the SE corner of 7th and Walnut. Davidsons had at least 4 fours if I recall. It was a very sedate store with clothing plus one floor was furniture with beautiful "model rooms" around the perimeter. My bedroom set was purchased there when I was 12 (1957) and still being used by my mother at her assisted living apt. The Younkers fire has brought back a flood of memories--clothing, dances, books, perfume. Worked at Tea Room during college vacation. Still have the lazy susan the other waitresses gave me as wedding gift. Fantasized about getting an apt there after the renovation but not to be.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the Younkers building burned down on March 29, 2014. It was being rehabbed into retail/housing. No word on what caused the middle-of-the-night fire in which the building collapsed. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/picture-gallery/news/2014/03/29/downtown-younkers-through-the-years/7050159/?sf24422015=1
ReplyDeleteOh the memories... This was the store I got my brand new red rubber boots caught in the escalator at the very top, when I was 5. That was 1961. Sadly it burnt to the ground yesterday. So terrible...
ReplyDeleteI worked across the street at DeArcy's shoes. Went there often growing up...
ReplyDeleteAs a Californian, I share the pain of loyal downtown Younkers shoppers. :(
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the individuals renovating Younkers have any idea just how special that place was to so many people. I've been walking down memory lane just reading everyone's comments. I think I'm going to go home and make me a rarebit in honor of this sad day. Probably won't be quite the same as it was when I was younger, but I'm going to enjoy it as much as I can -- even at 65.
ReplyDeleteI can close my eyes and tell you where every department was I loved toyland, the xmas window with santa in it as a kid it made xmas magical. I have had a younker's charge account since I was 14 yrs old. Watching it burn was like part of our history going up in smoke.
ReplyDeleteThe building may be gone but our memories will live forever!
ReplyDeleteI remember When the two buildings were not connected at street level. There were murals on both buildings of oak trees and squirrels. I was sad when they connected the two buildings at ground level and the mural disappeared.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember the name of a candy, it had fluffy vanilla cream, pecans,, and covered with milk or dark chocolate? When I was in college in the 1980's, I was required to make a stop at Younkers in Sioux City on my way home for weekend visits, to buy these candies to keep my mom's & aunt's sweet tooth's satisfied. Later I bought them in boxes at Christmas time at Younkers at the Conestoga mall in Grand Island, Nebraska. Thanks to anyone who can tell me the name of those delicious candies!
ReplyDeleteAre there any pictures of the 1950's Christmas window display? I remember when I was young and it was magical. I remember snow and wool coats and cold noses pressed against the window so we wouldn't miss any movement by the figures. Very special. Would like to see some photos.
ReplyDeleteI worked at the downtown Iowa City Younkers from 1973 to 1975. I was a full-time student at the University of Iowa and a part-time Younkers employee. Donald Crum, the store manager, was kind enough to give me as many hours as I wanted, even, it seemed, during slow parts of the retail year. I worked 40 hours or more each week during my summer breaks. I worked with Dennis Graham, who managed the men's department, and with Mary Dick, in men's, and Michael Beautikofer (sp?), also in men's. But everyone there was great--many people whose names I've forgotten and who very kind to me. I should have been fired at least a couple of times: once for wearing a necktie off the rack (I'd forgotten mine, and once for forgetting to lock the back door at night. For the first incident, I got a real chewing out from Mr. Crum, in front of not only all the employees waiting to be let out the front door after the store had closed but also my mother who'd come to pick me up (!) (my mother: "Gary, you didn't really do that, did you!" She was as shocked and angry as Mr. Crum.). I think Mr. Crum thought that the embarrassment I felt would be punishment enough that I'd never do anything like it again, and I didn't. For failing to lock the door, I got a stern warning from Mr. Crum and the advice that not only made me a better Younkers employee but also held me in good stead throughout my working life: he told me to find a good routine and stick with it and then things like this wouldn't happen. I loved working downtown in Iowa City; in the 1970s, it was vibrant and alive with all kinds of retail, all kinds of people, all day long and into the evening. As another benefit, with my employee discount, I could buy some clothes in the men's department. I built up a pretty respectable traditional men's wardrobe for a poor college student. I also gained an appreciation for good clothing that I still have today.
ReplyDeleteGoing through a box of my late mother's items and found her treasured Younkers charge card. Forerunner of credit cards, this is embossed metal about the size of a dog tag with a beautiful burgundy leather sleeve. She knew her account number by heart.
ReplyDeleteBrings back a flood of memories.
I have a beautiful Opal necklace that was my mothers, handed down to her from my grandmothers, I still have the box my grandfather gave it to her in. They were married in Des Moine and had two children in DSM. I'd sure like to find out more about this necklace, just unsure where to start. Sad the building burned down. I do remember seeing it tho often while in DSM over the years before that happened.
ReplyDeleteSo many me memories. Skipping a few High School days just to browse Downtown Younkers store. Loved the atmosphere, colors and smells. Worked at the Younkers distribution center both downtown Des Moines and Ankeny. So many great memories!
ReplyDeleteSo many memories. My Mom and I worked at the Des Moines Downtown Younkers Distribution Center and at the Distribution Center in Ankeny. I would skip a few High School days to browse and walk the floors of the downtown store in the early 80's. So much memories of my childhood is centered around Younkers.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me the name of the restaurant that was in the Sioux Falls Younkers in the 80's?
ReplyDeleteA couple of the highlights of the old downtown Younkers building before it burnt was the one elevator that still had an actual human operator manning it and the wooden escalator in the the west wing of the building.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and Younkers was our Saks Fifth Avenue. It was owned by the Younkers Brothers and our family shopped their frequently. We shopped at the Merle Hay Mall (Plaza) location before they closed in the stores and it became a mall.
ReplyDeleteI of my fondest memories of the store was seeing a visiting artist from Des Moines, who did portraits of customers on the spot in the store near the cosmetic counter. Her name was Virginia. I am not sure of the spelling of her last name but resembles McKunis.
My family moved down the street from her and she and my mother became friends. She did a wonderful portrait of my mother, and also gave her drawing lessons is oil and pastels. Virginia also used me as a model for a few of her students and I now have both portraits in my home. My mother has passed and I feel a need to find out more about Virginia and her life. I have looked online, however, without a correct spelling of her last name, it has been difficult. BTW, she signed her portraits "Virginia". Mine portrait completed in 1973.
If you have any information about Virginia I would love to hear what you know. Thank you!
Greetings, I found this item today and thought you may find it interesting. I enjoyed viewing & reading from your site today.
ReplyDeleteBest.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Baby-Moccasins-Circa-1937-HICKOK-MANUFACTURING-Yonker-Bros-Des-Moines-/162207204741?hash=item25c44d8585
I have a old painting print 10X14 of a lady in a dress with a sticker on the back that says "Younker Brother's Gift Shop" it appears to be very od I wonder if Younkers would have interest in buying it.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else remember getting Official Mickey Mouse Club Ears and Membership in the Mickey Mouse Club at Davidson's in Des Moines back in the 50's. Any memories of the Davidson's store would be appreciated !
ReplyDeleteI moved to Des Moines in the early 90s, and while well past the heyday of the department store, Younkers was still pretty special. I distinctly remember champagne cake from here, but can't seem to find any reference of it being available at Younkers. Other bakeries in town, yes... .but I am pretty sure that I got mine at Younkers (lived, worked downtown). Does anyone else remember this? Have I gone crazy?
ReplyDeleteI moved to Des Moines in the early 90s, and while well past the heyday of the department store, Younkers was still pretty special. I distinctly remember champagne cake from here, but can't seem to find any reference of it being available at Younkers. Other bakeries in town, yes... .but I am pretty sure that I got mine at Younkers (lived, worked downtown). Does anyone else remember this? Have I gone crazy?
ReplyDeleteI believe my grandfathers sister was a model in the Tea Room. Was in the fashion shows. Were would I be able to check this information. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI believe the restaurant in the basement of Yonkers downtown was called The Cremona Room.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember two men's clothing stores on Ingersoll Ave. And 28th st. One was Badowers, which is still there, the other store is gone and I am trying to find out the name.
ReplyDeleteI have a silver bell with gold leaf on it that came from the Younkers Fire in downtown Des Moines that came from the dump that my uncle owned in Des Moines where most of the merchandise was dumped after the fire. It is still in good condition and there are letters and numbers inscribed on the inside of the bell. The first letters are R.B. but I cannot make out the numbers.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy Mother, Adeline Phelan, worked at Younkers in Des Moines in the 1940's, and although I was never there, I feel a kinship w/it thru her stories and pictures. They had a monthly? magazine at the time and my mother was on the cover as 'beauty of the month'. in ? in say 1943-1946. Would you have a clue whether a record of those is preserved or scanned, ir where I would even inquire about such. Best regards....Kathy Phelan
I just found old records of purchases made in 1927. Receipts and bills still in the original envelopes with stamps in really good shape. Respond if you would like pics.
ReplyDeleteI loved Yonkers. When I was a little girl I wanted to be an elevator operator there when I grew up. I was in awe of how they made sure the elevator came to a stop so it was exactly level with each floor and still could call our each department on every floor!
ReplyDeleteMy Brother, Richard Renner, worked at Younkers Merle Hay for 42 years. He retired in 2012. He was specially abled and worked on the dock and and in stocking. He was one of the lucky ones who escaped the fire in the Merle Hay store in 1978 before the store opened. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2014/03/29/younkers-fire-1978-merle-hall-mall-He was loved by customers and employees alike.
ReplyDeleteHis proud sister Rey Renner Evans.
Congratulations to your brother on such a long career at one place! I hope he has been enjoying his retirement!
ReplyDeleteWe had a yonkeres here in dubuque iowa that when it was at Kennedy mall me and my mom use to go into a lot from my young adulthood up until shortly she became ill in her mid 80s . I remember we use to go to the mall each month for many years. One of my best memories was when I was 20 and at Christmas's they had these gray blankets with white sheep on them and one black sheep. Reverse had just the opposite. We got such both liked them and each bought one. I still have them today pretty worn . Would like to find original one in new condition. Let me know if you know where I can find one
ReplyDeleteOne of my best memories is mom and me going in yonkers. We both bought a blanket with sheep on them back in 84-85 still have them. My mom is no longer here (she's in heaven). Would like to find same blanket in fine condition . Still have old ones but showing there age. Let me know if there is any way I can find one.
ReplyDeleteI remember when Mrs. Ruan went to the Valley West Store at 96 years. She was driven there by her nursing aide. She didn't drive anymore. They wouldn't take her check without a driver's license. They didn't know that she and her late husband used to own the Younkers chain.
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