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| Since 1876, John Wanamaker operated his "Grand Depot" store in an abandoned railway station, but in 1910, that facility was replaced with one of the most renowned and beautiful store buildings in all the world. The building was built in stages on the same site as the "Grand Depot." |
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| Focal point of the 1911 store was the so-called Grand Court, which rose up through the building. The Organ and Christmas Light Show, and famous Wanamaker Eagle called the Grand Court home. |
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| For Wanamaker's, Burnham's firm chose a neo-Renaissance style reminiscent of a rusticated Florentine palazzo. |
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| The John Wanamaker store stretched to Chestnut Street; its great bulk is difficult to appreciate from Phila- delphia's narrow streets. |
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| Wanamakers' iconic restaurant was the "Grand Crystal Tea Room" on the ninth floor. |
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| "Let those who follow me continue to build with the plumb of honor, the level of truth, and the square of integrity, education, courtesy and mutuality." |
John Wanamaker
1300 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
1300 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101
LOcust 4-2500
Read a fine book about Wanamaker's by Michael Lisicky
Subway Market John Wanamaker Budget Store (Home Furnishings) • WanaFrost Refreshment Bar
Subway Central John Wanamaker Budget Store (Women's Apparel)
Subway Chestnut John Wanamaker Budget Store (Men's and Children's Apparel) • The Dairy Restaurant
Budget Store Gallery Central Budget Store Beauty Salon • Magazines • Post Office • John Wanamaker Budget Store (Men's Shoes)
Budget Store Gallery Chestnut • Personnel Office
One Market Isle of Man • Sweaters • Shirts • Tie Tent • Quad Shop • Shirts • Men’s Furnishings • Men’s Sportswear • Men’s Accessories • Pajamas • Robes • Men’s Shoes • Levi Shop
Grand Court Little Sport Shop • Accessories • Scarves • Blouses • Sweaters • Hosiery • Sunglasses • Millinery • Sleepwear • Entertaining Ideas • Stationery • Games • Photo Frames • Friendship Collection • Gourmet Shop
One Chestnut Chestnut West Shop • The Shoe Place • The Rainshop • Gloves • Handbags • Small Leather Goods • Watches • Clocks • Fine Jewelry • Costume Jewelry • Books • Godiva Blue Boutique • Wilke Pipe Shop • Morgan Apothecary • Flower Shop
Main Gallery Market Shoe Repair
Main Gallery Central Repair Service • Dry Cleaning
Main Gallery Chestnut Optometrist • Chiropodist • Ticket Agency • Travel Bureau
Two Market Wanalyn Dresses • Wanalyn Coats • London Fog • Misty Harbor • Women’s World • Scene Two • After 5 Shop
Two Central Shoes on Two • Designer Shoes on Two • Shoe Salon • The Shop for Pappagallo • Slippers • Casual Shoes • Aigner Shop • Sabel Shoes • Opicenter
Two Chestnut Men’s Store • Statements • Contemporary Man • London Shop • Sportswear on Two • Sweaters on Two • Slacks on Two
Three Market Contemporary on Three • Current Alternatives • Rittenhouse Sportswear • Sweaters on Three • Egyptian Hall Auditorium • The Greek Hall
Three Central Junior Aisle • Junior Dresses • Junior Sportswear • Junior Coats • Young Juniors • Mimi’s Juniors • Mimi’s Closet
Three Chestnut Rittenhouse Coats • Rittenhouse Leathers and Suedes • Rittenhouse Fur Salon • Rittenhouse Dresses • Tribout • Triboutique • Millinery • Bridal Salon • Fashion Gifts • St. Laurent/Rive Gauche
Four Market Children’s Accessories • Children’s Sleepwear • Circus • Toys • Baby Toys• Little Girlswear • Girlswear • Girl’s Accessories • Boyswear • Teenswear • Childrenswear
Four Central Cuddly Toys • Nursery Toys • Boys Sportswear • Children’s Shoes • Beauty Salon • Tourneur Salon
Four Chestnut Underfashions • Sleepwear • Nightwear • Robes • R.S.V.P. Shop • At Homewear • Loungewear • Junior Intimate Apparel • Infants
Five Market Appliances • Small Electrics • Cookware • Housewares • Haute Cuisine Shop • Cleaning Aids • Bath Shop • Fifth Course Restaurant • Trim-a-Home Shop
Five Central Linens and Domestics • Bed Linens • Bath Linens • Rugs • Fabrics • Sewing Machines • Home Free • Home Improvement Service • Personalized Glass • “Drink to me Only”
Five Chestnut China • Glassware • Bridal Gift Registry • Crystal • Waterford Glassware • Silver • New Wedgwood Shop • Blankets and Spreads
Six Market Lamps • Pillows • Curtains • Draperies • Bedspreads
Six Central Clock Shop • Williamsburg Shop • Dual Sleep • Recliners • Modern Furniture • Occasional Furniture • Accent Furniture
Six Chestnut Traditional Living Rooms • Occasional Furniture • Decor Gallery • Interior Design
Seven Market Carpeting • Area Rugs
Seven Central Wall Decor • Colonial Furniture • Occasional Furniture • Mirrors • Pictures • Poster Shop • Fine Art Gallery
Seven Chestnut Traditional Bedrooms • Bedding • Ocasional Furniture • Chairs
Eight Market Art and Hobby Shop • Toys • Games • Dolls
Eight Central Sporting Goods • Games • Garden Shop • Hardware • Pet Shop • Electronic Shop • Lego Shop
Eight Chestnut Music • Piano & Organ Gallery • Home Entertainment • Radios • Television • Records • John Wanamaker Memorial Museum
Nine Market Services • Opticenter • Cash & Credit
Nine Central Chinoiserie • Garden Club • A Touch of Glass • Gifts • Needlecraft • Luggage • Stamps & Coins • Collectibles • Gifts • Holiday Entertaining • Boxes, Boxes Boxes
Nine Chestnut The Crystal Room Restaurant • The Club Room
(2,000,000 s.f)
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Wilmington, DE
Augustine Cut-Off at 18th Street
November, 1950
203,000 sq. ft.
The Ivy Room
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Wynnewood
1954
Main Line Shopping Center
250,000 sq. ft.
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Jenkintown
Old York Road
1958
165,000 sq. ft.
The Baederwood Room
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Moorestown Mall
Moorestown, NJ
1963
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King of Prussia
King of Prussia Plaza
1965
194,000 sq. ft.
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| Harrisburg East Mall 1969 |
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Berkshire Mall
Reading, PA
1970
185,000 sq. ft.
The Dining Car Restaurant
Stationmaster Coffee Shop
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Oxford Valley Mall
Langhorne, PA
August, 1973
166,000 sq. ft.
The Studio Restaurant - The Old Star Coffee Shop
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Springfield Mall
Springfield, PA
1975
185,000 sq. ft.
The Playhouse
The Backstage Canteen
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Deptford Mall
Deptford, New Jersey
1975
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Lehigh Valley
Whitehall, PA
1976
165,000 sq. ft.
Fore 'n' Aft
Crow's Nest
Fore 'n' Aft
Crow's Nest
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Northeast Philadelphia
Roosevelt Mall
1976
300,000 s.f.
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Montgomery Mall
North Wales, PA
1978
Coming in due course.
John Wanamaker also operated an extensive Budget Store which included: Budget Walnut: The Dairy Restaurant, Budget Store Home Goods. Budget Central:
ReplyDeleteWanaFrost snack bar, Budget Womens Clothing, Shoes, Uniform Shop. Budget Market: Budget Mens Shop, and Childrens Shop.
8th Floor Walnut, also contained the John Wanamaker Memorial Museum.
9th Floor Walnut, Club Room.
3rd Floor Central, Terrace On The Court Restaurant.
3rd floor Market, The Greek Hall.
Great site !
Ken
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMy grand mother MARY VAUGHAN was hired by Mr.John Wanamaker as a young woman and was given the job in antiques Dept. And got to travel the world buying furniture to send back wonderful stories I've heard as a child
DeleteI have a pill container and water cup, handwritten on the bottom of both,
Delete"Made especially for john wanamaker "
Both with a copper or brass emblem on the front.
I would like to know more or are these something that someone would want? I just haven't wanted to let them go,because I think they are so vintage looking, but I really don't have room for them. Can anyone help?
I went to see the Wanamaker's Christmas light show, music and lights, with my husband.. first time I saw that. at age 45. It was like a dream, I became a child again, staring in wonder at the automated show. Fond memories of that... A long, long ago.. 1994.
DeleteThere was also a post office, on the Budget Gallery above the Budget Store.
DeleteYes. John Wanamaker had its own zip code
DeleteGood call regarding the above, Ken. Who could forget the WanaFrost ice cream. We could grab a WanaFrost and then get on the El.
ReplyDeleteR
I'm doing research of the Native American Memorial proposed by Rodman Wanamaker. Do you have any images or pictures of the Wanamaker Store displaying any artifacts from the Wanamaker Expedition of 1909-1913? Thank you in advance for your assistance
ReplyDeleteContact information: deerslayer3@frontiernet.net or joe.colombo@us.army.mil
Fond memories of lunching with my grandmother in the restaurant on the top floor
ReplyDeleteWho was the architect/ designer for Wilm.De. store built in 1950?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the book, "Wilmington in Vintage Postcards," Massena & duPont, Inc., were local archiects for the building, and the general contractor was John McShain (who conducted the renovation of the White House at the time)of Philadelphia.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that further information is available in "Meet Me at the Eagle," the fine new book about Wanamaker's by Michael Lisicky. At the moment, though, I've lent my copy to my brother and don't have it at hand.
BAK
I did love that store...it is amazing how all of these great stores are gone! I shopped in the King of Prussia store where you can still make out the outline of the store before all of the parking garages were built.
ReplyDeleteI have very vivid memories of Christmas shopping with my dad at the Wilmington store in the 70s/80s (before they moved to Christiana Mall in 1990)...they had a Winnie the Pooh bear on a swing high up that you could "push" with a string...sad that it is gone..and stores like macys who have taken over all of these distinct chains have diluted and cheapened their own brand in the process....
ReplyDeleteJohn Wanamaker Department store was at the Harrisburg East Mall also.
ReplyDeleteI was display director for the East Mall store for 13 years. Does anyone know what happened to Carol ( last name)? Who worked at our King of Prussia store during the late 70’s in the display department?
DeleteWhen I lived in New York I often went to Wanamaker's downtown near NYU. It is one of my fondest memories. I loved their merchandise and looked forward to their sales. I miss them.
ReplyDeleteI have a set of John Wanamaker silver salt & pepper shakers for sale. Post here if interested.
ReplyDeleteHello, John, just came across this site while googling 'Wanamaker bear'. I think it must have been the Augustine cutoff location that I recall from late '60s/early '70s. That bear was a significant figure in my early life. I can still recall the feeling of pulling on that rope! Still have & still love my earliest teddy bear and bunny, both from the toy department. There was a wonderful woman who managed children while their mothers shopped, too. Miss....I looked forward to the games.
ReplyDeleteToday I care about modernist architecture and so appreciate your post and site from several angles. Thanks.
Memories!
ReplyDeleteAt christmas every year, we always drove into the city to look at the animated department store windows, continuing a longtime family tradition that went back a generation or two. As kids during the 60's, our parents loved to take us to the Grand Court to watch the lights in the multi-storied christmas tree change along with the Christmas Carols being played. To this day, I continue a tradition that my father started back THEN, to use 8-10 strings of different colors and have them blink in a variety of patterns, just like the one at Wanamaker's!
I worked in display downtown,1978 to 1980...best time of my life...19 when I started...then worked moorestown for a year and the northeast store until 1992...great people and great memories...
ReplyDeleteBill Harrison
I'd love to know what happened to the Moorestown Mall eagle; everytime i go to the mall; i can still see the Eagle there; speaking of eagles; where did all the eagles go after the store closed; i'm very curious
DeleteThe mall eagles were donated to schools/universities that had a kind of eagle as their mascot. I just confirmed that one went to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, PA, and it it in their amphitheater.
DeleteIf I remember correctly, most of the mall eagles were donated to schools/universities that had some sort of eagle as a mascot. I just confirmed that one of them went to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA. It is in their amphitheater.
DeleteHi Bill ,I remember you! You must have known Fritz McCloskey & Bob Teddy in display?
DeleteI have a rare John Wanamaker Suitcase which he branded for louis vuitton. It was my great great grandmothers, mint condition.. Is it worth anything today.. How would I find more info on it.. Thanks Aaron Romankoa@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteYes, Aaron, anything LV is worth $, especially older items.
DeleteCouldn't wait every Christmas as a kid in the 50s and 60s for my mother to take me to Wanamaker's in Philly -- always an amazing and dazzling display, the awesome organ and of course Santa Claus!! Other times, it was a special treat to eat in the restaurant there. Great stuff -- nothing like it anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou have a lovely memory to cherish.
Deleteanon -- I also remember the teddy bear swing. You are correct. It was at the Wilmington, Augustine cut-off store. My brother and I spent much time trying to get the bear to do a loop-de-loop over the bar! I worked with a gentleman some years ago who informed me that the Teddy Bear swing was moved to the Christiana Mall store after the Wilmington store closed. I never did verify that and wish I had taken my son there before they closed for good so he could pull on the rope like I did.
ReplyDeleteI have a 1940's wanamaker piano upright that I am trying to find information on. Can you help me?
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents both worked at Wanamaker's flagship store and my grandmother sometimes took me 'behind the scenes' to talk to her co-workers. When I graduated from high school I worked summers for several years in tabulating and a buyer's office keeping track of which store had which stock. The store was a magical place.
ReplyDeleteHi, great story! I am trying to find some information about an antique bow front dresser I bought. Is there any place or website I Can refer to?
DeleteHi Ann, great story, I was wondering if you knew how I could obtain some information about an antique dresser I purchased. It has a label identify it coming from either Philadelphia or New York. Do you know of the way to do this or website I can refer to?
DeleteDear Ann:
ReplyDeleteHave you seen Michael Lisicky's book on Wanamaker's? It is quite excellent and is a great source of Wanamaker's history and photos of the store.
Last year, my wife and I went to Philadelphia to see her daughter perform with Ballet X; we stopped in at the Wanamaker building and was able to catch a glimpse of Julie Andrews signing autographs. The reason for it was the inauguration of a renovated "Christmas Light Show" which was charming to experience.
Bruce
I just ordered Michael Lisicky's book! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe tabulating department where I worked was between the second and third floors. You approached it through the London Fog department and climbed some steps. Since the organ was also reached by the second floor, we often got up close looks at important people who were appearing on the balcony by the organ.
I am so glad to hear about the Christmas light show.
Thank you for your wonderful blog!
http://bkkp.blogspot.com/2011/08/forgiveness.html
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure how else to share my blog about your blog!
I would love to find one of the old Wanamaker Store signs - if you know of anywhere there is one left, please let me know
ReplyDeleteAny idea who made the movements for the John Wanamaker wrist watches?
ReplyDeleteJohn Wanamaker....Meet you at the EAGLE!!
ReplyDeleteMy aunt Gertrude Guggenheim worked as a buyer for the Philadelphia store for years. I may have been in there exactly once, but sadly don't have any memory of it. If anyone posting remembers Gertrude, please drop a note here!
ReplyDeleteMy grand mother worked in antiques and was hired by Mr John Wanamaker to travel the world and buy items to sell in upscale antiques Dept
DeleteMary Vaughan my father's mom
My grandmother worked at Wanamaker's between 1910 and 1911. She was beautiful (looked like the Gibson Girl of that time) I have many lovely photos of her framed on my wall and a shadow box containing hat pins, plumes, and other memorabilia including her calling card from Wanamaker's "The Wanamaker Stores - Philadelphia" with her name. I lived with her when I was 17, 18 and 19 years old. She shared many fascinating stories about her first modeling dress materials & subsequently selling ladies gloves at Wanamaker's. She told me the store opened with young men playing trumpets at the entrance, and someone playing the organ during the day. I am the last in my family and don't know anyone interested in these gorgeous old photos and memorabilia from the early 1900's. Thomas C. Kelly
ReplyDeleteI would certainly be interested in them!
DeleteIs there any way to research patterns of J. Pouyat Limoges china w/the W mark? I read that there was a web site that could be found by Googleing that had pattern dates & history, but cannot find it. I have a wonderful set of turn of the century china and need to know a pattern name to try and find a few replacement pieces. I will appreciate any info. anyone can give me. Thanks in advance.
ReplyDeleteTry Replacements.com.
DeleteGeorge, there is one sign that was on the outside of the John Wanamaker Center City store that's is now hanging inside McGillin's Olde Ale House.
ReplyDeleteI have been told that my great grandmother, Mrs. Duncan, an Irish immigrant used to spin lace in one of the storefront windows of Wanamaker's in Philadelphia. Sometime around 1911. Anyone ever heard of this activity? I will have to check out the book.
ReplyDeleteDonna Burnell
I best know Wanamaker's as the filming location of the Prince & Company store from the 1987 comedy film "Mannequin".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on the sign. I have had my eyes on that for years without luck. I guarantee that in some of the Macy's there is a sign in a storage room. It. Is just finding the right person to ask. My our help is totally appreciated
ReplyDeleteGeorge
How can I find value on something that has a John Wanamaker price tag and is at least 50 years old?
ReplyDeleteI still have dreams that take place in the Wanamaker's on Augustine Cut-Off in Wilmington!
ReplyDeleteI loved that store.
-Nancy
Wonderful memories of the Augustine Cut-off store, just a few: Going with my mom to the Charles of the Ritz counter for her custom-blend powders; The swinging bear; Christmas show; clothes shopping with my mom; poking around housewares. I frequently drive by the vacant store. I think if it's ever demolished, I will cry. I haven't given up hope that a classy store (not some chain) will move in.
ReplyDeleteI remember the bear on a swing and I also remember the sound and sight of the colorful fountain display at Christmas. I especially remember the whinny and crack of the whip in Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride." http://youtu.be/vwHEqx_3BYE I remember the voice of John Facenda narrating?
ReplyDeleteI remember elevators with a uniformed person running it. I remember the soft bell sound of the intercom. I remember the "tea room." I remember "meet me at the eagle." Only trouble is, I think I am mixing memories between Bala Cynwd, Philadelphia and Wilmington!
I have an old Wanamaker Sewing machine in a beautiful wooden cabinet with classic piano legs, I can't seem to find another one anywhere...the model is R40....any one know anything about this?
ReplyDeleteI would be interseted to see if anyone has some old photos of the band that use to play in Wanamaker's.My dad was one of those men and I remember him telling me that John Phillip Sousa was a guest conducter sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI have a tiny baby doll ,on the back it has a John Wanamaker Philadelphia tag.50She is wearing a pink dress with white dots,has panties with a gold pin attached.Any one have any info?
ReplyDeletethanks
My step-mother worked in the Philly store in the 50's and shower my sister and me the great organ,a few years ago I was at anconcert in Balboa Park in San Diego Ca. and my friend started telling me about the great organ there and I said I know the other is in Philly
ReplyDeletewhat is the serial number on the sewing machine. my wanamaker is a willcox & gibbs branded machine for john wanamaker sn 40675
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any info on his jewelry? I have a gold pendant still in the box with a 100.00 price tag on it. Any idea what it's worth? Looks circa 60's
ReplyDeleteI have vague memories of the Augustine Cutoff store and the Strawbridges on Gov Printz. Concord Mall, which put them both out of business, is so ordinary. Seem like we as a society have lost an appreciation for class.
ReplyDeleteI always loved going to the Wanamaker flagship store as a kid. Their toy department took up at least 1/2 of one floor. I remember being in awe of the many glass cases filled with collectible porcelain dolls for sale. During holiday time, the store used to turn the overhead lights completely off during the Christmas Light Show so everyone could truly enjoy the beautiful spectacle of lights. They had table lamps on the counters that remained lit. Unfortunately, this had to stop as shoplifting got out of control! My parents would take us for lunch to the Crystal Tea Room or the Dark Room for lunch - in the 1970s watercress tea sandwiches were still on the menu! I always got a hot dog (listed on the children's menu as a frankfurter) and an "ice cream clown" for dessert(an upside down ice cream cone in a silver pedestal dessert dish with gumball eyes and nose.) While attending college in 1986, I worked part time in the store's Visual Merchandising department on the 10th floor as a secretary. Many years prior, the area where I worked was the store's infirmary, complete with staff doctor and nurses, and an operating room for minor surgeries! The huge employee dining room was still operational when I worked there, and had private rooms off to the side that had chaise lounges where employees could lie down on their break or read a book that could be borrowed from their mini library. My department had a lot of memorabila stashed throughout, and even an archive room. Always loved history so this was facinating to go in and take a look when I had a free moment. I was fortunate to be working there during the Wanamaker 125th anniversary and assisted in preparing the memorabilia exhibit that was opened to the public. While I was there, they also happened to be filming "Mannequin." I remember delivering interoffice mail on the ninth floor near the executive boardroom, turning the corner and Andrew McCarthy was sitting in a chair right in front of me. There was a gentleman who worked on my floor - his name was Fritz McCloskey, who always wore the craziest suspenders he could find! He said many of them were gifts from his nieces and nephews. He was a colorful guy who knew everyone by name, and everyone knew him! He also knew a lot of great history of the store. I believe his mother was an immigrant who started working there when she arrived in Philadelphia. In that year, the stores were sold to Woodward and Lathrop, and went on a steady decline. It was a Lord and Taylor for a few years. When it became a Macys, they have done a lot of work to the building and the Light show to bring it back to its original glory. I understand they also brought the Dickens Village from the old Strawbridges department store building piece by piece, rolling it up Market Street and setting it up on the third floor. If you want to take a historic tour of the department store, there is an employee who gives extensive tours by appointment. Just give the store a call.
ReplyDeleteI worked with Fritz McCloskey during the 70’s & early 80’s in the Visual Merchandising Department for the suburban store branches. He was truly one of the most colorful people that I had ever meet in my life. Fond memories of staying at his home for a weekend party. He had great taste, humor and endless stories to share about Philadelphia society. God Bless you Fritz for sharing your contagious laughter along with your......”Tits for Days” ( his favorite expression š¤£
DeleteI've been following this fascinating commentary regarding Wanamaker's. I worked at the flagship store in Tribout during college; my family lived in Cinnaminson, NJ and I'd take the bus into the city for my job after classes. I never knew Mr. McCloskey, but he sounded like such an interesting person I had to look him up. Sadly, I found this when I did a web search; https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/obituaries/mccloskey-francis-fritz/article_f54df57e-2329-5c60-896c-aebf86a5be8c.html
DeleteI remember working in the pet dept. which was a lease dept. we had pet goods & live pets. one day a delivery of snakes got out in the back room. I was 19 at the time (1972) and was the only one who would touch them. none of the guys would help me. I remember the employee cafeteria and the good food there. I was very impressed with the lending library. I thought "this store actually likes its employees". unlike most places I had worked before (& since). In the basement was the employee entrance where u clocked in and went to the "bank" to get your cash drawer. there were banking services available to employees, medical sevices, post office services too. It was almost a city unto itself. on the way out, you went down to the basement again to hand in your drawer and clock out. then just outside the basement was the Market St. subway to take me to Fishtown where I was living.
ReplyDeleteMy job during high school was working as a cook at the John Wanamaker's store at the King of Prussia Mall.
ReplyDeleteIt was the first job and I loved it. I learned alot and always liked picking up my paycheck.
I always wondered what happened. I think they were bought out by May and then Macy's.
I purchased a box of sewing items at an estate auction..at the bottom was this pair of scissors that have a beautiful design on the handles..very tarnished. JOHN WANAMAKER name and other side a design and GERMANY
ReplyDeleteon them. Can anyone tell me about them ?
So many memories tied to Wanamaker's, my grandmother used to take me to the one in center city all the time and I grew up around the corner from the one in Wynnewood. Too many memories to list, it's amazing how these stores were huge parts of our lives, there just isn't that loyalty anymore.
ReplyDeleteI have a great black and gold ring in a Wanamaker box that I would love to get another one of. Any idea on where I would start looking. Someone must have another? You can let me know via talin@alsodesign.net
ReplyDeleteI worked at the store for 11 years. Starting in 1961 as an executive trainee, and then a buyer. They were some of the best years of my life. The Wanamaker family really cared about the stores and the people that worked there.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the Christian Heritage is continuing with Wanamaker family.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all.
I do hope that people who care will buy American made plus care for people as the Wanamaker family did.
Dawood Latif - NZ
Both of my parent worked at the center city store, my dad was supervisors in the mechanical department for 38 years, and my mom was an elevator operator for many years until they became self-service, then she moved to the gift wrap department, she worked there for over 29 years. I have such great memories shopping with my parents, and at Christmas time when my dad would take me up stairs to the control area to see the lights for the Christmas show case.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Langhorne, PA during the 50's and 60's, and every Christmas my mother and her friends would take a bunch of us kids on the Reading Railroad into center city to see the displays at Wanamaker's. To a nine year old, it was magical! The monorail that ran over the toy department at Christmas was a clever idea for us kids to see all of the toys and report back to our mothers what we wanted. When I was about 19, I had a job near Wanamaker's, and once a week I'd take myself to the Crystal Dining Room for a turkey sandwich, cut into 1/4's (with the crusts cut off the bread, no less!), which cost $1.25 in 1966! I thought I was a princess sitting in there! Wonderful store; wonderful memories! So sad that places like that are gone now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this wonderful site ! Here are a couple of points of interest-
ReplyDelete1) The restaurant at the Lehigh Valley Mall branch was called "The Fore&Aft" It had a decor in tribute to the sea with anchor and all ! Bar service and an exterior entrance enabled dining after hours in the early days of the restaurant.
2) The restaurant at Montgomeryville (North Wales) was on the 2nd floor.The main dining room was open (but the coffee shop was closed off in earlier years and used for storage). almost until the sale of the store to May in 95'.
3)Wynnewood,Deptford,Springfield,Moorestown,Reading,North Wales,and even the Terrace on 3 restaurant at the flagship survived almost up to '95 ! The wonderful restaurants open until the sale to May BUT downtown 3rd floor restaurant (Terrace on The Court) with different owners and menu, was open even through the Lord & Taylor days. It was a treat to dine straight across from the pipe organ pipes which served as a wonderful dining experience ! Amazing !
Thankfully Macy's is keeping the store going and HOPEFULLY they will return restaurant dining to the 3rd floor across from the organ.
ALSO: The Crystal Tea Room (Thanks Be To God!) survives as one of Philadelphia's finest special function venues and remains preserved.
Thank you Thank you for this epecial special site !
I'd like to reply to Linda's post however it appears that this feature does not work.
ReplyDeleteAre there any photographs of the George Washington Nicholson Paintint commissioned by John Wanamaker in 1892, "THE OLD HOMESTEAD", where did it hang in the store?
ReplyDeleteI got married in 1966 and chose stemware made by Skruf just for John Wannamaker. It had an eagle etched on it. I can't find any info on that stemware. Anyone know anything about it? Replacements in Greensboro, NC is stumped. Anne@alkelectronics.com
ReplyDeletein the 1950's they had a train elevated train that went around the top.. anyone remember it? toy dept i think..
ReplyDeleteI still have the giant "Bixby Teddy Bear" that the Berkshire Mall in Reading had in there display window. This teddy bear is huge. I used to play hide and seek in that store with my friends when we were real little kids. When I was older, I negotiated for them to sell that bear to me. I still have it today as a memory of my younger days, the fond memory of my youth and that awesome giant Teddy Bear.
ReplyDeleteRSkokowski@goberkscounty.com
I was a working girl in Philly in the late 1960's and early 1970's. I loved walking through Wanamakers on my lunch hour and even on some Saturdays would make my way from Lawndale to Center City and go through every floor to see the merchandise and find something special to buy. I also loved to sew my own clothes and discovered that Wanamakers was offering sewing classes for advanced sewing students. The Irish lady teaching the classes was Bridget Magin and the class was called "Stitch It With Bridget". Bridget taught us students how to sew with like the designers sew. We learned to always make a muslin "practice" garment for perfect fit, how to create bound buttonholes, and how to apply very special high-fashion designer touches to our garments. We took notes and watched Bridget sew by an overhead mirror. We did our sewing at home and brought in our garments for Bridget to inspect and critique. My sewing improved greatly under her instruction and I have such wonderful memories. Thank you John Wanamaker for thinking outside the box and offering this wonderful opportunity to a 20 year old who still sews today.
ReplyDeleteWow, great site... brings back fond and not so fond;) back to school shopping memories at the Augustine cutoff store.
ReplyDeleteWas there a "Theater" area which had a Christmas production? Nutcracker maybe?
ReplyDeleteI worked there for 20 years on the 10th floor in the Data Processing Dept. I loved it. This is a great site. I'd love to hear from anyone who knew or worked with me there. I just found a copy of The Eagle Speaks from 1982. I was there from 1969 to 1989. My email is PatrickBenson 3 on AOL
ReplyDeleteI was employed there from 1969 to 1989 in the Data Processing Dept. on the 10th floor. I loved it. I just found a copy of The Eagle Speaks from 1982 with pictures of our group in Data Processing. I'd love to hear from anyone who knew me or worked with me. My email is PatrickBenson3 at the AOL mail server.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have photos or info/history or stories of the pedestrian tunnel that connected the basement of Wanamaker's (13th and Market, Philadelphia) to the underground trolley station? I belive the tunnel was lost when an underground parking lot was built. My email is michaelmaclauchlan@gmail.com I don't check here often, but if you post here, please send a note to my email thx! Michael
ReplyDeleteMy first job when I was 15 was at John Wanamaker's in King of Prussia Mall. I started washing dishes in the restaurant on the 3rd floor. I started working as a cook a year later. I made enough money to buy a car and pay the insurance.
ReplyDeleteThis was a really great job. Back then the idea was to provide a convenient place to have lunch for shoppers in the store. We served everything from tea sandwiches to fully cooked steak and potatoes. We had a steam table and walk in type refrigerators. It was a great education and back in the 70's we wouldn't listen to the music as we made people lunch and dinner.
I'll never forget the great manager I had who had faith in me and gave me the opportunity. Things were so much different back then.
The building that houses formerly John Wanamaker is beautiful. It was a Lord and Taylor back in 2001 when my dad and I went to Philadelphia for the NCAA East Regional Final. My dad and I were back in Philly this past spring for the NCAA Tournament (2nd and 3rd rounds) and on an off day (a day between the games), we walked around downtown Philly. We stopped by Macy's (formerly John Wanamaker, Lord and Taylor). Uggh! It's still John Wanamaker even though it's a Macy's now. Cluttered with merchandise! I was disheartened to hear that Macy's did away with the restaurant. It's part of Philadelphia history. Macy's wiped away with the all the traditions of the department stores. It's what make John Wanamaker unique! Macy's should have stayed in the northeast. Yuk! Macy's all over the country.
ReplyDeleteI have a men's tweed overcoat with a label "John Wanamaker Penn Square Shop. I still wear it because it is still in great shape for the winter. I don't remember when I bought it or when the Penn Square Shop closed. Anybody remember this shop?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have photos of the old Wanamaker warehouse at Broad and Washington? Another beautiful building lost...
ReplyDeletemy great grandmother was a waitress at the Crystal TEA room - in the 1930's - she supported my grandmother and her 5 kids - as her husband was out of work - I went to a wedding there - and was saddened and amazed that she could do all she did - but the times were still OK for some and they dined and made it possible for my family to go on -
ReplyDeletePerhaps Lawndale girl could also relate to the following. All through the fifties Mom would take a bunch of kids from Hasbrook Ave. to Wanamaker's before Christmas. A one block walk down Robbins Ave, to catch the train to center city. All of the pictures of have of me sitting on Santa's lap were taken at Wanamaker's. 53-57? Aprrox. 1955 got off the ceiling ride and went down the "Enter" ramp. Mom was waiting at the "Exit" ramp. An employee figured out real quick my Mom was lost. I still remember how nice and kind that lady was to me while the found my lost Mom. After spending, what I'm sure seemed like an eternity to Mom, on the 8th floor, it was up to the Tea Room for lunch. Always mint chocolate ice cream for dessert. The timing had to perfect to catch the light show and carol music on the ground floor before we left the store. Of course a walk through the Reading Terminal Market for a few groceries before getting back on the train to Lawndale. The magic of Wanamaker's at Christmas has never left me.
ReplyDeleteDonna Burrell stated that her great grandmother, Mrs Duncan made lace in Wammaker's window in Philadelphia. I was told that my grandfather made shoes in the window. He probably worked there in the 20's and early 30's. My mother was born in 1934 and her father died shortly after, supposedly from lead poisoning from the nails used in the making of the shoes. His name was Joseph (Giuseppe) Pappa. Does anyone have any other information?
ReplyDeleteI have many wonderful memories as a child going to the Tea Room for dinner with my Mom and brother after a long day of shopping, I remember begging my mother to leave early so we could get there before they opened the doors - they would play horns to crys of "CHARGE" as they opened for business!! What a great store!
I have acquired a set of 5 porcelain Made in Germany napkin rings. They have a printed John Wanamaker Import sticker on the back of one. Light blue background and silver printed lettering, not the trademark signature. I was just wondering what year it may from. If there is an email I could send a picture to, that would be great. Sbrooke84@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteMy girlfriend and I were waitresses at the Dairy on Saturdays during mid 60's. We were 15. Wanamaker's Phila was always a part of my life. Even when I was out of school and working intown, I'd go to Wanamaker's at lunch time via the concourse tunnel from Suburban Station. It got confusing though. Sometimes I'd end up right at the basement entrance and other times I took the wrong tunnel and ended up on the other side of the subway tracks from the entrance. Every few years I still enjoy going in for the Christmas light show. Another must see were the windows particularly at Christmas. They were the best. Sure miss Wanamaker's.
ReplyDeleteWe have a grandfathers clock in the family since 1944 that has a label inside that lists Wanamaker's as Phila, New York and Paris
ReplyDeleteI am not certain, but the reference to Paris is likely in regard to Wanamaker's buying office there, not any large retail presence like in New York or Philadelphia. Marshall FIeld & Company had buying offices in London and other European capitals, and The T. Eaton Co., had, from 1896, offices in London, Paris, Manchester, ZĆ¼rich, and other far-flung places such as Yokohama and Kobe, Japan.
ReplyDelete- Bruce
I have a clothes hanger that is marked Wanamaker & Brown is this the original name of the store?
ReplyDeleteHere's an article I did about the Wanamaker building back in December:
ReplyDeletehttp://hiddencityphila.org/2013/12/tis-the-season-for-wanamakers/
Great site! Keep it up!
Also there is something I was wanting to ask: has anyone on here shopped at B.F Deewees on Chestnut Street? I'm hoping to put together a similar article for that retailer.
ReplyDeleteI've been inside of the (now abandoned soon to be demolished) building and I came across several art deco interiors that are remarkably intact (though in various states of decay). I even found the pneumatic tube system still in place!
I was wondering if anyone here has any personal experiences there? What did it look like inside, and what was sold on each floor? Any info would be extremely helpful!
Does anyone know the recipe for there tea sandwiches. Thank you
ReplyDeletePeggy,
ReplyDeleteI worked at the Dairy. The tea sandwiches were called ''Windsor Tea Sandwiches''. In 1980, you could get a platter of 3 with a cup of soup and crackers, a soda or cup of coffee and a scoop of ice cream for 2.95. The same lady made the sandwiches in the Dairy for many years. She cut the crusts off of a loaf of white bread, spread one layer of ham salad or spread, layer of bread, watercress filling, bread, chicken salad or sprad, bread and cut the loaf down to many little triangle tea sandwiches. She did the same with wheat bread and did two layers of egg salad with watercress in the middle layer. They sent the tea sandwiches up to the Crystal Room where they raised the price for the ambiance.
I remember a man made the bisque ice cream for Wanamaker's. He died in 1980 and took the recipe with him. They had to use Jane Logan bisque ice cream.
Tea Sandwiches!! We would splurge and purchase a box of Wanamaker's tea sandwiches for wedding or baby showers. Thank you for the info. Really fond memories.
DeleteI worked at the Jenkintown Wanamaker's in the mid-70's while in college. It was a great place to work! We got a 20% discount, even on sale items, and the employee lunchroom featured the same food as the restaurant, for half the price. Those lunches set the standard for chicken salad for me! The scheduler always made sure to give the high school and college kids at least one weekend night off, so our social lives wouldn't suffer. The management wanted me to go into their management training program, which would have meant changing colleges for me. I will always wonder where that path might have led, had I taken it. I believe that the Jenkintown store was their most profitable satellite store at the time, second only to Wanamaker's downtown store.
ReplyDeleteHi, I would ride "Uptown" thats what we called it in the 60s and 70s not center city.. on the C bus from south philly with my mom. The JW store was great and the people who worked there really took pride in their work.
ReplyDeleteI'll always recall the crystal tea room, the wanafrost, toyland, and funny as it may seem but the furniture department.. as a kid I loved the different rooms they had set up with furniture (leaps and bounds ahead of any other retailer)
I eventually got a job as Santa's helper in the late 70's and moved into the stock departments on 10th 11th and 12th floors.
For a short period I also ran the freight elevator on the 13th st side.
Eventually I got a job in the Data Processing (Called Information tech today) department on 10 working the 8pm to 830am SHIFT 3 nughts a week. My whole JW experences from shopping with my mom and all my jobs there enabled me to meet and become friends with wonderful people and learn a great work ethic.
I have a wanamaker store souvenir coin dated 1908 august 3rd. on one side is a lion with the words " At the sign of leadership" Can anybody throw some light on this?
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know the artist who painted the portrait of John Wanamaker that was hung in the Philadelphia store. I just found out that a great grandfather may have been the artist, but I am not sure. reply to this question please.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to the Eagle--I would always meet friends at the Eagle and then eat upstairs.
ReplyDeleteThe Eagle is still at the Macy's Center City store, in the same spot that it always been in since the current building was built between 1904 to 1911.
ReplyDeleteArmand Schmitt was either manager or owner of Crystal Tea Room concession for some period prior to 1953. Anyone have any information?
ReplyDeleteWonderful stories being shared here.
Hi there
ReplyDeleteI posted once before, still on the look for an old store sign that I can purchase.
I shopped at Dewees for many years. Got my best date dresses there in the early 60's. Also bought a lot at The Blum Store. Now I am trying to remember which was which. Was the Blum Store on the S.W. corner of Chestnut opposite J. E. Caldwell? That was a gem of a building. Was DeWees mid block between 12 & 13th? Then there was The Sally Shop on that block for many years. I am sure if I saw the inside of the store I would remember a lot of it.
ReplyDeleteBut Wanamaker's was the anchor. Always stayed in town on Wednesday night because they were open late. They had a wonderful millenary department and a high-end women's department on the 3rd floor, I think. And the wonderful shoemaker on the mezzanine, along with the travel agency.
Where has all the good stuff gone.
I always loved the bear on the swing in the Augustine Cut Off store. After playing with the bear I'd always beg my mother to go in the little lunchroom behind it to get a coke out of the vending machine and sit in the little room.
ReplyDeleteI also remember the Christmas light and water show at the back by the big stairway. If you went down the stairs , there was a counter that sold monogrammed jewelry.
Wanamaker's Oxford Valley was my first job. I remember at 16 year old being AMAZED by the insanely large 'Singer' cash registers. At 16, I had no idea of the significance of John Wanamaker. Today... The good memories from reading this site and the section are incredible. Thank you so much BAK for making this possible. Please, PLEASE keep up the good works of this site
ReplyDeleteAs some of you may be aware, Washington's Woodward & Lothrop Department store purchased the Wanamaker stores and several years later both went out of business. The Wanamaker and "Woodies" stores were the Grand Dames of their eras and I still miss the Woodies stores that I shopped in when a very young woman for myself, my daughter and for others. I attended the Woodies going out of business sales and at the end, the salvage sales. It was these latter sales that I was able to get behind the scenes and see architecture of the grand staircase and old elevators hidden behind false walls. I was able to make several purchases of what was leftover after the last of all the final, final, final sales were held. One item that I cherish is the small red with rattan seat that was used to photograph small children in the great photographer department in Woodies downtown store. I also have the four-page menu from Woodies Terrance Restaurant and one from the Terrace Fountain. Some of you may remember Ginger Silvers who was the culinary arcade director at Woodies & Wanamaker's. I have an unused copy of her book titled "The Culinary Arcade Cookbook," published in 1994 by Woodward & Lothrop. I've enjoyed reading many of the other posts here and will return occasionally to view more.
ReplyDeleteWhen Woodward and Lothrop bought Wanamaker's, they added the character Rudi Bear to the Christmas lights show. For I think 1985 and 1986 if you spent 60.00 or more at Christmastime, you could get a free stuffed Ridi Bear. He was a polar bear with a red hat and red and green sweater. Woodward and Lothrop took out the Crystal Room , the basement and some of the floors, like the toy dept. Macy's version of the store is only 3 stories of store. The rest is a rented out office building.
ReplyDeleteMacy's put a sign by the Eagle, explaining it to passersby.
In 1904, the John Wanamaker Department Store in Philadelphia sold an automobile called the Searchmont. Upon the bankruptcy of the Searchmont Motor Company, Wanamaker purchased the the entire lot of unsold cars at $750 apiece, put $1200 price tags on them (a good fifty percent saving over the original price) and sold them easily. You can see one of two Searchmonts known to exist at the Seal Cove Auto Museum on Mount Desert Island in Maine.
ReplyDeleteThe Crystal Tearoom still exists as a banquet facility. I've been fortunate to attend a luncheon there each November for the last few years. The interior seems intact - still that gorgeous paneling, chandeliers, etc. The elevator doors are still there but are non-functional. Servers wear black & white and until this year, still served wearing white gloves.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE A METAL TAG THAT CAME FROM WANAMAKER'S SAFE IT READS W.H.WANAMAKER DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO W.H.WANAMAKER WAS? THE
ReplyDeleteSAFE WAS REMOVED DURING A FIRE AT THE WANAMAKER STORE
That would have been Wm. H Wanamaker, a men's store in Philadelphia withh the same last name. I do believe it was founded by John Wanamaker's brother.
ReplyDelete- Bruce
I purchased 2 very vintage print frames they both have the John Wanamaker tag on them. Both state Fine Art Picture and Framing - order number is 96516. Is there a catalog to determine when these frames were ordered or any other information. The tag on the upper left states 3351 (11 - 52) does that stands for November 1952? I am trying to date or approximate the date of the print. Any help is appreciated. I have seen on google other John Wanamaker tags and they have the same feature but those state Philadelphia, Paris and New York. THanks for your time
ReplyDeleteI noticed the name for the womens designer departments was Tribout. Does this have any special meaning?
ReplyDeleteYes. I believe that when the high-quality women's shop was opened at Wanamaker's, a whole store interior was brought over from Paris and installed in the Philadelphia store. The shop's name was "Tribout" and it remained a top destination for Fashion in the City of Brotherly Love. Refer to Michael Lisicky's excellent book for more information.
ReplyDelete-Bruce
I have a set of 12. 24K gold encrusted Heinrich &CO Selb Bavaria Charger dinner plates stamped " made exclusively for John Wanamaker" excellent condition. I personally didnt even know of this store and have no memories that would make me want to hang on to them. I am not sure even of there value. If someone has any knowledge on them,or is interested in buying them you could email me at loriray50@gmail .com or text me at 5309173564 Thank you
ReplyDeleteI enjoy displaying my beautiful green Menagerie Menu. It is a children's menu. On the inside left side of the menu is a sweet little story about a boy named Timothy John. The little boy ate and grew! On the inside right is Tim's Luncheon which is 50 cents and an A la carte menu ranging from 15 cents to 20 cents! Oh how you have to love these prices!
ReplyDeleteHello, I just acquired what appears to be a vintage wooden lap game board (checkers and backgammon) on one side, and the other a fabric measuring board ( printer ruler to 30"). Overall dimensions 30" by 19". There appears to be a circular cutout so the board can fit close to your body. Can anyone provide additional information and value, on this treasure? April 5, 2015
ReplyDeleteI worked at the Jenkintown store in house keeping in the mid 70s. Have tried to find a listing of personnel that worked there but no luck on line. Any help would be great if you worked there or know of an employee listing. denlin14 (at) cfl.rr.com
ReplyDeleteLoved That Store!! I was a child in the 1950's and 60's and every Holiday Season my mother would take my 2 sisters and I, and sometimes a friend or two, to see the Holidays Displays and then have lunch in The Crystal Tea Room. It was Magical. I miss it so!! I reminisce about it every Christmas Season and I am now 65 years old. Loved the elevator rides with the Operator pushing the buttons!! Thanks for the memories Mr. Wanamaker!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a hammered aluminum ice bucket that says on the bottom Made Expressly for John Wanamaker. Can anyone tell me anything about it?
ReplyDeleteMy mom worked at Wanamaker's downtown from the late 40's to about 1955 in the offices. She would always take me shopping there the day after Thanksgiving. We would get on the El at 69th Street to go there. Loved the Christmas display and music in the Court, the decorative water fountains with the perfumed water. We would have lunch in The Dairy, a cup of vegetable soup and the plate of tea sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Santa Claus was in a huge room and there was a long pathway to walk to get to sit on his lap. I have photo of me on Santa's lap when I was three. Also, grew up in Wynnewood and went shopping in the Wynnewood store with mom all the time. Wonderful memories of a time that will never happen again.
ReplyDeleteMy Sweet elderly Cousin just presented me with a LOT of Annalee 'dolls' that she bought MANY years ago when she worked at Wanamaker's in Philly. Her memories of working there, and buying these 'dolls' to have in her life, is a very endearing story. I'm glad to have found this website to hear the other stories of the love that people had for the Wanamaker's 'family'. If anyone would like to share about these 'dolls' please feel free to contact me at : grandmananna53@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Center City store in the late 60's-early 70's. I worked in several departments, all over the store and I loved it. It was also fun knowing about and frequenting "behind the scenes" areas of the store. I started out as a "flyer" (as I remember it being called) - this was a salesperson who went to whatever department needed help that day, whether because another salesperson called out sick or the department just needed extra help. Sometimes I was in a department for a day or 2, sometimes for a week or month or 2, sometimes for a season (e.g. Christmas or Easter). I especially loved working on the main floor during the Christmas season - never got tired of hearing the organ play for show after show. One season, I worked on one of the upper non-selling floors taking and responding to Christmas card orders. Finally, I got hired to work in the Bill Adjustment Department on the 9th (non-selling) floor - I loved being able to fix credit accounts errors that were really complex - It was fun and I felt like a detective - for example, one time I had to go to the upholstery department to track down an order in order to remedy a mistake on the account. And I loved working with my co-workers (Naming just one: Delores, are you around?) - also very fond of the 50-60 year old red-headed woman who trained me - she was the smartest! - should have been an executive. One more story: Myself and a couple other girls discovered that newly hired boys (who we, the girls, were training) were getting paid more than us. We hesitatingly brought it to the attention of our superiors (one of whom was a woman! Don't remember your name, but thank you!) and we received a raise and back-pay adjusted to the amount the boys were making. Many more stories to tell about working and shopping at Wanamaker's...
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this! I remember especially the Crystal Tea Room! My brother (who was in a wheelchair all of his life) and I loved to go there for lunch. It was the 1960s, but they were more than ready to make my brother feel right at home. Of course the beautiful music and light show that they did at Christmas was unbelievable! Thanks again for posting all of this great stuff!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed there is someone out there with a long memory or good records.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather's brother worked at Wanamakers. His name was Henry (called Harry by his family) Patterson. He had come from a small farm in rural Ireland. He must have been in a senior position as he would come back to Ireland in his later years when still with Wanamakers hiring a Rolls Royce car, with chauffeur! (I know this from photographs). He was a devout Baptist, married but no children.
His brothers followed him to Philadephia including my grandfather. After he had a Saturday night incident involving the police, Henry called a family meeting and my grandfather was sent back to Ireland to look after the farm. So Henry clearly was a no nonsense character!
Any information anyone has would be much appreciated. Thanks
I have 2 chairs that came from wanamaker how would i find out hold old they are
ReplyDeleteI have 2 chairs that came from wanamaker how would i find out hold old they are
ReplyDeleteWhy can't I find any pictures of John Wanamaker's office from the 8th floor? I remember seeing it in 1967 and I know that the knew owners gutted it and sent the contents to the Atwater Kent Museum. Any pictures?
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of a photo of the Negro Wanamakers Band in which my grandfather was a musician. Sadly I think the names of all of the other musicians in the photo are lost to time. I've been trying to research this but have come up short. Any ideas anyone?
ReplyDeleteI am searching for a Rudi Bear small to med size
ReplyDeleteI have tried to find one for years to replace the one my daughter had as a child and was lost
We got it @1985
if anyone had any idea where I can locate one please let me know
carmen9290@aol.com
i would try ebay.
Deletelooking for a Rudi Bear circa 1985-
ReplyDeletewould like to replace the one my daughter had as a child and was lost
can anyone help please
Carmen Shore, they pop up at thrift shops and flea markets. Keep looking you will find him.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother Mary Vaughn Dungan was hired by MR.John Wanamaker to work in antique Dept. He sent her all around the world to buy special antiques to sell in store. When I was very young she would collect me from Reading Terminal from train take me to stouffers for lunch then to the giant Wanamaker store for a tour of there toy Dept.some my most fondest memories
ReplyDeleteI worked for the Crystal Room office from '74-'79, then became a res't mgr. for the Fifth Course pop up restaurant from '79-'80. I was fortunate enough to have my daughter's wedding there last year. The dining room was preserved beautifully. Cried when i first saw it! The owners were gracious enough to let me see the kitchen. That area definitely changed. I gave them a history of where everything was in the '70's. And now they have an atrium where the luggage dept was & is where they have their cocktail hours when hosting affairs. The Men's Grill is where they have desserts. And the banquet rooms where they had The Wanamaker Award ceremonies is now a Bridal Suite & offices.
ReplyDeleteI have what seems to me a ceramic cup and tiny ceramic box that has a lid that is attached and opens, inside it is divided into two intentions.
ReplyDeleteBoth cup and box has a gold emblem on the front. On the bottom of both it reads,
Made in France for John Wanamaker
I looked up his name and was excited to see who it was!
I will try to get good pictures, someone will hopefully be able to help me learn more!
Where are the giant Wanamaker Eagles?
ReplyDeletePeter Howard, England. My father's two aunts worked for the Wannamaker family as Dressmaker and housekeeper in the 1940s and 1950s
ReplyDeleteMy great-grand aunt, Mary A. Boyce, was a buyer for John Wanamaker back in the 1920s. I have a copy of her passport application from 1920 indicating she was traveling to Great Britain and France "To purchase merchandise for John Wanamaker, Philadelphia". When the elevators were installed in the Market Street store, there was a grand opening ceremony, and Aunt Mary's photo appeared in the associated newspaper article. I also have a brass coin given to Aunt Mary by John Wanamaker in recognition of her service.
ReplyDeleteStrange,my brother and I were just reminiscing about our lives in Philly, particularly downtown, we lived North Philly during late 50's through 60's. Mom used to take us downtown often, many fond memories ,especialy Wanamakers at Christmas.I also liked the rickedy wooden escalators. We used to go eat at Horn & Hardart once in a while also Watched my childhood memories disappear as I kept shopping at JW in my adulthood. They were great memmories
ReplyDeleteI lived in phila from 1984 to 1998 and loved that center city store. Did Wanamakers ever have a firearms department as part of sporting goods? a shotgun has surfaced with the marking Jofn Wanamaker Philadelphia. probably not a family item but was it sold through the store like Abercrombie and fitch used to? thanks tom mc
ReplyDeleteI saw world globe with the label John Wanamaker, the choreographer for this globe was G. W. Bacon. My question is did Wanamaker sell these type of items in his stores?
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Data Processing Dept briefly in 1965 (about 6 months). Anyone here from that time?
ReplyDeleteBill Taggart
Anyone remember Chris Watts? She worked at Wanamakers late,1960's
ReplyDeleteI have a water cup with gold inlay....and a small pill box with gold inlay. Kept by his bed... most likely in the 30's-40's.
ReplyDeleteHelp take this off my hands and set will it will be shown off!!!
i have a painting w/a wannamker label on back whats it worth?
ReplyDeleteI have a pin with the number 27 on it from the John Wanamaker Commercial Institute -a Store School. Does anyone know anything about these
ReplyDeleteGreetings, I recently discovered a statue of a native American head (have photos if interested) in Parker Ford, Chester County PA. A neighbor of the deceased homeowner told me he got it from the Wanamaker building in Philly. Any idea how I would confirm that?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
a job I had back in the 1990's work with a woman who work at the center city store till she was laid off she was nice and gave me about 20 eagle speaks love reading them keep still have them
ReplyDeleteI worked at Wanamakers for many years, started at the Northeast store when first opened, then went to Center City.
ReplyDeleteDuring the 70's and 80's. Those were the happiest times, I was there during the entire time CHH
Bought JW. When Woodies became owners I moved out of Philadelphia. I loved the building, my office was on 2g. I remember the music from the London shop and the offices across the street from my office were Baily Banks. When it snowed it was the most beautiful view. I have pictures of that time and Mr Wanamakers office exactly like he left it. I also have many memorabilia from those times that were for employees. I remember buying Mother's Day gifts for my mom in the 60's on the ninth floor, and visiting the toy department just to watch the train go around in the ceiling. The crystal room was amazing and the tea sandwiches. The bargain basement was a Day adventure, to shop and eat treats. I miss those simple days and the excitement of anticipating going there. The subway to 13 th street. I love change but those things of the past we will never be able to teach our children today because " those days and places are gone forever "
Hello. Can you post the pictures of John Wanamakers office?
DeleteI haven't read all the comments so please forgive me if I am repeating . On the sixth or seventh floor on the Juniper Street side of the building was a display called " Forecast House " minus the garage.A spacious suburban ranch house with a landscaped courtyard and sunken living room with fire place .Several times a year the furnishings and housewares were updated.To complete the realism the rooms had ceilings (although fabric).
ReplyDeleteBack in the 50's, my mom would take me to Wanamaker's in center city Philadelphia to see Santa. She told me later she thought they were the best Santas anywhere. My aunt was a waitress in the Crystal Tea Room, and every June she treated me to lunch there, where the most delicious strawberry shortcake was featured. So many nice memories!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in the 60's, I have many wonderful memories of Wanamaker's Augustine cut off store. I recently lost my parents and came across an old book "The Greatest Showman, Life of PT Barnum" written by himself. Several random pages have the oval WM H WANAMAKER CLOTHING stamp on them. Something to be treasured.
ReplyDeleteI worked in the personnel offices from 1985-1989 and then on off parttime. Great place to work I really miss that time.
ReplyDeleteI own a Grandfather clock, 1 of 4 known to be built in 1923 for Wanamaker's by Waltham Clock/. It is 90" tall Victoria model, 9 Tubular Bell, Dial no.1 (13').I was am told there were on approximately 4 of these clocks ever made and possibly for the Quincentennial. Looking for anybody with knowledge or possible owner1
ReplyDeleteGary
My Grandfather was a carpenter from Germany that worked for Mr. John Wanamaker at the store and made fancy woodwork and moldings in the Wanamaker Store. He also worked at Mr. John Wanamaker's home and made kitchen cabinets and other fancy woodwork such as moldings around doors and windows and moldings going up along the sides of staircases.
ReplyDeleteMr. Wanamaker personally knew my Grandfather and praised his work.
I still have some of the woodworking planes that my Grandfather used for making the fine grooves into the wood to make them pretty.
Doing research on the date of the first restaurant/tea room in a department store. Macy's in Chicago and The Denver in Denver both claim 1907. Does anyone know when the Crystal Room first opened in Philadelphia? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI thought some of you on this site would especially appreciate this information. Sadly, this morning, a woman who used to work in the Gimbel's Art Department, Mary Johnstone, passed away at age 89. Mary worked in the Art Department with my Mom, Florence Becker, who was a copywriter there. Mary Johnstone was an incredible fashion illustrator who created many of the ads for Gimbels in the Post-Gazetter, and the Sunday Roto Section.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure of the exact dates, but I believe Mary worked there circa 1967--1973. Mary was deaf, but still managed to become a top fashion illustrator in Pittsburgh. Mary gave our family a collection of her original artwork from her days at Gimbels which we still have today.
To honor Mary's talent and creative spirit I created this online gallery of her illustrations. https://www.flickr.com/photos/edbecker/albums/72157711129900071
If you worked with Mary (or my Mom, Florence Becker) I would enjoy connecting with you. I can be reached at eob50@consolidated.net. Thank you very much. Ed
What amazing artistry! I would encourage any fan of this site to look at the Flickr gallery of Mary Johnstone's work. Ed, you are to be congratulated.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly enough, my sister's best friend growing up was deaf, but she excelled as an artist, too. She's still with us and still drawing and painting.
-Bruce
Found this gem while seeking more information on Wanamaker's. It's a blog with photos from the 2011 Wanamaker's Display Department Reunion; http://wanamakerreunion.blogspot.com/2011/12/saturday-december-17th-at-art-debbies.html
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if John Wanamaker employees at one time wore jackets with buttons with the initials JW on them. Do you know where I could find a picture of the jacket or the buttons. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI am doing research on the role of the department store in turn of the century fashion and am curious if anyone knows of any photo archives of Wanamaker's displays from 1911-1912?
Thank you,
K
hello, i am doing a research about china and porcelain dinerware made in austria in between 1890 and 1910........were some ever sold at the store and if so, do you have any information about brand or backstamps....thank you
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother Mary Vaughn was hired by John Wanamaker her job was to travel and buy Antiquities to sell in store that must of been exhilarating
ReplyDeleteAs a child I would ride the train to Philadelphia at Reading Station
We went to Stoffers for lunch yes the same one. Then off to store Wanamakers was huge I was to young to appreciate the store for it five star ratings then would go to my grandmother's home. Those are fond memories of an outstanding woman my Grandmother
I worked at John Wanamakers from 1974-1976. I worked for a buyer (wonderful woman) named Mary Jane Steelman (Mrs. Lovitt) I worked for her in an office on 2nd floor mezzanine. I loved that store and loved working there. Before work at Christmastime, they would do a test run of the Christmas light show and I would watch it every morning by myself on the main floor. I have wonderful memories of that store!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello! I came across this page as I was doing research on a booklet I found at an estate sale, called, 'TRUE-LINEAGE OF ORIENTAL RUGS of authentic category type stamp and quality' John Wanamaker New York (that is how it is written exactly, on the front) Back has: A badge-looking logo of the building with 'WANAMAKER INTERNATIONAL' in the middle and with a globe below that. In script below the logo-'The Wanamaker Galleries Furnishing & Decoration'
ReplyDeleteThe booklet is a green-grey color on a paper that is like construction paper-but a bit thicker and it is 'bound' together by a thin olive green rope/string. There are 6, double-sided color pages with illustrations and even what appears to be a full-page photo on the 2nd page (might be a color illustration) of a Kermanshah rug. On the opposite page-which is the first page of the booklet, there is a small color illustration of a scene of an Asian city, in the top right hand corner and down on the bottom left hand corner, there is a poem titled, 'My Persian Prayer-Rug' by Anne Reeve Aldrich, copyright 1887, by Charles Scribner's Sons. I have done the research and there in NOTHING out there on this booklet. It is probably the only one that even exists. I would love to be able to find out more about it. I wish I could put pics of it in here to show you all!
If you see my books on the welcome page here, you know my full name. I can be reached via email - using my first initial and last name (all one word) at comcast dot net. If you would like to scan and send images of the booklet, I could post them here.
Delete- Bruce
What a heartfelt blessing this blog continues to be. At this very moment, Boscov's,one of the last family owned department stores in the United States is putting the final touches on the department store restaurant story in their history as there final six restaurants close due to covid 19...and this time for the last time this very night ! It brings to a close the last type of service that served the department store guest so well. Forgive me for rambling on but it really must be said that I am sad that these restaurants are closing,but I am thankful that the stores are still surviving ! Anyway, with this historic day of note in the PA deptartment store world, I thought that I take a moment would reflect on some of the memories that I had from that time period when there was so much change due to the consolidation and a number of other factors that started us down the path to Macy's being the surviving entity after having the names John Wanamaker,Hecht's,Strawbridge's and Lord & Taylor on the flagship center city building before Macy's. Even though there was a downsizing of the Wanamaker building before the consolidation leading to the final name change and buyout by May,and then the Federated-May merger to leading to Macy's consolidation, we can at least say that today, Philadelphia still has a downtown department store in service. Very importantly it includes one of the world's largest playable pipe organs in a department store and the Crystal Tea Room (banquets only). Please know how thankful we are for it and all of your hard work to make it what it is Mr.BK. As the time continues to march on, it is more important each day that the delightful memories to be made in the department store environment. I will say that I saw first hand what the transition was like as the John Wanamaker and then (even more in detail) the Strawbridge & Clothier, transition to May Department Stores. 1995 for John Wanamaker and 1997 for Strawbridge & Clothier. It was especially eye opening to see how the progression in the Philadelphia area went but again...through it all, we still have a downtown department store. I apologize for repeating myself but I keep telling myself that this is important during these times. Anyway, please accept heartfelt prayers and best to all of the good people and their families that visit here and thank you once again Mr.BK. More to come shortly if that is ok. Thank you again & God Bless !
ReplyDeleteI found a rectangular cloth lined jewelry type box. It could've been for a belt. The stamp inside says "The Oriental Shop" a picture of a snake, and under that "John Wanamaker Philadelphia New York - Paris" Was this from a specific department at JW's? The age is approx. 40-50 years old
ReplyDeleteHi there, I'm not sure if you would be interested in this, but my great great grandfather carved the Eagle in the Wanamaker's of Jenkintown. You can check out the eagle, which is at my father's house in Collegeville, along with a signed letter from John Wanamaker here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Krause
ReplyDeleteOf course! It's fascinating, and it is good to know that the Eagle in this case has survived. I understand that a different eagle was placed in each store as they added branches. Of course, the letter being from 1958 means that the John Wanamaker who signed it was, I believe, an eponymous grandson. Wanamaker's remained in the founder's family until the 1980's. It is all chronicled in Michael Lisicky's most excellent book, "Meet me at the Eagle."
Delete- Bruce
The story is that my grandmother was with her uncle at the age of 7 in 1898, and as they walked past a department store, she spotted a "doll" (mannequin?)in the department store window and wanted it. Her uncle purchased it for her. It is a Simon & Halbig 1079 DEP, 33" tall, jointed composite body and bisque head. I have been unable to find this exact doll in my research, but I did see that J. Wanamaker in Philadelphia was one of the firms that used S&H head molds. I don't know if you could shed any light on the possibility that this doll was in the Wanamaker store. I have the doll, a picture of my grandmother with the doll at age 7 or 8 and a picture of the uncle who purchased it for her. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful words!
ReplyDeleteMy great grandfather worked at Wanamaker's in NYC. So you know if any records from there are still around?
ReplyDeleteThe Middle School I attended has Eagles as their mascot. I can't remember if they got one of the Wanamaker Eagles though.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of Wanamaker's beautiful restaurant brings back memories to me. Back in 1972 I took a rail excursion trip from Baltimore to Philadelphia. Before touring the city via chartered trolleys all on the trip had lunch at that restaurant. I didn't remember what floor it was on until reading the text. After lunch we went to the basement level which opened out into the trolley subway where we caught the two trolleys reserved for our group. Wanamaker's seemed HUGE inside especially with the high ceiling on the first floor. Sad that such stores are now history.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the list of successive Wanamaker store Presidents post Rodman Wanamaker till the final day the family sold out to Carter Hawley Hale? I believe John Rodman Wanamaker jr was the last founding family member in charge then.
ReplyDeleteWay back sometime around 1955-57, a choral ensemble from Plymouth Whitemarsh Jr/Sr High School sang from the organ balcony, under the direction of Marcellus C. Kuhn. To my vague recollection it may have been in the Spring. I was fortunate to have been a participant. It may have been during this event that I sang "O Promise Me," as a boy soprano, but I'm not at all certain. Whenever it was, it was certainly thrilling.
ReplyDeleteI also vividly remember seeing two of Mihaly Munkacsy's great Trilogy paintings of Christ's Passion hanging in the main atrium on several occasions. Wonderful memories at Wanamakers, Philadelphia.