Auerbach's on the corner of State Street and 300 South in Salt Lake City
Auerbach's Street Floor
The Third Floor of Auerbach's main store
F. Auerbach & Bros. (Auerbach’s)
State Street and 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
DA 8-8188
SALT LAKE STORE DIRECTORY
Downstairs
Tea Rooms • Snack Bar • Auerbach’s Bargain Basement
Street Floor
Fine Jewelry • Jewelry • Hosiery • Slipper Bar • Cosmetics • Cosmetics • Handbags • Gloves • Scarves • Accessories • Street Floor Sportswear • Candy Corner • Camera Shop • Men’s Shop • Men’s Sportswear • Men’s Furnishings • Men’s Shoes • Town & Campus
South Mezzanine
Housewares • Hardware • Gift Wrap Desk
Second Floor
Dress Salon • Town Shop Dresses • Coat Salon • Town Shop Coats • Fur Salon • Sportswear • Foundations • Lingerie • Slimwear • Custom Fashions
Third Floor
Salt Laker Shop • Salt Laker Coats • Salt Laker Hats • Daytime Shop • Sorority Shop • Jr. Realities • Young Colony • World of Fashion • Fashion Galleria • Crystal Room • Maternity
Fourth Floor
Holiday Trim Shop • Silver • China • Glassware • Gift Shop • Gourmet Center • Notions • Domestics • Draperies • Fabrics • Wall Decor • Stereo & TV • Records & Radios • Stereo & TV • Record Bar • Books
Fifth Floor
Children’s • Infant’s • Girl’s • Boy’s Shop • Pre-Teens • Miss Teen • Children’s Shoes • Toys • Sporting Goods • Stationery • Sporting Goods • Trophy Room
BRANCH STORES
Ogden (L. R. Samuels 1968)
Murray
110,000 sq. ft.
As a child, my Mother would to take me to Auerbach's many, many times over the years growing up. I feel like I know every square inch of the store spending so much time there tagging along behind my Mother as she shopped, and later shopping there myself. I haven't thought about this store in many, many years and I was thrilled to find these photos online. They bring back many memories of happier days spent with my Mother. Thank you for making these images available.
ReplyDeleteI could have written this, it is exactly my experience as well. I was born in 1956. Often, after shopping at Auerbach's, we would go down the street to See's Candy for a treat. I always got the Sea Foam. I miss those days.
DeleteThank you for your kind comments. It pleases me to know that people remember places like this. There are more photos of Auerbach's on line, but I have misplaced the address. I will post some more here, in hopes of enriching your memories. Check back in a week or so.
ReplyDeleteMany of us have similar memories of our local shopping experiences with parents, and memories of how these stores enriched our daily lives. I never visited Auerbach's, but it seems as though it was quite unique and I for one am glad people remember it fondly.
My dad, brother and I were janitors for Varsity Contractors and we cleaned Auerbach’s from 1977-1980 when it closed...
DeleteI, as well, followed behind my Mother as we shopped at Auerbachs. To a little girl in the fifties and sixties, that store was a dream. The plush carpets, the pillars, the stunninly beautful women who worked in the Chrystal Room. Even an elevator girl! How many times did I have cream cheese and datenut sandwiches in that tiny, long, narrow snack bar? Thanks for the photos. Please let me know where to view more. Auerbachs is truly one of my fondest childhood memories!
ReplyDeleteMy birth mother was an elevator girl in Auerbach's in the late 40's and early 50's. Does anyone know if there any photos of this time of Auerbach's elevator girls?
DeleteMy grandmother was a professional seamstress for Auerbach's. I can't believe anyone remembers!! Are there more pictures???
DeleteIn addition to all the Depts shown above were those “behind the scene”. The fur vault, Victory basement, addressograph, management offices, lay-away, employee cafeteria, advertising, billing, window display, quiet room, receiving and delivery docks, shopping service, personnel, etc, etc. Anyone care to reminisce and fill in those areas and services I didn’t write. I worked at Auerbach’s back in the 1960s and the most important part of Auerbach’s success were the employees’. Can anyone contribute names and depts. worked, Memorable moments; humorous, scandalous; benevolent; epic romance or failed/tragic romance; marriages; gripes, satisfaction; intrigue and so on. My name is Brett Fossett and I was proud and happy to work there. Back in those days it seemed that half the people in SLC had worked there at one time or other.
ReplyDeleteMy dad, Robert Bruce Smith, began his career at Auerbach's as a window trimmer. This was back in the late 50's. Not clear about any timelines, but somewhere in the 60's he was the Manager of the Drapery Department. Spent most of my childhood there. I remember at about 5 or 6, dad would dress my sister and I up in our Sunday best, white gloves, little white socks and our maryjanes. He would take us around and introduce us to all the ladies who worked there. I also remember a lady in the Cosmetics Department, I think, who had black hair, real shiny, wore it pulled back tight in a bun, with gorgeous mother of pearl combs stuck in the top. She was very Mediterranean looking and simply gorgeous. I also remember that they had a paging system and a bell would sound and then a lady would say . . . Paging so-and-so. One of the names I remember hearing was Evelyn Midiatti (or something like that). I am 60 years old and I can still hear this in my head clear as day. I remember that little skinny snackbar on the mezzanine . . . wow these pics and stories are great!
DeleteI have never met anyone who remembers the “little skinny snackbar” on the mezzanine! I worked there every Christmas for about 4 years in the ‘60s.
DeleteI remember it well!
DeleteYes, there was a mezzanine snack bar. Best thing there was date nut bread with cream cheese which my mother and I got on every visit. We loved it.
DeleteI remember Robert Smith. I was a student at the U of U in the late 50's and worked part time in the display department of Auerbachs. I worked the late hours and would secure items that customers wanted that were on display including items on the escalator landings (see the above picture). Robert was a great fellow. He became a mentor and taught me the basics in fashion and display. I always held him in high regard.
DeleteBetter than ZCMI.
DeleteGreat store.
My grandmother, Hannah Pennock is the woman who taught Auerbachs how to make authentic English Fish 'n' Chips. Evidently she ate there, was dismayed by their orignal version, and marched right back into the kitchen to show them how to do it right. She used halibut, never cod. Hannah had emigrated from England to Salt Lake City, and was a prominent society woman and accomplished cook. OF COURSE we always had to stop at their restaurant and have some. My aunt, Thora Sorensen, was the adorable, smiling lady in the package pickup area for years. Thora and her brother, Bill, were the only two of 8 children born in England. Auerbachs is a dear memory! Joni Hilton
ReplyDeleteI really remember the fish and chips in the downstairs cafe. My birthday was during the Christmas holidays and that was my special choice. I have the warmest memories of Auerbach's and miss it so much. There is nothing like driving downtown with my grandparents to this magical store. The curving ramp up the parking terrace with the Auerbach's logo and seagulls was wonderful. We always parked on the floor that was red velve, gold and crystal chandeliers. Christmas was special and Auerbachs was Christmas magic in the purest form!! Love and miss it and the magic it held for children!!
DeleteMy grandmother worked at Auerbachs for years, and as a young girl in the 1950’s and 1960’s, would travel downtown every Saturday to shop or just visit.
DeleteMy one very fond memory was to have fish & chips in their Tea Room! I have searched high and low to find those fish & chips with no luck. Nothing comes close.
How I wish I could have them again!
I so loved those fish & chips too. Have never been able to find anything close :(
DeleteDear Joni:
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very, very interesting story. I have a friend who was born in England, and his family members whom I have met sound like your grandmother and aunt. Such personalities were an integral part of the allure of our lost department stores . . . something that really couldn't be conveyed in newspaper ads or even the archives that remain. I am very grateful for people like you who have shared these memories with everyone.
BAK
I love reading all these stories. I stumbled across an old silver plated knife with the name on it for the tea room and was curious. I'm sure it is older than 1980.
DeleteIt reminds me of going down town Seattle to look at all the shop windows with animated Christmas displays. Are there pictures of the tea room? When did it open?
Ok
DeleteOh how I loved Auerbachs first floor at Christmas time! The hustle and bustle of everyone, walking through the doors into cosmetics, beautifully decorated for the holidays is one of my favorite memories. I loved going to Auerbachs, my grandma, Merle Conners, worked there for years in Ladies Dresses. She would take us to lunch in the basement restaurant, buy us Stride-Rite shoes, and always slipped us a quarter or two for candy. There were always Auerbachs boxes under our Christmas tree - and I have one small Auerbach box that belonged to my grandma that I have kept - it's a treasure!
ReplyDeleteIn the 60's my mom would take me downtown to Auerbach's to buy something special. Later I worked at the Auerbach's at Fashion Place the summer between high school and college. Because I was a seasonal employee, I was assigned to the most obscure department, luggage. I learned everything there is know about Hartman luggage! I loved Auerbach's and miss this type of department store along with ZCMI.
ReplyDeleteAround Christmas time this year I was reminiscing with a friend about how wonderful shopping was as a girl in downtown SLC. No malls, of course not. My Mom would take my sister and I on a special trip downtown for Christmas. Of course her and my Dad would do the "santa" shopping without us, but there was always one day before Christmas when she would take us. We would walk from Auerbachs to The Paris and look at all the beautiful decorations. She would take us to lunch and then as it was getting dark in the late afternoon a trip to either Woolworth's or Kress's and she would let my sister and I pick out a toy or something special for ourselves apart from the loot we would get under the tree. Then it was a stop at one of the old nuthouses...for those that remember there used to be little shops that sold freshly roasted nuts. My favorite were the cashews. The city was alive with Christmas decorations. The song Silver Bells always brings back these memories for me. It makes me sad that we have lost that time. It was magical. Anyway, I thought about this again tonight and did a quick google search and found this site. Thanks so much for the pictures. It brought everything back to me.
ReplyDeleteYour memories sound so much like mine of downtown Salt Lake Auerbach's, the Paris, Kress's, Woolworths and many other small shops, and yes Silver bells was a very popular song back then.
DeleteOh, how I miss the days of downtown department stores. Going with my babysitter to the 'door crasher' sales on Saturdays. Having the datenut cream cheese sandwiches for lunch. My mom worked for a brief time in the restaurant downstairs. I myself worked in jewelery for a time in the late 1970's. I happened upon this site and as I was reminiscing, my daughter happened by and commented on how beautiful the pictures were. Alas, my poor children never knew those great times.
ReplyDeleteAbbey, your comments are echoed by many people across our country when the topic of the great metropolitan department stores of our past comes up. It would also seem that Auerbach's is exceptionally well-regarded, concerning the number of comments that have come in to this site. This is remarkable, considering Auerbach's wasn't extremely large or famous. My supposition would be that it was simply highly regarded among its patrons. It would be hard to imagine a "big box" of today being remembered like that in the future, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI have to happily echo the comments and memories of so many here. I, too, remember my mother taking me there as a child and young teen. They had a parking garage, didn't they? I also remember in the very early 60s when my cousin and I (she was so much older - by 2 yrs.!)would take the bus from 4th So. and 4th East "downtown". We always ate at the Tea Room (tuna fish sandwiches were a fav) and I have always remembered to this day those water pitchers! They were Fiestaware and now I have two replicas of them just b/c of this memory! Then we'd "bum around" (my grandmother's phrase) at The Paris Co., walk over to Woolworth's and Kress's and buy penny stuff, bobby pins, "lipstick" little coin purses, etc.from that wide counter where the staff stood inside - then often we'd catch a movie and then take the bus back home - once we walked! All this on less than $5.00. Auerbach's was Center Stage though and so beautiful - the red carpeting, the chandeliers, and all the pretty women who worked there. They had "lay-away" and those little metal embossed "charge cards". I am sure the prices were quite different from what we know today, too !! I was fascinated by the women who wrapped gifts and learned to love doing that myself all b/c of watching them!
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for these pictures and comments. I've lived away in NY for well over 30 years (and hadn't been downtown SLC for several before that!) now and so wish there was a Time Machine where we could revisit and be flys on the wall of these wonderful places from our past just to "see" it all again with our eyes today.
I have wonderful memories of Auerbach's, especially their "Christmas Windows"! We, too, rode the bus from 13th South and 9th East to 'downtown' to Christmas shop. Auerbach's bargain basement was perfect for making our baby sitting money stretch far enough to get something for each of our 9 siblings and both parents. Wonderful site...thank you, thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I both worked in the Display Dept. at Auerbach's. My husband's biological father owned the Restaurant. Such happy memories of Auerbach's. I agree, our kids have missed the wonderful opportunity of downtown shopping at luxurious stores. We would start shopping at ZCMI and walk down Main, through Kresses and stop for lunch and then to Paris and end at Auerbach's. We were always dressed up, which was part of the glamour.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind comments. It seems as if Auerbach's is really, really missed, if the number and sentiment of the comments received are any indication.
ReplyDeleteI am currently a work on a book about another sorely missed store, and it is so interesting, and ultimately saddening, to hear how people loved their jobs, or enjoyed the relationship they had with a store and its offerings, be they restaurants, events, employees, etc. We just don't have that anymore, nor the "experience" of shopping as it was when these places flourished.
I miss it, too.
BAK
What a treat to find this site. I sit here overlooking the city I grew up in so many years ago. I look to where Auerbach's once stood to simply remember. My father, Charles (Chick) Morzelewski, worked for Auerbach's for over 50 years, he was their carpenter and I imagine built many of the cabinets shown in the photos. My mother also worked there in the marking room where they tagged all the merchandise coming into the store. My sister worked in the boutique and I worked in wrapping one Christmas season. We grew up in Auerbach's, it provided for our family. I am grateful to have the memories of such a fine establishment, and to has this opportunity to reminiss.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your memories, Lonnie! I continue to be amazed, at how many people fondly recall Auerbach's. This in spite of the fact that it is not exactly a household name, and it was probably one of the smaller department store companies worthy of remembrance. It must have been really special, and also, your comment about the store "providing for your family" is apt. No one can say that about working in retail today with much confidence.
ReplyDeleteMy own family had a similar relationship to The Champion Spark Plug company, with relatives on both sides working there for many years, and my father even taking over his brother's job after he retired, and my dad had lost employment with the firm he was with for over 31 years. The Stranahan family, who owned "Champion's," as it was known, had to be one of the most honorable and generous owners of such a large scale operation. They provided me with a merit scholarship to attend university, and at my mom's funeral, a friend told me "Mr. Stranahan told us, if we worked for him, he would take care of us. I did work hard, but now, I couldn't ask for anything more in retirement. He did what he said."
It is interesting to me, that your last name is of Polish origin . . . I had an uncle (whose name was Czeslaw) but was known as "Chick" to everyone.
Again, your comments are appreciated.
Bruce
If you follow this link, you will find more pictures of Auerbach's interior. I like the exquisite millwork, and this must have been your father's artistry as well? Perhaps you've seen it already, but it's always worth a look.
ReplyDeletehttp://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/results.php?CISOOP1=all&CISOBOX1=auerbach%27s&CISOFIELD1=CISOSEARCHALL&CISOOP2=exact&CISOBOX2=&CISOFIELD2=CISOSEARCHALL&CISOOP3=any&CISOBOX3=&CISOFIELD3=CISOSEARCHALL&CISOOP4=none&CISOBOX4=&CISOFIELD4=CISOSEARCHALL&CISOROOT=/UU_Photo_Archives&t=a
Bruce
ARGGGHHHH I just wrote the longest comment ever and lost it.
ReplyDeleteI will try again. LOVE your site here. I used to work at Auerbachs in the display department and I loved every minute.
Christmas was beautiful at the store, and it took months to accomplish, starting in June when display staff spent every break and lunch crafting either wrapped boxes for escalator and cabinet top displays, christmas ornaments for the Crystal Room trees (styrofoam balls covered with velvet, satin, beads, pearls, etc), covering panels with velvet that fit exactly in the center most part of EVERY column. EVERY. COLUMN. )On Halloween evening the minute the store closed we started decorating beginning with the top and basement floors which were relatively simple.
The second floor required a lot of work-the two trees at the base of the Crystal Room staircase were decorated with the contents of two appliance sized boxes full of the ornaments mentioned above. Each ball had to be securely wired to it's branch with absolutely no touching of a branch at the bottom. These trees were spectacular when Escalator ramps were decorated with trees and packages.And the columns with the millwork had their velvet panels attached.
The first floor required garlands hung at the ceiling and draped across each aisle. These garlands started out as simple green garlands, over 6 grouped together to form a very fat base. Each garland had many many many boxes of white, red, and the color of the year's panels of shiny 6" and larger balls, hundreds of white glittered twigs, bows, and wheels of ribbons draped round and round the garland.
The discouraging thing was after all this work to hear the customers say "WHAT??!! CHRISTMAS???! ALREADY????!!!"
Little did they know. We just managed to get every floor, nook and cranny of all three stores, not to mention all of the trees for the parade of trees and the trim the tree shops, AND all the store windows finished just before Christmas. The day after Christmas EVERYTHING had to be removed in two days! Then we spent until February repairing, replacing, and repacking everything for the next year. This is one reason no one in the display department had their own trees at home taken down until March. No Time! No Time!
It was a stellar store. I miss it even now.
I, too, must add my remembrances of Auerbach's (and Paris and Kress's. My mother took me shopping at Auerbachs basement for school clothes when I was in Junior High. My first "independent" shopping trip was done when I was about thirteen and took the bus into town (from Bountiful) to shop.
ReplyDeleteRemember the lady with the mantilla's? She always had her hair back and beautiful combs in her hair.
And that crazy parking structure, where the ramps went round and round. Quite challenging to a 'new driver,' but so much fun.
Her name was Maria Cairo, she was a good friend of my Mother's!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy aunt worked in the cosmetics department and after her death, I found a booklet that Auerbach's created for their 80 year anniversary. It's really nice to look at. It has 1864 - 1944 on the cover. Inside are loads of historic pictures from Fred Auerbach's first store in Rabbit Creek, CA to Brigham Young's bath house and more, up to 1944 in Salt Lake. Brings back the memories.
ReplyDeleteI have heard many stories of Auerbach's from my mother and grandmother. My grandmother Nettie worked in management if I remember correctly. My mom working in gift wrapping and the young men's department I believe. My mom and aunt both had modeled for advertisments also, i have a large copy of one of the black and white photos of my mom as a model, I love it! The had very fond memories of working in such a great place. When the store closed my family needed up with some of the decor that is still cherished. An old tobacco refrigerator from the old original Auerbach's, many crystals from the chandeliers, and matching chair and settee. My mom also has a few photos, including all the ones on this site, it was an anniversary book they had put together with many photos of different departments. I would like to send them in if they could be added to the blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the offer. I would love to include them! you may contact me at bkopytek@comcast.net, and we can discuss how to go about it. Based on the number of comments, Auerbach's was very respected and is sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteBruce
One of my favorite things to do was to go "shopping" in Salt Lake City in the '60s, and Auerbach's was more or less the cornerstone of the trip, in that we always parked there and wandered out to Main Street, after going to Pembroke's, the Paris, and wonderful Yardstick Fabric Store. There was so much beauty in the windows of all these shops, and all along Main, clear up to ZCMI. I always thought it would be wonderful if a store such as Nordstrom, with so many "boutiques" within it, could have made a new Main Street shopping district by housing the separate boutiques in all the old stores, such as the pretty old jewelry and watch stores, and the place where Adrienne 'n Emilie were housed. A downtown is just not the same without window shopping, walking, and of course, lunch in Auerbach's Tea Room!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to locate any information on a shop located opposite of Auerbach's called Salt Lake Trunk Factory. I have a trunk from them and I am trying to find some history on it. If anyone has any information please email me at stacywhittum@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteRE: the lady with the Mantilla---she worked in the cosmetic department and talked about being the reincarnation of Carmen Miranda. Loved. Her.
ReplyDeleteThe parking garage was used along with the Pink Room for a movie shoot (Harry Never Holds)
and along with all the depts above and the ones added to by a poster, there was also the sign shop.
What a wonderful site. Brought back a flood of memories. As an eleven year old child I was mesmerized by Auerbach's in Salt Lake City. I distinctly remember their parking garage as well. Auerbach's was usually the where we went after spending some time at the ZCMI Center Mall in downtown Salt Lake City.(ZCMI Center was only one year old at that time) and oh so beautiful inside. Each August from 1976 to 1980 a week long trip was spent in Salt Lake City. Auerbach's was so elegant. I distinctly remember their logo and how that logo was printed on their shopping bags. Shopping in downtown Salt Lake in the mid seventies, what memories. After Auerbach's it was on to the Sears store also on Main street, then out to Fashion Place Mall.
ReplyDeleteI’ll comment here too about Auerbach’s. I grew up in Sandy, Utah and still remember going “downtown” with my parents to go the Sears store on 8th South and State( or 9th South)? And then on to Auerbach’s because my Aunt, Leona Hansen, was a seamstress there for many years. She was the “ritzy” part of the family but I have memories of short visits with her there since in the store since we weren’t allowed in the backroom. She was old enough that she had retired by the time the store first went into Fashion Place and I remember her saying once that it would never be the same.
ReplyDeleteAs I got older, in my teens, I would ride the bus with a friend to downtown and we’d go to the Uptown or the Rialto to see a movie and hit all the stores, Walgreen’s, Kress’s and a great music store that I’ve forgotten the name of.
I miss those days, but to be honest, don’t miss shopping at malls.
I remember my mom always taking us to the basement cafeteria and having fish & chips served with coleslaw. It's strange how I can still remember going down the escalators and getting so excited.
ReplyDeleteI ran away from home once when I was about 11 or 12. Went to Auerbach's for Cream cheese and datenut bread- served in kind of a waxed paper- up in the narrow little snack bar. You could go all the way through and get to the beauty shop. I bought a dress for the junior prom using my Mom's little credit card.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this article. My mother worked for Auerbachs when I was younger and I have fond memories of the store. That was so long ago. Its hard to imagine that its not here anymore. I used to enjoy so much just walking down the isles as a kid and playing in that enormous place. In my book its the most important furniture store in Salt Lake City and part of a rich history. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the Salt Lake Area. My first memories of Aurbach's are from when I was very young. Sometime in the mid to late 40's we lived in Midvale. I would wake up in the mornings to the smell of bacon frying and the sound of the Orange Blossom Special coming from the radio. It was the theme music of Cousin Ray's Record Bar being broadcasted from the mezzanine of the Aurbach's Department store in downtown Salt Lake City. One of many fond memories of those times.
ReplyDeleteAfter I graduated from Jordan High School I started attending the University of Utah. When my money ran out in February of 1962, I got a job with Edison Brothers Shoes selling ladies shoes in the Third Floor shoe department in Aurbach's. It was hard work for little pay but it kept me going. I have many fond memories of the place. It was an elegant and beautiful store. I was there in the summer of 1962 when the Salt Lake area experienced an earth quake that shook the building pretty well. I was just walking through a doorway from the stockroom to the selling floor when the doorjam suddenly hit me in the shoulder and knocked me back and forth in the doorway a couple of times. At first I thought I was dizzy or something. Then I realized I could hear the whole place rattling and I heard a scream from the floor above us and dishes breaking. It was all over in a couple of seconds and there was no major damage but it sure got our attention.
I joined the Air Force in October of 1962 so that ended my days of working at Aurbach's. After I returned in 1966 I worked at the Telephone Company a few blocks north of Aurbach's and shopped there occasionally until I moved to California in 1973. I have lived in Michigan since 1984, but everytime I hear the Orange Blossom Special I think of what a lovely place the Salt Lake area was back then and that beautiful, dignified department store that I had the privilege to work in for a brief time.
Thank you for keeping it's memory alive.
Thanks for your memories, Ken. That's why I maintain The Department Store Museum - these "beautiful, dignified" stores deserve to be remembered. Auerbach's, in the grand scheme of things, may not have been the biggest or most famous famous of North American department stores, but as your comment, and those above it, attest, it was appreciated way out of proportion to its size.
ReplyDeleteI will be improving the exhibit before too long with new images and information sent by a contributor.
Bruce
I remember the lady with the combs and mantillas! Her name was Mary or Maria. And after Auerbachs closed (what a tragedy that was), she worked at the Castleton's up on Foothill Boulevard. She was a lovely person.
ReplyDeleteHer name was Mary Cairo and she was Greek.
DeleteYes, she passed a few years later, she was a friend of my Mom's! She really was a lovely lady!
DeleteI loved shopping at Auerbach’s when I was growing up in SLC. This comment caught my eye, my Grandmother worked at Castelton’s on Foothill Blvd. I love going there as well.
DeleteBruce, your blog is a delight! I was writing an email to some friends about Christmas gifting in our family and mentioned Auerbach's, which I googled and found your site.
ReplyDeleteA particular Christmas memory of my family's "traditions" was a gift box from Auerbach's which was used for re-packaging gifts for many years. They made boxes sturdier in those days. Each year, it was like a secret raffle to see whose gift was wrapped in the infamous Auerbach's box. I might not remember the gift, but I'll always remember that box. Knowing my family, someone still has it, buried somewhere in the house.
Shopping used to be a grand adventure. I wish stores like Auerbach's, ZCMI, and even Granite Furniture were still around to relive those childhood memories of watching the Christmas window displays.
Thanks for helping me remember "the good ol' days".
Thanks so much for this article. My mother worked for Auerbachs when I was younger and I have fond memories of the store. That was so long ago. Its hard to imagine that its not here anymore. I used to enjoy so much just walking down the isles as a kid and playing in that enormous place. In my book its the most important furniture store in high point nc and part of a rich history. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI echo many of the comments posted here. I, too, have very fond memories of shopping at Auerbach's with my mom as a little girl. I am now writing my mom's history and it would not be complete without mentioning Auerbach's. I was looking for some photos to add to my story. Thanks for posting this and bringing back many more memories... love the good old days.
ReplyDeleteI recently discovered that my grandmother managed the Auerbach's sewing machine department about 1904, perhaps.
ReplyDeleteIs Auerbach's Salt Lake City any relationship to Beatrice Fox Auerbach's family in Hartford, CT.?? (The famous G. Fox Department Store family).
Yes, they were from the same family.
ReplyDeleteBruce
Can you give more information regarding L.R. Samuel's and Auerbach's?
ReplyDeleteDid the Auerbach's Co. purchase the L.R. Samuel's business and/or building?
Years later, they changed the name to Auerbach's at Ogden location.
You did point out (above), L.R. Samuel's as the branch store. Do you happen to know what the initials stand for? (Just curious.)
Thanks.
Sharon Anne
Back in the 1940's, when the Ogden location was known as L.R. Samuel's, my mother was one of their prominent Junior fashion models.
ReplyDeleteI'm blessed to have about a 100 photos of her modeling photos. Half are print ads, with the L.R. Samuel's Logo. The rest are professional shots the ads came from.
We've put together a 7 min. video w/ fun 40's music. To this day - the clothes are still mesmerizing - people say they love the video, and we think our mom is just beautiful.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2K-tLh5_pO3UjJYbXlvbi1mLXc/edit?pli=1
Enjoy!
Sharon Anne
http://sharealikecooking.blogspot.com
Hello, Sharon Anne!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to your fascinating video. Your mom is lovely indeed, and I know that readers of this blog will enjoy seeing her model clothes from L. R. Samuels.
Bruce
I will try to find more information about L.R> Samuels, but it may take a while. Check back!
ReplyDeleteHello, I stumbled upon this blog post via google. I recently purchased my wedding dress from Deseret Industries at the Sugarhouse location in Salt Lake City (Deseret industries aka the D.I. is a thrift store). The dress was in an Auerbach's bag and came with the veil too. It was only $25! I have been wondering where it came from and how it ended up at the thrift store. It looks as if it has never been worn. You can view photos of the dress here: https://plus.google.com/photos/102032076803451452019/albums/5898056905014904417?authkey=CLKytOblhr6lugE
ReplyDeleteI was raised in Utah and it makes me happy knowing my dress is a piece of Salt Lake's history. I am too young to have gone to Auerbach's, but both my grandmothers went there. Both have passed away many years ago, so I cannot ask either grandmother about the dress.
Thank you so much for these photos! I just finished reading 'My Loving Vigil Keeping' and had become quite curious about Auerbach's department store. These pictures show Auerbach's as even fancier than I had imagined!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this site. My grandmother Agnes Stewart worked her way up from holiday gift wrapping, through advertising, to become Auerbach's general manager for many years. She retired in the early 60s. My mother had just discovered and huge box of letters written to her by my grandmother from the late 1940s through the late 9150's and they are FULL of Auerbach's stories with much info about other personalities including Fred Auerbach and Mr. Samuels. So much fun to read since I also made a career in retail.
ReplyDeleteOh, now I know why I have so many early childhood memories that I thought were ZCMI and didn't match their pictures! It was the OTHER big local department store in town. And I see I'm not the only one who wishes department stores were still like this.
ReplyDeleteMy wedding dress was purchased at Auerbach's in 1968. They took my picture and had it put in the paper for no extra charge. I also have a 11 x 14 print that was taken that day. I went shopping there on "Black Friday," with my parents and Aunt Virginia. Being from Fillmore, this was our one big shopping day to get ready for Christmas. Thanks so much for this site.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandma Mildred Jackson worked at Auerbach's for years. When I was very tiny, she and my grandpa would take me to the toy department so I could look around. They would giggle as my eyes would light up as I examined everything and then I would say in my 1-yr-old voice: "Put it back." Then, I would move on to the next item on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteI still remember my sweet grandma telling me how very particular she had to be about her hands and nails when she worked in hosiery there. She also mentioned a co-worker who was grumpy that my grandma could eat a piece of cake every day without gaining weight.
I found a dress in a thrift store in CA that still had its Auerbach's tag on it. I will admit that I snatched it up and only recently parted with it. But I still have the tag. :)
Awesome blog! My family work at Auerbach's. It was our career center until it closed. My Grandfather Moroni Urry worked in delivery and the victory basement until he passed away when I was two. My father Gene Urry went to business school and worked his way up through accounting and when I started in 1970 he was the assistant controller to Mr Clark. He worked as the manager of the the Fashion Place and Cottonwood mall stores until the store closed.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated I started in 1970 at age 16 in the mail room. I would sort and deliver mail, print statements, address those infamous Este Lauder ads that came in the mail, and stamp the little metal charge plates you would use as a credit card. In 1972 my father told me to start looking for a different avenue of work because he was afraid the store was not on stable ground and would not be a good career choice so I became an Automotive Technician.
Many fond memories and friends. A great place to work because everyone was pleasant and friendly as I made my mail runs.
Although I have always lived elsewhere, I do have memories of Auerbach's since my uncle Larry Johnson worked there for many years. He started in men's fassion but moved into other lines and spent most of his years in non-fashion goods. When our family visited Salt Lake City, we would often visit uncle Larry at the store for lunch or just to visit. When we were old enough to wander around downtown alone, my brother and I would go to the store on our own to visit.
ReplyDeleteSince his office moved over the years we would just approach an employee and ask where Larry Johnson's office was. One time, we were told it was up behind the drapery department. Up there we asked and were told, no it is up by customer credit. At customer credit we were told, no, it was behind drapery. (Reminded us of a Shelly Bermann comedy routine. We laughed.) We finally asked if they would please use the house phone and call uncle Larry for us.
Memories. Lynn
I have wonderful memories of this store and old downtown of the 60's and 70's. Miss this grand store. Always so beautiful. The customer service could not be beat. It didn't matter if you were a lady dressed to go to town, or a high school kid in jeans, you were treated the same way. Just found comments on another site about the store burning. I have no memory of this happening. Thought they just,sadly, went out of business. Can you shed some light on this?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have more information on the sale of The Paris Company in 1969? Who bought the Paris, what was the price and what eventually happened to the chain?
ReplyDeleteI have an old family photograph of a cute little baby that i cannot identify. It is stamped with an Auerbach Company stamp which says they keep the negative so you can reorder. I wonder if this could be a route to identifying this cute guy??
ReplyDeleteI have an old family photo that was taken at Auerbachs. There is a stamp on the back that says they keep the negatives for reorder. I'm wondering if this could be a way to identify the cute baby in the photo?
ReplyDeleteI remember going to see my Great uncle who was 2nd in line just under Fred A Auerbachs I called him uncle Fred my great uncle's name was George Wayne Clark he passed on in the early 90s my family spent hours there to help sweep and to just help around after school that was a great place to be really friendly place
ReplyDeletegetting back from yesterday my uncle Wayne showed us the tunnels under the store we would go to the basement go thorough the storage doors and to the back door on State street side were the bathrooms were under the side walk on State street the tunnel is still there to this day it is a fitness place right now they just gave it a face lift the tunnels would go all over salt lake valley if I remember right Fred's bother Herbert is the one that choose that site and for the tunnels a long with Brigham Young Uncle Wayne like to help people if they were short on cash uncle Wayne and uncle Fred would let them have it cheaper then what the price was and all those who worked there were caring people they would help u find what u wanted even if it was in another part of the store thanks to all that made that store a great place to go all the workers and all the customers thanks again
ReplyDeleteMilan Felt - Wilmington, DE
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a youngster, I went to school with young Fred Auerbach. In fact, he would pick me up in his limosene and bring me home. I had the opportunity of going up to his house in Federal Hills and there would play pool and basketball. It was a day of sadness when his father died. His mother was a lovely lady and married Mr. Samuels and moved to Ogden. I had the opportunity of working at Auerbach's at X-mas time in the luggage division. It was a great experience. I had the opportunity of dating one of the daughters of Agnes Stewart. Mrs Stewart was a beautiful women and an excellent business women. She looked quite elegant sitting in the mammoth office in the Auerbach building. I moved from Salt Lake many years ago and never witnessed the demise of the Auerbach Company. The destruction of this building, the Hotel Utah, and Federal Reserve company is hard for me to comprehend. If Fred Auerbach is still alive and you know how to get in touch with him, I would like to contact him for old time sake.
Remember those "hot" delivery men?? And the delivery trucks with Seagulls on the side panels? I happen to have married one of those drivers and we are still friends with a few other delivery drivers. One night I had gotten into a "disagreement" with my Auerbach's delivery driver boyfriend. The next day my doorbell rang at my home. I looked outside and saw 7-8 Auerbach's delivery trucks lined up and down my street! My boyfriend had sent me roses, and all the drivers were there to witness whether or not I accepted them. I did! When we were getting married, I had registered at Auerbach's for all my china, glassware and silverware - that's what you did back in the late 60's. When my china was being delivered, the big box arrived at my home before I did! Those delivery drivers were the BEST!!
ReplyDeleteHello, I worked for Auerbach's in the Fashion Place Mall in 1976. When I see these pics I think WOW time flies!!!!
ReplyDeleteI used to buy what was called Toasted Almond Fudge from the candy corner and I cant find any info on who made it, who still carries it, if anyone. They were the best! Had a lot of good memories from that place!
re: Mr. Felt's query, Fred Auerbach died in 1998.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt Leona worked for a long time as a ladies alteration/seamstress at the Downtown Auerbach's. They lived in Copperton and I don't remember now how she got to work every day, since back in those days they only had one car. My mom, her younger sister, would sometimes take us down there for lunch with Aunt Leona but we never bought much there. Kinda pricey for my parents, as I remember. I do remember that sometimes on a Saturday she worked and Uncle Wayne (I share a first name with him) would come down from Copperton to get her and he'd stop at Brady's Bakery in Sandy, to get Snelgroves Ice Cream and bread. Wow, I can go on like this way too long
ReplyDeleteI literally grew up at Auerbachs.My dad Jack Sillito started there in 1946 and eventually worked his way up to being the Divisional Merchandise Manager over the mens division. I myself worked there from 1969 to1979.I was a buyer of mens uits and boys 4-20. I will always remember the crazy days of menss Sportswear when I was the assistant buyer. This was during the time of doube knit bullet proof polyester jump suits and floral silky Joel shirts.It was a great training ground. Al Richer bought the stores around 1977. He was an accomplidhed merchant having been involved in many national chains including May Co. Mr Richer tried to change things around. He brought in bettter lines he offered at the time the most liberal returns policy ever stating on a local women's show " We will take back anything at anytime for any reason." When pressed if that merchandise from other stores he said yes. No refund in store credit only.Richer finally was done in when Crossroads mall kept him out among other things.
ReplyDeleteThe lovely lady mentioned in a comment above that worked in cosmetics with the hair combs/mantillas was indeed Mary Cairo.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in Holladay, so we had the Cottonwood Mall to shop at. Since my Dad took the car to work, for a special treat, my mom would take me on a bus ride downtown to shop at Auerbach's. I LOVED the fish and chips and had a coke with it. My parents bought me a beautiful gray and white rabbit fur coat from there when I was 15. My grandma also worked there prior to my trips there, in the china/dishware dept - her name was Lorene Hubbard. I have a lot of beautiful dishes she had purchased from there :)
ReplyDeleteAs a preteen my mother took me to Auerbach's once for lunch. We had the cream cheese sandwiches on date nut bread, in the little snack bar in the mezzanine between the first and second floors. As a high school girl I would take the bus downtown to shop with babysitting money. I also walked from there, to Mode O Day (I think was the name), to look at the Lady Manhattan blouses (all those pleats down the front), then the Yardstick for material, the Paris just to look around, across the street to Broadway music for a 45 record, through Kress store, out to main street. There I would buy a hot, fresh made donut from the machine in Grant's store, look around in Woolworths, then buy 5 cents each of hot, fresh roasted cashews and Spanish peanuts from Morrows Nut House. I didn't discover ZCMI until my senior year in high school, which extended my shopping up to there. Then I found Adrian and Emily on the west side of State Street. That was the year I was granted a 1 & 1/2 hour work release from school during the day, to work at Murdock Travel as their delivery girl. As I graduated high school I obtained my own charge card from Auerbach's. I had started buying my children's clothes there when they closed. I had to start shopping at ZCMI,and discovered the good food in the Tiffin Room. I miss all these stores, when you get older they feel like part of your life history.
ReplyDeleteMy Mother and I both worked at Auerbacks in the 1960s. I work as a Janitor picking up garbage cans general maintenance and my mother worked in Victory in the basement. Working their was the real first job I ever had and was an experience I will never forget. Auerbacks had a package shoot "a cork screw slide" that went from the fifth floor all the way to delivery in the basement. When someone would put to big of a package in the shoot it would back up packages all the way to the fifth floor and we would get a call to ride the shoot. we would go to where the blockage was and dislodge the packages so they would go on to delivery. Most of the time we would get it unblocked and ride the slide all the way to the basement. You were told to get out of the slide after undoing the jam but most of the time we were moving to fast to get out on lower floor. There was a conveyer belt that took the packages to another slide and the packages fell into the delivery room. I think about that store every once in a while and smile. It was a great place to work.
ReplyDeleteIn 1970 at the downtown SLC store there was a small snack-bar on the mezz. All the food was good but I especially loved the "Date Nut Bread Cream Cheese" sandwich! It was wonderful and I would kill for the recipe!
ReplyDeletethey had great food
DeleteI Have a copy of Anniversary 80 years of services
ReplyDeleteAUERBACH CO Salt Lake City, Utah
is anyone interested...?
I just posted about the '80 Years of Service Auerbach Co. 1864-1944 Salt Lake City, Utah' book I have. It is a first and ONLY edition, (no other editions of book were published).
ReplyDeleteIf interested, please email me, Matthew Rudd, at mrudd644@gmail.com.
MY grandmother worked there in the 1960's I don't know the department. Her name was Mary Owen at the time she did remarry to Blackburn. But I remember going to auerbachs and I was in heaven. I also remember her getting her hair done by a man which I thought was strange at the time. She lived fairly close because we had to walk there.
ReplyDeleteMy first full time job was at Auerbach's. I worked on the second floor behind the fur coats wall printing names in Christmas cards. When that job was done I was moved to gift wrapping in the basement. I remember the elevator going to the basement had no walls just a floor. As you went down you could see the wall that would normally be on the other side of the elevator walls. There was a snake bar in the store that had the world's best Date and Cream cheese sandwich.
ReplyDeleteGood Grief - I hope it's a typo . . . a "Snake Bar" would not be in the tradition of great department stores! (LOL)
ReplyDeleteMy elegant paternal grandmother, Margo (Magdalene Jolley) Fechser would take me and my sisters Debbie, Margo & Chris up to Auerbach's & ZCMI to shop for school clothes, about the week before school started. (this was in the 60's) What beautiful stores they were! I remember exotic Mary Cairo who looked like she must have known Coco Chanel, Picasso, Dali, Carmen Miranda & Frida Khalo. In those days, you dressed up to go to those stores. It was an occasion. Even the ladies rooms were glorious... grey-veined white marble, nickel fixtures, huge glistening mirrors. We had lunch in the Tiffin Room, but our FAVORITE place to eat was at the Cinegrill. Still crave their luscious salad dressing. Rebecca Fechser Everett
ReplyDeleteThe local PBS station just did a hour long documentary on the 'rivalry' between Auerbach's and ZCMI. It's great! I hope everyone can see it soon. KUED Channel 7 just aired it this past weekend (Dec. 3, 2017). So look for it online soon
ReplyDeleteWe have come across some records at the Utah State Archives with the trademarks series 398. There are Aurbach's fresh eggs, wheat, and butter featured under the Aurbach's trademark.
ReplyDeleteBax,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that I really like your blog. I grew up during a time when big department stores were in their prime. friendly, outgoing, and responsible sales associates who took great pride in their jobs by being up to date and familiar with every piece of merchandise. Exceptional customer service associates, clean, brightly lit sales floors, candy counters and in store lunchonettes that always had the best food are just a few examples why big chain stores like Walmart and Costco will never be able to serve our communities like local department stores. Thank you Baz for creating this awesome blog where folks can come and spend a little time and remember. I noticed that there hasn't been any real activity here in some time, does this mean this blog is no longer active?
The Blog is frequently updated; not by date but alphabetically according to state.
ReplyDeleteWe have the last Auerbacks crystal chandelier. The rest were put on the ground and crushed on the demolition site. We saved one and it proudly hangs in our living room. A memory of he past.
ReplyDeleteTruly fabulous! You should post a picture and enchant us all.
DeleteHow fabulous is that!
ReplyDelete- Bruce
I loved Auerbach's and was sad when they closed. I watched as their building was refaced and turned into an office complex in the 1980's. Every time I went to Auerbach's I felt like I was walking into a palace; always beautiful, always classy.
ReplyDeleteI've looked over the five floor directory, but from the photos I've seen it looks like the building was a four story store until the very late forties or early fifties, when another floor was added. I've seen some evidence of that in office renovations, even on the current fourth floor. Any idea of when the fifth floor was added? What was the department layout prior to the store addition? Any idea of when the escalators went in?
ReplyDeleteThis site absolutely warms my heart! I used to come "downtown" with my Grandma and would go to lunch in the basement of Auerbachs. These photos bring back such fond memories. I remember there was an "elevator" person that would let you know all the departments on each floor. WOW! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteMy birth mother was one of those elevator girls in Auerbachs for years. They wore cute little uniforms and matching hats.
DeleteMy mom worked at Auerbach's around 1958 when I was 12. I remember shopping there when I was really young. My mother worked in Personnel for years until she retired. I worked summer jobs when I was 16, working in the credit Department the summer of 1964. I remember so much about this store--a pretty sales lady who wore huge rings; my mom trying to set me up with one of the clerks; the cream cheese date nut sandwiches; getting my hair done by a man; the bargain basement where I found great deals; using my mom's charge a card for a discount; the Christmas decorations; the red carpet and chandeliers.
ReplyDeleteWould you happen to remember if the man's name was Ken? He was sort of balding?
DeleteMy Aunt LaRue Ellis worked at Auerbach's as a sales lady in 1934 when she was 19 years old. My family went to visit her in SLC sometime in the early 1960s. I would have been around 6 years old. She took us to look at the Christmas window display(s) at night. It was snowing and so magical!
ReplyDeleteThere was another women's clothing store, up around the corner from ZCMI, across from the Catholic Church, I think, that I've been trying to track down. They were upscale and also had a hair salon. I want to say "Mayflower" or "Bloomingdale's", but neither is right. Can anyone remember the name of it? I think it was on the south side of North Temple.
ReplyDeleteMakoff's
DeleteI too have found memories of Auerbach's. I remember going to the "Saturday Sales Events" an standing inside the doorway waiting for the inside doors to open with the sound of the bell and being pushed in with the crowd. After watching the 24th of July Parade we would go inside and have lunch in the Tea Room in the basement. I always took my children on their 1st birthday to get their picture taken there. My oldest daughter's picture was chosen to be displayed as the photo of the month and I was given that 12 x 16 portrait to have. One of my fondest memories was to drive up and down the parking garage ramp. Jane Smith Pennington Turner
ReplyDeleteI too have fond memories of Auerbach's. I got my first lipstick and pantyhose there. My mother took me there to get fitted for my first bra. I took all of my children there for their 1st Birthday pictures. My oldest daughter's picture was chosen to be the photo of the month and I was given that that portrait at the end of the month. We always went to the Tea Room for lunch after watching the 24th of July Parade.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was a switchboard operator! I remember helping her remember the extension numbers! She would take me shopping there after work. She bought me an Alexander Doll that I still have! I loved the Christmas decorations! It was a great store!!!!♥️♥️ We would eat at the Tea Room!
ReplyDeleteChristmas season always brings back memories of growing up in the 1960's in Salt Lake City and shopping at Auerbach's the 5th floor the favorite floor that was the Toy department.
ReplyDeleteWhat I remember more than anything was Saturday morning bargain basement sales my mom would drag me to and all the woman waiting inside the door for the bell to ring the second the store opened then the mad dash they all made to the escalator's down to the basement pushing and shoving trying to get there first, once in the basement and finding a sales table all these crazy ladies fought like mad dogs over a bone grabbing arms loads of shirts or what ever was on sale then off to a corner to sort though them for a size they needed the tossed what didn't fit back on the table where the mad dogs grabbed for them again, LOL was so funny watching these old ladies was worth going just for the entertainment.
I also remember my older sister use to work there during Christmas season when she was in high schools wrapping Christmas gifts.
I loved Auerbachs. I frequented the downtown store in the 70's during my high school years.. Such a elegant building. A buddy and his dad worked there and I'd visit them on weekends. I loved the sights and smells. I bought a pretty watch there for my first serious girlfriend. I bought my favorite cologne, Elsha, there. The girls loved it. It was so convenient and you could always find Christmas gifts for anyone at all price ranges. I miss those types of stores. The one at Cottonwood mall, while nice, always seemed a bit neglected though. I miss the old SLC downtown.
ReplyDeleteMy sister worked gift wrap in the 1970's it was one of her first jobs she was very good at . her packages were very proffessonally wrapped. i won the the Christmas Holiday table decorations contest that ZCMI had.I remember all the fancy Department stores in Salt lake. My mom took me to the eating place at JC Penney's salt lake store.I remember riding the esculator. i went to the Primary children's hospital as little girl. They had a preschool for blind children there.
ReplyDeleteI have read the remarks about the date nut bread and cream cheese sandwiches which my mother and I also enjoyed! I wondered if anyone has the recipe for it. I have never tasted better and would love to share with my daughters!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see all the cherished memories people have from downtown Salt Lake and especially Auerbachs! I worked on the top floor in the Infants and Childrens Dept.,it was next to the Toy Dept.I also worked in the basement in the Bakery. The baker,Mr.Schmitt,made the best German pastries! It was right next to the Tea Room,and I wore the same pink dresses that the waitresses wore.I also worked in the Candy Dept.right inside the doors from 3rd So.That was in the early 70's. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
ReplyDeleteI was a night janitor that worked for American building and Maintenance 1967-1969. I cleaned the third floor. There was a spiral mail tunnel that went all the way from the 5th floor to the bargain basement. It was steeper and much more fun than the one at Lagoon. There was a guy that cleaned the 2nd floor that used to talk to the mannequins. I learned how to wrap Xmas packages from the girls in the gift wrap department. I used to show up early to do this. One night the police were looking for a suspect who they thought was hiding in the store after hours. They ran the dogs through and they urinated on everything, that was pretty funny. I could ride a buffer the full length of the floor, we used to have races in the bargain basement.
ReplyDelete