Main Store of the Albert Steiger Co. in Springfield, Massachusetts
Illustration of part of the Steiger store from 1930
Steiger's Hartford store, Main and Pratt Streets, originally Steiger-Vedder Co. (1919)
The Albert Steiger Co. store in Holyoke, Massachusetts, dating from 1896
Albert Steiger Co.
1479 Main Street
Springfield, Massachusetts
ST 5-5892
SPRINGFIELD STORE DIRECTORY
Main Floor
Jewelry Shop • Toiletries Shop • Cosmetics • Glove Shop • Handbag Shop • Small Leather Goods • Handkerchief Shop • Hosiery Shop • Slipper Bar • Little Hat Bar • Main FLoor Blouse Shop • Main Floor Sportswear • Main Floor Lingerie • Shoe Salon • Notions Shop • Stationery Shop • Candy Shop • The Man's Shop • Campus Shop • Directions for Young Men
Mezzanine
Book Balcony
Second Floor
Misses' Shop • Women's World • Daytime Dress Shop • Boulevard Shop • Town & Country Dresses • Blouse Shop • Sweater Shop • Sportswear Shop • Career Sportswear • Coat Shop • Suit Shop • Fur Salon • Millinery Salon • Wig Boutique • French Room • Showcase • Venture • Junior Colony • Lingerie Shop • Corset Shop • Robe Shop • Maternity Shop
Third Floor
Boys' Shop • Girls' Shop • Toddler's Shop • Baby Shop • Teen Shop • Pre Teen Shop • Junior Shoe Shop • Bedding Shop • Bath Shop • Domestics Shop • Fabric Shop • Housewares Shop • Beauty Salon
Fourth Floor
Drapery Shop • Curtain Shop • Mattress Shop • Luggage Shop • Credit Office
The Hall Galleries Mahogany Room (Silver) • Art Gallery • Wall Decor • Lamps • Chandeliers • Occasional Furniture • Glassware • Crystal Shop • Personalized Stationery Shop • Bridal Registry
Fifth Floor
Colonial Tea Room
The Hall Galleries Gifts • China Balcony • Trim-the-Tree Shop
BRANCH STORES
High Street
Main at Pratt
Longmeadow Shops
St. James Avenue and Crew St.
36,000 s.f.
Friendly Shops
38,000 s.f.
Eastfield Mall
83,000 s.f.
Enfield Square Mall (1972)
Enfield
Is this the same Steigers that established a fur co. in Terre Haute, IN in 1912? I have tried finding info about the store and cannot.
ReplyDeletei was looking for online shoe shop and I came into this blog I like to read it
ReplyDeleteThe Hartford store, which I believe didn't last into WWII, is actually at Pratt and Trumbull Streets, and the building is still there.
ReplyDeleteThe Hartford store closing was announced on Nov. 15, 1962. At that time, it was stated that the store, at 885 Main Street, would remain open until January 31st of 1963. However, when construction of the new Steiger store was announced in 1926, it clearly stated that the building was at Pratt and Trumbull. A quick check of Bing Maps' aerial view of Hartford, shows that this building does indeed still exist. When I have the time, I will check if they ever moved to Main Street, thuis explaining the discrepancy, but I doubt it, and stand somewhat corrected!
ReplyDeleteThanks for helping clarify. If I have learned anything from The Department Store Museum (and writing a book presently), it is that nothing in history is actually clear, and if accuracy is a goal, a lot of different sources have to be checked!
Bruce
Bruce-
ReplyDelete885 Main Street would've been at the corner of Main and Pratt Streets on the west side of Main St across from the Sage-Allen flagship store. In later years, this might've been where the Casual Corner specialty store was. G.Fox & Co. was on the east side at 960 Main Street, and Wise-Smtih (later the Hartford Korvette's store) was one block north of Steiger's across from Fox's. Wise-Smith was gone by the mid-1950's, but had a large store as well. Building is still there and was remodeled in the late 1970's into an office building that housed an American Airlines reservation center. W-S had no branches that I am aware of.
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ReplyDeleteWorked at Steiger's from 1965 to 1972. was a buyer for Bath shop and table coverings,also asst. manager of Holyoke store for a short time. What a great place to work, many great memories. This was the golden age of retail.Does not even come close to today's retail
ReplyDeleteI remember having breakfast with santa at the downtown Springfield store.
ReplyDeleteI remember Steigers, vividly and with fond memories. I was on my way back home to the UK after a business trip and needed to buy my wife a gift. My driver said I didn't have time but I was used to last minute panics and rushed into Steigers to buy an Incolay jwellery box at a cost of $37 plus $1.85 tax. That was on 26th August 1978; she still has it and I still have the receipt! Did I make the plane back to New York? Yes, but only just and in spite of the assistant insisting on gift wrapping it when she knew I was taking it back to England for my wife. Fortunately, it was a lot easier in those days with small, customer friendly airports and no security checks. I seem to remember the car dropped me off almost at the check in desk!!!
ReplyDeleteBarry from Colchester, England's oldest recorded town (48AD)
Steiger's was an anchor in the Holyoke Mall (Ingleside) as well.
ReplyDeleteI worked in shoes. The wohl shoe co. was fabulous! I was engaged in the elevator of the Springfield store in 1985.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone wants Steiger's stuff from their going-out-of-business sale, I have some available (bags, stickers, etc.). Email me at FGosiewski AT aol DOT com. I am in Springfield, MA.
ReplyDeleteI recently purchased a home in Wilbraham, MA and was told the original owner, who built the home, was an employee of Steigers. Can anyone tell me if they new an employee there with the last name of Rothery? If so please mail me at kenbefound at yahoo dot com. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am related to the Steiger family and lived in Wilbraham at both Porter Drive and Hitching Post Lane. If you purchased either one of these homes, feel free to contact by reply here. I will check periodically.
DeleteI am looking for a "Teddy" Steiger, who was related to the Steiger family who owned/ran the Steiger Store in the 1950's/1960's.
ReplyDeleteTed and his wife live in Manhattan. His "real" name is Albert E. Steiger III.
DeleteTeddy in Manhattan is not the Steiger of the 50's and 60's. That would be his Dad, Albert Steiger, Jr. (known to employees as "Mr. Ted") He, his siblings and cousins ran the store from post WWII until it's liquidation. It lasted about 102 years. It was a wonderful place to work. The Steigers were a class act and treated their employees and customers graciously. Of course, if you didn't do the job right, you were coached and then gone if nescessary. "Teddy" had many roles in merchandising. At the time of the closing he was a VP.
DeleteSteigers went out of business in 1994. Supposedly they auctioned off some of the interior items from the store at the time.
ReplyDeleteSome lady presumably purchased the antique display cases the Hall Galleries had, and she didn't buy them from auction, but from the store.
There were many large photos of the store in their window displays back in that time of 1993-1994.
I waited for a friend to tell me when the auction would be held, but she never did. Some friend! Would have loved a piece of Steigers History!
I have a 3/4 length mink coat from Steiger's that belonged to my Mother. Can someone give me a rough estimate on what I should ask for it. The coat is in excellent condition and has a fur hat with it. Thank you. My email Ameshack@aol.com
ReplyDeleteSteiger's was an anchor in the Hampshire Mall in Hadley, and then became a Media Play, and then a huge appliance store, and I think it was where Best Buy is. I was SO sad to see it go.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure it was at the Hampshire Mall? I remember it being at the mall across the street, the Mt. Farms Mall, where Wal-Mart is now.
DeleteIt was Hampshire Mall. I was the visual merchandiser for the store for a short time. I also worked for a few years at the Berkshire Mall branch and finally landed at the Holyoke Mall store. I helped close up the stores when they closed for good. I still have many items I purchased from the store closing, including a lamp I still use today! (The lamp was in the display area for the fine jewelry cases.)
DeleteI'm looking for a distant relative - his name is Lucien Arthur (Leblanc) White who worked as a store clerk at the Albert Steiger Co. store in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1917. He gave his home address as 655 Dwight in Holyoke. I realize that it's a long shot but am hoping someone who sees this might have records/pictures of the time and that one of these pictures may include Lucien. After his father passed in 1954 he never returned to Vermont again to visit family and then passed himself in 1963. His niece - my grand aunt is just wondering if he had family or friends in Mass who might remember him and perhaps fill in the missing pieces. My email address is SLBushway@aol.com. We know that he was working at the VA Hospital is Boston but we don't know for how long and/or when he passed if anyone claimed his body or if he is in a pauper's grave. Any help would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSteiger's Hall Gallery in Springfield MA had a Rogaska Crystal pattern with little flowers made for Steiger's. I'm interested in obtaining more pieces. Does anyone know about or own this crystal stemware and barware? I'd be interested in hearing from you. dcmalo@charter.net
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have access to the old Steiger's commercials? I believe the Steigers model was a woman named Pat Cohen?
ReplyDeleteI drove chanuncy from is house to spring feld store from time to time he had 2 walking stick at at time name reinaldo rivera use to work there as a maint personal al mals was the boss of maint dept my email reyrivera2011@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have 3/4 length cream white mink coat from Steigers that was my mother's. It does need a fresh lining as the original still has my mothers name on the label. Any ideas on how much this is worth?? I can be reached at kelimyers1213@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello. dÃd you ever finde out the price for the coat..ihave one also
DeleteI worked in directions for young men in the eastfield store during a winter break from school, hated it--but since my uncle was the manager he would not fire me, and ofcourse I could not quit--I miss the talking Christmas tree and the air walk over main street
ReplyDeleteSteigers was such an important part of downtown Springfield along with Forbes and Wallace. I miss the days when Springfield was a safe and enjoyable place to visit!
ReplyDeleteI was a young kid and remember eating at the Tea Room and then it was remodeled and its name chnaged over to Chauncey's. Steiger's was a nice store. They had quality merchandise and fine service. After they left, Downtown Springfield went to hell in a handbasket. We used to also shop at the Springfield Plaza branch which is now a Dollar Tree and a TJ Maxx.
ReplyDeleteI have a 1953 AIRMAIL envelope from London stamped envelope addressed to Mr. W. Stearns, Merchandise Manager, Albert Steiger Comany, Springfield, MASS. U.S.A.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if Stearns went on to form his own department store?
Do you have any information on the reason or the whereabouts of the 2 Greyhound statues that were present in a lot of the Steigers stores? These were 5ft statues that stood near the entrances.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure; it is the first I have heard of them. it is interesting, to say the least. When I have a chance, I'll look into it. Check back to see what I might have found.
ReplyDeleteBruce
I remember the downtown Steiger's with very fond memories. Having breakfast with Santa, then going to talk to the talking Christmas tree. Going up to the 5th floor, Tea Room for lunch, loved the chicken croquetts. Going down to the BARGIN Basement, finding great bargins!! Today you cannot find a retail store that comes close to Steiger's. Sure do miss it.
ReplyDeleteI worked for Steiger's at the Brookdale Office Facility 1975-76 - I was the "Mailboy" - Lots of nice people and a great experience
ReplyDeleteBill
I was given a teddy bear from Steigers in 1994 right before they closed. Is there any value to it now?
ReplyDeleteI still have mine as well. They were made by the Boyd's Bear Company.
DeleteI have a mink coat with a label Steigers Furs Terre Haute, Indiana I have been searching for information on the store, my Mother said it was a big deal but did not have much information. I would appreaciate any information that you may be able to give me on this store. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteTo all the folks here with fur coats with Steiger's labels. It is nearly impossible to value anything with NO PHOTOS!!! Condition is everything, as we know, old fur can dry out terribly and be worthless. Just to let you know.
ReplyDeleteI have some Borghese art work from the Hall Gallery that I inherited from my aunt who worked in the Springfield store in the 1950's. Does anyone know if there is a market for this ?
ReplyDeleteBreakfast with Santa, Steiger's Tea Room (chicken croquettes, of course!) The smell of the candy section as you walked in off the street!
ReplyDeleteI miss Springfield when it had a functioning downtown.
I worked as a Visual Merchandizing Manager in the Holyoke store. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteMy mom shopped at the downtown store for years. I can still see the marble columns and gorgeous stained glass window with the S design.
I do miss the personal touch given to every shopper. These were people we knew by name. Personable, and professionalism with every purchase. Days gone by for sure. Thanks for all the history here.
P
Did I work with you? I was visual merchandiser from 1992-1994.
DeleteI grew up in Southern Maryland in the 70s and 80s. My grandmother (mom's side) lived in Holyoke and came to see us every Christmas. Every Chritmas we'd all get the nicest gifts in boxes with "Steiger's" emblazoned all over in metallic gold script. Oh I wish I had one of those boxes today!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Springfield and still own Steiger's boxes. Even my grown children know it was a special gift box. It was like halmark's -- "if you care enough to send the very best." We also have a Forbes & Wallace and a Steiger credit card.
ReplyDeleteMy great great grandfather's company built the Holyoke Steigers building. He met with Tiffany to commission the stained glass window that later adorned the Holyoke Mall store. Does anyone know what happened to that window? (dman508@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteI've no idea if this will still reach you, but I just today visited Holyoke Heritage State Park, and at least part of the window is on display in the carousel building.
DeleteThe Holyoke Merry-go-round at Heritage State Park has the stained glass window on display.
DeleteDoes anybody know what the other stores in the Westfield Shops were back between 65-75 ?
ReplyDeleteOne of the store was Hamilton Shoes...I worked there for many years! There was a card shop and yarn store plus a flower shop between our store and Steigers but I can't remember the names.jc. penneys, thom NcCanns, food mart and nugents also were there.
DeleteHamiltons shoes, nugents, thom McCanns, food mart, there was a flower shop and a card shop plus a yarn shop but I can't remember their names. Jc penney too.
DeleteGift shop named Cock O'the Walk
DeleteZayres, later became JC Penny’s
DeleteHi I worked for Steigers in the downtown store back in 1970 and 1971 in what used to be called "The Campus Shop" and then when it went "mod", "Directions Unlimited". I worked first for Tom Tiedgen, and then later for Teddy Steiger. Anyway I would love to reconnect with anyone I worked there with. I now live in Malibu, CA but would still like to hear from anyone who remembers those days. Brian Scully BrianRScully@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool website. I grew up in Longmeadow and remember Steiger's at the Longmeadow Shops well. Got my Lacoste shirts there in High school in the early 80's and still have most of them. I remember going with my parents on a Christmas house tour in Longmeadow in the early 80's and one house was on Woodsley Road near LCC. They had a gigantic christmas tree with huge piles of boxes arranged under it, all Steiger's boxes with ribbons on them. That made a huge impression on me as a kid, thinking that all of their presents came from Steiger's! Of course later I realized they were empty props as advertising...
ReplyDeleteLongmeadow Shops still survives, but it's not the same without Steiger's. And although I'm long gone form WMass, it's still sad to think about how vibrant downtown Springfield used to be, with Johnson's Bookstore, Forbes and Wallace, and Steiger's among others. Eastfield Mall looks deserted, too.
I remember when Eastfield was new and the entrance to Steiger's seemed huge to a little kid. I would follow my mom into the store, and on the left was where the Aigner pocketbooks she bought were. I got an Aigner belt there once and thought I was a big kid. Remember when there wasn't even a food court at Eastfield, other than Orange Julius?
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane.
Wasn't there a Steiger's at Enfield Square, too?
ReplyDeleteMY MOM WORKED AT STEIGERS DOWN TOWN SPRINGFIELD IN THE EARLY 70'S TO MID TO LATE 70'S,,,MY SISTER WORKED THERE AS WELL AS HER HUSBAND AKA THE TALKING CHRISTMAS TREE,,I WOULD SAVE MONEY FROM BABYSITTING DURING THE SUMMER AND BRING MY MOM TO LUNCH ONCE A WEEK IN THE TEA ROOM,,IT WAS ALWAYS ALOT OF FUN, TALKING WITH HER CO-WORKER'S AND FRIENDS
ReplyDeleteTHE LAST FAMILY MEMBER WAS PUT IN JAIL FOR MURDER AND LOST EVERY THING TO DO WITH THE STORE,,,
ReplyDeleteI used to work in the Holyoke Mall store in the 80's and loved my job there. Great people! Haven't heard anything about any reunions lately. I would like to attend if they're still having them. Also bought our house from a woman who was a buyer for Steiger's. She left behind a key chain with a coat of arms and it says something about a 25 year club. i would like to give it to a surviving family member even if it's qa distant one. There must be some great grand kids around.
ReplyDeleteI came across this site while looking to find some information about an old travel trunk I bought at auction.
ReplyDeleteThe sticker inside is faded but I can make out - L.E. Thuis, Vicennes, Ind.
The Leather Goods Store
_______, suitcases, purses,
traveling bags
________ everything in the harness line
Can anyone help me pinpoint the approximate date and manufacturer or steer me in the right direction?
Thanks.
I loved the store and did know their son from the Suffield Country Club. He murdered a couple people in town with a friend of his. Terrible ending to what once was.
ReplyDeleteAs a child growing up in Mass. I was told we were related to Albert Steiger..My father was from the Cherri valley area" Worcester county" in Mass. his father came over from Paris France..I have no clue if this is true or not, but would like to know if indeed we were related!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in chicopee mom used to take my sister and i on the bus to holoyoke shopping on main str. The bus stop was on the main street side of the city hall. Which steigers was across the street. I remember the big dark wood stair case nect to the elevators. Now every time i visit northampton thorn's market. I always take the strairs. Reminds me of steigers stairs. Other stores iare fond of grants. And dorthy dodds. Davione jewerly. remember clark's anyone?
ReplyDeleteI still have a shirt I wear with the Steiger's label. Perhaps bought in 1970-1975. Could call it an antique now. Still in great shape.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Eric Steiger's Twitter page.. What a tragedy. I never knew about it until the last few days when I was researching for a Westfield Facebook page.....
ReplyDeleteWho was Eric's father? His mother June passed away in March 2013.
ReplyDeleteEric's dad was Ralph. He ran the merchandising of the store for many years. When his brother Ted stepped down as president, he took over.
DeleteEric's dad was Ralph. He ran the merchandising of the store for many years. When his brother Ted stepped down as president, he took over.
DeleteWho was Eric's father, June died in March of this year.
ReplyDeleteSteiger;s was always that special place we went for a few SPECIAL items. JM Fields and Thom Mcann otherwise.
ReplyDeleteHated the odor when my Mother took me to the floor with the hair dresser... something used on the woman's hair
My Mother was a young girl from West Kerry, Ireland when she went to work for the Steiger family as cook and nanny. Even went to Sound View with during the summer.
This was when Springfield was worthy of CITY OF HOMES. Large, unique houses with maids for each floor, driver, cook, nanny, landscapers to are for lawn and tennis court and to erect ice skating rink in the winter.
May God Bless all those individuals like my Mother and for Old Springfield which gave Her a beginning in a country
Thank you for the interesting and personal post. Yes, God bless those like your mom who brought their good values, culture, and hard work to this country and made such a difference for us all.
ReplyDeleteBruce
p.s. West Kerry - a beautiful place!
I have a fur coat in great condition and would like to know what it is worth and would anyone be interested in buying? with pictures and would l
ReplyDeleteI remember going to Steiger's with my Mother back in the early 1960's. The only other store we ever went to was the nearby Forbes and Wallace.
ReplyDeleteSteiger's had these wonderful female elevator operators and I remember the Hall Galleries being filled with all sorts of wonderful objects.
The whole experience which I am sure seems "old fashioned" today somehow also seems much more refined and less frenetic.
I have many fond memories of Steiger's, having grown up in Western Mass in the 80's. While we usually shopped at the Westfield or Holyoke Mall stores, we'd occasionally head to the Springfield store for lunch in the tea room before an afternoon of shopping--the women who ran it always loved to see me, the little boy who loved pickled beets. I can still remember how shocked I was when they announced that the chain was closing.
ReplyDeleteWe also still have several old Steiger's boxes that circulate through the family every Christmas--we call them "Steiger's memorial boxes," and it's a big deal when someone gets one!
ReplyDeleteYou are not the only one with a soft spot for pickled beets! Thanks for sharing your memories.
ReplyDeleteBruce
Reunion for Westfield employees-Sunday 4/27/14, 1-4pm at the Westfield Elks. Bring an app or dessert. No cost.
ReplyDeleteMike Agan
The Library of Congress actually has photos of the Steiger's Springfield store from 1953.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.loc.gov/pictures/search/?q=steiger%20company%20springfield&sg=true
My grandmother, Margherite Morgan worked at the downtown Springfield store for many years. I remember going to see the talking Christmas tree, and how grand the store was.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Morganwerk - I worked for Steiger's from 1971 until 1995, stayed on to help with some administrative work. I do remember your grandmother very well - always good for a laugh or two. In fact I would sometimes ride home with her on the bus - we both lived in West Springfield.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your stories, ya'll help me remember a few of my own
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I came across it while looking for info on Springfield during the 50s and 60s. When I graduated from High School of Commerce ('65), I went to work for Steiger;s in the auditing department. I worked for three years. I later went to work for Forbes & Wallace from '71 to '73. I have so many memories and experiences working at the two great stores. I you have any questions, maybe I have some answers.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Steiger's in the art department from 1969 to 1975 or so. The Ad Manager was Joel Frede and the Art Director was Val Pesagna. It was a great store with alot of wonderful people. Have very fond memories!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting old, the previous post I mentioned Joel Frede and Val Pesagna in the Advertising Dept. My bad, they both worked for Forbes & Wallace. I worked in the ad dept for both stores, F & W in late 60's and Steiger's in the 70's. I have very fond memories of each. I started my career in advertising working as a girl Friday in the ad dept at R.H. Stearns in the downtown Boston store. My first job after graduating from college.
ReplyDeleteSorry the info above is incorrect. The Art Director of Steiger's during the 70's was June Burte and the Ad manager was Richard 'Dick' LaVallee. Joel Frede and Val Pesagna worked for Forbes & Wallace.
ReplyDeleteMy mom loved shopping at Steiger's as well as at G.Fox, the Hartford store. Once a year, we'd also go out to the domed store in Natick Mass., which I learned years later was Jordan-Marsh. We'd have to take the turnpike out there from West Springfield.
ReplyDeleteI miss the old, regional local chains. The national stores have no character at all. One can be in Springfield, Hartford or San Franfreakshow for that matter and everything is the SAME.
I was born 50 years too late. :(
I agree, me too! However, I also count my blessings that though I prefer the culture of the past, I am blessed to never have had to go away to war - and I pray every day for those that did, and those that didn't come home.
ReplyDeleteI have in my possession a box that a vintage hat would fit in. My aunt's husband worked at Steigers for many years in Springfield MA.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for sales catalogs. I've been told that my grandmother had been a model in one of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the branch store at Hampshire Mall in Hadley, MA? Steiger's was one of the original anchors when the mall opened... unless I'm horribly, terribly mistaken. Does anyone else remember this? I believe the mall opened in 1978. Steiger's was on the front center of the building. On the interior it opened onto a large fountain and the food court.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across this in the new age of computers. One day, as a teen I needed a good job. I drove my car to Hadley, Ma! Terry looked me up and down...asked what "he" wanted, and then somehow hired me! I don't know how but I got hired into one of the most amazing memories of my life. As far as I know I became the youngest manager that Steigers ever hired. I never stop dreaming of those days. I never stop remembering the life-changing experience. Steigers in Hadley, Massachusetts was the best place on planet Earth. Those were the best days ever! Late 80's...parties, holidays, drawings...best times. Steiger Days!!!
DeleteHello! My name is Charles Duncan Jr. I'm looking for a thing about when the chef's are out at Steiger's. The date is to old for the archives of paper Sept.21 1981.Is there any way I can find it!
ReplyDeleteGenealogybank.com has it from 1864-1989. Or ask the Springfield library to find it on microfilm
ReplyDelete-Bruce
I just found this wonderful clip of an interview with the grandson of Albert Steiger from the local PBS station. I worked for Filene's at the time when they were bought by the May Company and was at the Eastfield store helping to set it up, and actually shook hands with him during the Grand Opening. You can view the clip here: Gone but Not Forgotten: Steiger's Department Stor…: http://youtu.be/KR3HSTRhAr8
ReplyDeleteSo excited to find this site. When I studied Retail Management at Holyoke Community College Lou Davis only allowed his A students to coop at Steiger's. When I graduated I was able to join their Management Training Program so I worked in many branches: downtown Springfield's Town and Country, Children's, Assistant Buying in China/Chrystal then Candy/Stationary (We still went to NYC). Holyoke Mall (Children's and Stationary after Juniors and Accessories) Westfield, Enfield and Hampshire.
ReplyDeleteI loved working for the Steiger's.
Really miss Steiger's - it was such a great store! Like someone else posted: the new stores have no personality to them. I go to Grandmother's Garden often in Westfield which was created by Mr. Steiger. Just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI worked @ Steiger's in Hadley, MA while in High School in the late 70's. I was Department Manager of Fashion Accessories & Handbags ;o) It would be great to have some sort of Reunion !! Those were the Good 'ol Days :o)
ReplyDeleteI have come across an old I guess hand fan, it has a older style lady on the front with short black hair and the back says presented for your comfort by steiger fur shop exclusive, but not expensive don't miss out on our august fur sale featuring the latest creations your demonstration our pleasure. Do you kno if it's worth saving or selling or is it junk?
ReplyDeleteI have come across an old I guess hand fan, it has a older style lady on the front with short black hair and the back says presented for your comfort by steiger fur shop exclusive, but not expensive don't miss out on our august fur sale featuring the latest creations your demonstration our pleasure. Do you kno if it's worth saving or selling or is it junk?
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Men's department at Enfield Square while I was in high school....1989/90. I was young but I really appreciated the quality of the merchandise and of course the family loved the 25% discount!! I got my first credit card from Steiger's too, I believe I had a $200 credit limit!! Fantastic place to shop.
ReplyDeleteWhile at Glenmeadow this year for Thanksgiving, I met Mr Albert Steiger himself! He was getting out of a car or dropping someone off, and we went over to him to say hello. I just had to tell him how much I loved his store. He thanked us for that!!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if there was ever a recipe book printed for the wonderful dishes served in the Colonial Tea Room? I'd love to have a copy if there is. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteI remember Steiger's at the Hampshire Mall and the Holyoke Mall when I was a kid. I remember all the old independent department stores in Western Massachusetts and I'm glad that Wilson's Department Store in Greenfield,MA is running strong for almost 135 years. Wilson's is now the only independent department store in Western Massachusetts and I still stop in there when I go into Downtown Greenfield.
ReplyDeleteI worked at the downtown Springfield Steigers in 1970 and 1971, while in High School. When I started, the department downstairs that I was hired for was called "The Campus Shop" but it was changed to "Directions Unlimited" when the store decided to go for the mod clothing of those times. I remember being hired by their personnel manager, a very nice man named Mr. Scott. During the time I was there, my department had two managers, Tom Tiedgen, a very nice guy and another nice guy named Teddy Steiger. He was actually Albert E. Steiger III and I remember his father ran the chain. There was a very nice lady from Scotland who worked in the department named Peggy Campbell and the first floor manager was a very funny guy named Mr. Kingsbury. I think that's all I remember about it but it was a great part-time job for a high school kid and they treated their employees very well. Brian Scully BrianRScully@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Warehouse on Brookdale Dr for 11 years.I worked the print shop,in the warehouse also and finally the front office.I made so many wonderful Friends and had the best time ever.Miss the people and the store.
ReplyDeleteI was an 8 year old overachiever and major Red Sox fan in 1977, and for the upcoming Father's Day, Steiger's had an exciting Writing Contest. In 50 Words or Less you had to describe "WHY MY DAD IS THE GREATEST", and 3 WINNERS would get to meet BILL LEE, an old RED SOX Pitcher dubbed "The Space Man", along with free Red Sox front row tickets, and of course an extraordinary dinner with Carving Stations at the Springfield Marriott. Unbelievably I was one of the winners chosen, and it was mind-blowing to me at the time. I remember the sweet Steiger's Sales Associate writing in RED at the top of the page that "a real 8 year old girl wrote this while her mom was shopping"......INCREDIBLE, INSPIRATIONAL MEMORIES that my Dad and I still giggle about, & my mom is looking down on us smiling PROUD too, in her ALBERT STEIGER MINK FUR COAT teehee......A sincere thank you for creating this historical, emotionally-fulfilling WebSite/blog, and further ILLUMINATING my childhood memories, as hopefully I can instill a bit of this historical past into good, moral values for my 3 year old son. God Bless everyone.....
ReplyDeleteHello, Heidi!
DeleteThanks for sharing your charming story, and helping to illustrate what made Steiger's special. God bless your parents, and I think it is especially reassuring that you will pass stories like this to your son so he grows up with a sense of history and heritage. Well done!
-Bruce
I was an 8 year old overachiever and major Red Sox fan in 1977, and for the upcoming Father's Day, Steiger's had an exciting Writing Contest. In 50 Words or Less you had to describe "WHY MY DAD IS THE GREATEST", and 3 WINNERS would get to meet BILL LEE, an old RED SOX Pitcher dubbed "The Space Man", along with free Red Sox front row tickets, and of course an extraordinary dinner with Carving Stations at the Springfield Marriott. Unbelievably I was one of the winners chosen, and it was mind-blowing to me at the time. I remember the sweet Steiger's Sales Associate writing in RED at the top of the page that "a real 8 year old girl wrote this while her mom was shopping"......INCREDIBLE, INSPIRATIONAL MEMORIES that my Dad and I still giggle about, & my mom is looking down on us smiling PROUD too, in her ALBERT STEIGER MINK FUR COAT teehee......A sincere thank you for creating this historical, emotionally-fulfilling WebSite/blog, and further ILLUMINATING my childhood memories, as hopefully I can instill a bit of this historical past into good, moral values for my 3 year old son. God Bless everyone.....
ReplyDeleteI believe Steiger's had a branch in the Buckland Hills Mall (Manchester,CT) for about a year. Great site...
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school, my boyfriend (now husband 😄) and I used to walk downtown from Classical High and poke around the stores. Sometimes if we had some money, we would go to Chauncey's Tea Room and I was always fascinated with the Hall Galleries - so elegant! One day we were each looking at some glass display cases and standing back to back. Well I'm sure you can predict where this story is headed. We backed into each other and toppled one of the cases, which was filled with pricey figurines. The sales lady was so kind to us. She told us to scram before anyone came and we hopped on the elevator and got the heck out of there.
ReplyDeleteSo miss the days of shopping downtown - especially at Christmas time. Thanks so much for letting me reminisce here.
Jennifer Goggin
Just found a little box (in my basement that belonged to my grandmother or my great aunt) that reads on the lid "The Hall Galleries- Albert Steiger Company- Springfield, Massachusetts" there are 3 decorative wall hangings inside that look like plates but are wooden with hand painted flowers on them with gold trim and the back of each plate reads "Borghese". Cool find and I'd love to know more about them but nothing even remotely similar comes up when I search. The image on the box is the store image from 1930 pictured above.
ReplyDeleteJust found a box that must have belonged to my grandmother or great aunt, from the Hall Galleries with 3 decorative wall hangings, hand painted florals with gold rims, the box has a picture of the store from the 1930's. The back of each plate reads "Borghese" but I ant find anything similar when I search. Interested to know more about them.
ReplyDeleteMillard, looking for information on William Henry Reed, worked for Steigers as Coachman, born 1871, died November 10, 1944.
ReplyDeleteI was a hair stylist at Steiger's Beauty Salon,which was a lease department owned by Glemby Co...Many happy memories of my work days with wonderful people.Loved taking supper breaks at the Colonial Tea Room.Especially remember the delicious raisin pie with real whipped cream..Still have my credit card reminding me of all those fond shopping times.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the Steiger's French room? Have a large flat box with that name printed over an all over design that I think matched the design of the department's carpet. Will check back,hope someone can help me with what and when and maybe where!
ReplyDeleteLook on GenealogyBank or any other platform (paid unfortunately) that lets you search The Republican archives, from the ads it looks like it was their women's dress department, on the 2nd floor of the Springfield flagship store. Ads for it show up from late 40s to early 60s
DeleteOften, department stores used the "French Room" name for high-end Millinery, but in the case of Steiger's, like a number of other stores, it denoted their high-end apparel shop, where ladies (presumably) sat on sofas, and sipped tea while models paraded past, or saleswomen brought out gowns and ensembles on plush hangers to show customers. Very little, in most cases, was on display, as self-service was not the business model for these "rooms." Perhaps Madame would like another cup of tea (or a wafer-thin mint?) while we show her some accessories?"
ReplyDeleteI learned how to tie a necktie thanks to Steigers. I grew up without a father in the home after age 10, and I remember buying a tie at Steigers and they had pictures that showed step by step how to tie. I also remember shopping the Bargain Basement and getting some good deals.
ReplyDeleteIn 1967 I was a hair stylist in the Steiger's Beauty Salon in the downtown Springfield store. It was a great place to work and I have many wonderful memories of the people and the store. As a child I remember eating in the Tea Room and shopping in the bargain basement.
ReplyDeleteI can recall many fun shopping excursions to Steiger's Springfield with my grandmother back when I was young. We would always go to the tea room for lunch. The ride on elevator with the brass accordion gate and elevator attendant was a highlight. I also remember the children's christmas shoppe that Syeiger's would set up every year. My siblings and i would go every year with a small sum of money and be able to shop without my parents. It was great.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother purchased beautiful leaded crystal stemware from Steiger's, that I received as a wedding gift in 1976. Would there be any way to find out what companies of crystal stemware Steiger's carried at that time and the style names? I no longer have a full set of 6 and would like to sell the pieces I have left. I'm sure there is someone out there looking but I do not know the style name or maker anymore. Thank you for any info you might be able to help me with.
My only suggestion would be to search the Springfield newspaper archives on genealogybank.com, for Steiger's glassware ads. That could be a clue. There is a charge for a subscription to the site, but perhaps your library offers it to card-holders. Good luck.
ReplyDelete-Bruce
This has been a wonderful walk down memory lane. When Steiger's closed the Holyoke Mall store, I bought an enormous role of wrapping paper. The quality was close to wallpaper. Everyone knew they had received a gift from me because of the paper. I have now passed it on to my daughter and she is the owner of the gold pineapple on red background paper. I always said it would outlive me.
ReplyDeleteI remember that paper! During the holiday season, when my job was lighter (I was a visual merchandiser -- I decorated the stores!) I would help wrap presents. I was there for the store closing. My time there was one of the best jobs I ever had.
DeleteAnother Westfield reunion held October 2019, about 25 attendees.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what china was used in the Tea Room? I would love to find a cup and saucer for one of my cousins.
ReplyDeleteI purchased a 1966 Kurbside truck in Savannah Ga. As I was sanding the paint off of the roof I noticed scratch marks that resembled lettering. Using a marker, I traced the lettering to discover "Steiger's". I had never heard of this until today.
ReplyDeleteWas there a photography service offered at Steiger's? I have a lovely photo of my husband's grandmother with the notation "Credit Steiger's Studio" stamped on the back. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou might be onto something, I found a photo dated 1949 that has a stamp on the back
DeletePORTRAIT BY
H???amann-Gay
STEIGER'S - Springfield, Mass.
I worked in Steiger on High St Holyoke at Christmas wrapping gifts while in high school. My aunt Alma Lachance worked as a buyer for casual sportswear in Holyoke and later Springfield. I currently still have 2 of her books from New York when she would purchase new lines of clothing. Great memories. If someone is interested in books let me know!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have the recipe for chicken croquettes that were served at the Tea Room in Steigers?
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Longmeadow MA and Steiger's was a staple, just like Friendly's, in the same plaza. Both hold such great memories for me.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone who worked in the Springfield Store on Main St. in 1970-72 or so, remember either Tom Tiedgen or Teddy Steiger (Albert E. Steiger III). They managed the downstairs "Campus Shop" that turned into "Directions Unlimited" and sold mod clothes for the times. I worked for both Tom and Teddy and would like to write to them to let them know how they were my very first bosses and they taught me a lot about working with people and that was a big part of the life that I ended up having. If you have any contact info for either, feel free to give them my email address: BrianRScully@gmail.com or give me their email address. I just want to say thanks and maybe catch up a bit on each other's lives. I'm retired now and live in Amherst, MA. Thanks.
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