Mighty44
One Too Many
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Show Us Your Vintage Hat Store
- Thread starter BobHufford
- Start date
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- 14,782
Panama from Strawbrige and Clothier, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Excuse the Wikipedia text cut/paste. Feeling lazy this evening.
1907:
1930:
The building subsequently became the eastern anchor in 1977 of The Gallery, an urban mall connecting Strawbridge & Clothier with Gimbels, which had relocated from across Market Street to join the mall. It was the vision of S&C Chairman Stockton Strawbridge that was instrumental in revitalizing the Market East retail district in the 1970s, a vision that is still apparent today despite the demise of both Gimbels and Strawbridge's. He once said that his goal was to transform fading east Market Street into "the Champs-Élysées" of Philadelphia.
Teshaminy Mall, 1968: (there were 10 branch stores up to 1972)
1979:
After the sale, the stores operated simply as "Strawbridge's", although exterior signage reading "Strawbridge & Clothier" remained in place at many locations until the stores became Macy's in 2006. May had merged the former John Wanamaker's into its Hecht's banner, but converted them to Strawbridge's as well (except for Wanamaker's former flagship on Market Street, which eventually became a Lord & Taylor and is now Macy's). However, the Strawbridge & Clothier head office was closed and its operations were consolidated with Hecht's in Arlington, Virginia.
Excuse the Wikipedia text cut/paste. Feeling lazy this evening.
1800s
Strawbridge & Clothier began as a dry goods store founded by Quakers Justus Clayton Strawbridge (1838–1911) and Isaac Hallowell Clothier (1837–1921) in Philadelphia in 1868. Strawbridge & Clothier purchased the 3-story brick building on the northwest corner of Market and 8th Streets in Center City, Philadelphia that had been Thomas Jefferson's office from 1790 to 1793 while he served as Secretary of State and opened their first store. They soon replaced the old building with one of 5 stories, and then expanded into neighboring buildings as well.1900s
1907:
In 1928, the company decided to replace all but one of its buildings with a new edifice, and began construction in phases on the 13-story building which stands on the corner of Market and North 8th Street today. Designed in the Beaux-Arts-style by the Philadelphia architectural firm Simon & Simon, the cost of the limestone building was expected to be $6.5 million, an amount which caused some concern to the store's owners. By the time of the ribbon-cutting in 1931 in the depth of the Great Depression, the staggering $10 million cost (equivalent to $192 million in 2022) of such grand construction nearly suffocated the cash-strapped company.
1930:
The building subsequently became the eastern anchor in 1977 of The Gallery, an urban mall connecting Strawbridge & Clothier with Gimbels, which had relocated from across Market Street to join the mall. It was the vision of S&C Chairman Stockton Strawbridge that was instrumental in revitalizing the Market East retail district in the 1970s, a vision that is still apparent today despite the demise of both Gimbels and Strawbridge's. He once said that his goal was to transform fading east Market Street into "the Champs-Élysées" of Philadelphia.
Teshaminy Mall, 1968: (there were 10 branch stores up to 1972)
1979:
Late 20th-century demise
After successfully fighting off a hostile takeover attempt by Ronald S. Baron in 1986, Strawbridge & Clothier survived as an independent, locally owned department store into the 1990s. In 1995, in an attempt to become the dominant retailer in the Philadelphia region, S&C partnered with Federated Department Stores, Pomeroys, and the Rubin Brothers real estate development company to acquire their rival Wanamaker's but were outbid in bankruptcy court by The May Department Stores Company. Subsequently, the 13 Strawbridge & Clothier department stores were themselves bought by May in 1996, when the Strawbridge & Clothier directors (mostly members of the Strawbridge and Clothier families) elected to liquidate operations, over the vehement objections of patriarch Stockton Strawbridge. Strawbridge died not long after the sale. "He was the store, and the store was him," said his attorney Peter Hearn to the Philadelphia Daily News. Store employees and the public-at-large felt a sense of loss as well: many employees rushed to pay off their credit card accounts in full before the sale was finalized, "hoping that the proceeds would go to the founding families rather than [the new buyers]."After the sale, the stores operated simply as "Strawbridge's", although exterior signage reading "Strawbridge & Clothier" remained in place at many locations until the stores became Macy's in 2006. May had merged the former John Wanamaker's into its Hecht's banner, but converted them to Strawbridge's as well (except for Wanamaker's former flagship on Market Street, which eventually became a Lord & Taylor and is now Macy's). However, the Strawbridge & Clothier head office was closed and its operations were consolidated with Hecht's in Arlington, Virginia.
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1940s or early 1950s Stetson Flagship from T. Richter's Sons in Davenport, Iowa.
Traugott Richter, founder of the business, was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He learned the fur trade in his native land. In 1854, he came to the United States and settled in Geneseo, Illinois, where he engaged in the fur manufacturing business, making and selling fur hats, fur caps, and fur gloves. In 1858, he moved from Geneseo to Davenport and opened a small fur business. He began with seven employees at 323 West Second Street. In those days, the local farmers, hunters, trappers and even Indians would bring their furs right into the downtown store to exchange for cash or products. (text in italics is from Davenport Iowa History / Facebook)
1877 Ad:
Sadly, Richter's store caught on fire on January 4, 1883, and despite having insurance, he claimed his loss was in excess of $25,000. Fortunately, the building was repaired and remodeled and business continued as usual.
In October of 1892, Traugott Richter moved from his original business location to a new store at 219 and 221 W. Second Street. He remained active in the business until his death on June 19, 1904.
Traugott Richter and sons expanded their fur business in the 1890s to include sewing machines.
1896 trade card:
1899: Richter's is on the left side of Harned & Von Maur department store (later known as The Boston Store).
1901:
1910:
Richter's Furriers placed this ad and others like it on the back covers of the monthly Davenport High School "Bulletin" in 1911, in an effort to win favor of the young men. According to the ad, the company was established in 1868.
Richter's was known for the mounted bear it had on display in the store vestibule. Their advertisements often stated: "Look for the Bear." It was first displayed in 1868.
The store in 1911:
1915:
Carl Richter, Sr., president of T. Richter's Sons, Inc., was born November 8, 1873, in Davenport, the son of Marie Louise and Traugott Richter. He was educated in the Davenport schools and Duncan Business College in Davenport. He had learned the fur business from his father, Traugott Richter, founder of T. Richter's Sons. Carl married Jennie Kuler in Davenport on October 14, 1897. He was a charter member of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce. He died on January 14, 1947.
I've not been able to locate more recent info or photos. The most recent was a 1947 bowling instruction booklet from Brunswick that Richter's handed out to customers. I wonder if the store closed shortly after Carl's passing. I did see a 1961 reference to "Richter-Rhomberg ready-to-wear". Rhomberg was also a furrier in Davenport for many years. The T. Richter's Sons building is no longer standing.
Traugott Richter, founder of the business, was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He learned the fur trade in his native land. In 1854, he came to the United States and settled in Geneseo, Illinois, where he engaged in the fur manufacturing business, making and selling fur hats, fur caps, and fur gloves. In 1858, he moved from Geneseo to Davenport and opened a small fur business. He began with seven employees at 323 West Second Street. In those days, the local farmers, hunters, trappers and even Indians would bring their furs right into the downtown store to exchange for cash or products. (text in italics is from Davenport Iowa History / Facebook)
1877 Ad:
Sadly, Richter's store caught on fire on January 4, 1883, and despite having insurance, he claimed his loss was in excess of $25,000. Fortunately, the building was repaired and remodeled and business continued as usual.
In October of 1892, Traugott Richter moved from his original business location to a new store at 219 and 221 W. Second Street. He remained active in the business until his death on June 19, 1904.
Traugott Richter and sons expanded their fur business in the 1890s to include sewing machines.
1896 trade card:
1899: Richter's is on the left side of Harned & Von Maur department store (later known as The Boston Store).
1901:
1910:
Richter's Furriers placed this ad and others like it on the back covers of the monthly Davenport High School "Bulletin" in 1911, in an effort to win favor of the young men. According to the ad, the company was established in 1868.
Richter's was known for the mounted bear it had on display in the store vestibule. Their advertisements often stated: "Look for the Bear." It was first displayed in 1868.
The store in 1911:
1915:
Carl Richter, Sr., president of T. Richter's Sons, Inc., was born November 8, 1873, in Davenport, the son of Marie Louise and Traugott Richter. He was educated in the Davenport schools and Duncan Business College in Davenport. He had learned the fur business from his father, Traugott Richter, founder of T. Richter's Sons. Carl married Jennie Kuler in Davenport on October 14, 1897. He was a charter member of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce. He died on January 14, 1947.
I've not been able to locate more recent info or photos. The most recent was a 1947 bowling instruction booklet from Brunswick that Richter's handed out to customers. I wonder if the store closed shortly after Carl's passing. I did see a 1961 reference to "Richter-Rhomberg ready-to-wear". Rhomberg was also a furrier in Davenport for many years. The T. Richter's Sons building is no longer standing.
M Hatman
I'll Lock Up
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- 4,516
Royal Stetson Open Road......from 1953 to 1956.
Sold here:
Sold here:
Last edited:
Stetson Royal De Luxe Stratoliner (mid 60s, I believe) from Lundstrom Hat Works. Lundstrom first opened in 1884 in San Francisco, eventually having five stores there, three in Oakland, and an unknown number in Los Angeles and Seattle. These photos are of the store at 720 Market, in SF, at two different times in its history. They are the only photos I've been able to find of any of their outlets.
Last edited:
Stetson Royal De Luxe, mid 1950s, from The Blain Clothing Co., Albany, Oregon. Blain Clothing moved into the Flinn Block building (named for the county judge, mayor, and real estate investor who commissioned its construction in 1877), in 1892, and remained there until its closing in 1976. The photos show the clothing store around the turn of the century, in the 30s, and in the 50s. The last one shows what the building looks like today.
Sometimes these are easy, sometimes they're hard!
Stetson Amish 4X wool, sophisticatedly re-shaped brim (Tombstone reference) by me, for Cowboy Action Shooting. Yoder's Shoe Shop was opened in 1988, and one business report showed two people working there; my guess is husband and wife. No idea when they went out of business, but it appears to have been a (likely Amish) business operated out of a home.
Stetson Amish 4X wool, sophisticatedly re-shaped brim (Tombstone reference) by me, for Cowboy Action Shooting. Yoder's Shoe Shop was opened in 1988, and one business report showed two people working there; my guess is husband and wife. No idea when they went out of business, but it appears to have been a (likely Amish) business operated out of a home.
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- 14,782
Mid-1930s Stetson Excellent Quality from Reed's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The shop began with the completion of Jacob Reed’s apprenticeship in 1824. Though he was just 21 years of age, Jacob had spent 13 years of his life learning the art of tailoring and was ready to open his own clothing shop on High Street (now Market), the largest concentration of tailors in the city.
Jacob Reed struggled through his first few years. His shop bounced around the eastern part of the city, not lasting in a location for much longer than a year, but he eventually began to gain a steady flow of business by offering his “one price” guarantee (which would eliminate the need for bargaining over goods, since he was offering his garments at their lowest price) and by shifting some of his work towards producing ready to wear garments. By 1858, Jacob had settled in his location at the corner of 2nd and Spruce, and was becoming increasingly involved with the production of military uniforms. This practice was something that would continue for decades, as Reed’s and then Jacob Reed’s Sons would produce uniforms for government agencies ranging from the Army and Navy to the Post Office and National Parks.
Jacob Reed’s Sons for Winter Postal Uniform, from Smithsonian Postal Museum
In 1877, after half a century and surviving two wars and periods of political and economic turmoil, Jacob passed his business over to his three sons, Edward, Alan, and George. Shortly after taking control, the sons moved the business westward to the newly popular Chestnut Street. This area was quickly becoming the center of retail in Philadelphia. The brothers were aggressive in their advertising for the new location and fought to make a name for themselves in an area filled with successful retail locations, and eventually, dominating department stores.
920 Chestnut Street Location, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
Department stores were the new favored form of shopping at the end of the 19th century. The large stores with goods spread throughout their open floors allowed for a new shopping experience. Customers were no longer forced to engage with a salesperson, often haggling over prices and feeling pressured into purchases, but they could not leisurely browse the store, pressure free. Because of this change in favor, Alan, the lone surviving son of Jacob, made a final move for Jacob Reed’s Sons to a larger building, designed specifically for the store at 1424 Chestnut Street in 1905.
1424 Chestnut Street, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
-- The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection
-------
One of Jacob Reed’s Sons’ former locations, at 301 S. Front Street, now site of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial over I-95 | Photo via the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s PAB project
Prior to building their Italian palazzo, Jacob Reed’s Sons operated a location in this three-story building at 1424 Chestnut | Photo via Free Library of Philadelphia
Mercer tiles above the store’s entrance | Photo: Peter Woodall
Trial size Beauty: Looking toward Chestnut Street from the back of the store | Photo: Peter Woodall
^^^^^ Now housing a CVS Pharmacy.
1917 Ad:
1927 Ad for the Atlantic City location:
The only photo I could find of the Atlantic City location (and that took some doing): 1919
The 1424 Chestnut (Philadelphia) location nowadays:
The shop began with the completion of Jacob Reed’s apprenticeship in 1824. Though he was just 21 years of age, Jacob had spent 13 years of his life learning the art of tailoring and was ready to open his own clothing shop on High Street (now Market), the largest concentration of tailors in the city.
Jacob Reed struggled through his first few years. His shop bounced around the eastern part of the city, not lasting in a location for much longer than a year, but he eventually began to gain a steady flow of business by offering his “one price” guarantee (which would eliminate the need for bargaining over goods, since he was offering his garments at their lowest price) and by shifting some of his work towards producing ready to wear garments. By 1858, Jacob had settled in his location at the corner of 2nd and Spruce, and was becoming increasingly involved with the production of military uniforms. This practice was something that would continue for decades, as Reed’s and then Jacob Reed’s Sons would produce uniforms for government agencies ranging from the Army and Navy to the Post Office and National Parks.
Jacob Reed’s Sons for Winter Postal Uniform, from Smithsonian Postal Museum
In 1877, after half a century and surviving two wars and periods of political and economic turmoil, Jacob passed his business over to his three sons, Edward, Alan, and George. Shortly after taking control, the sons moved the business westward to the newly popular Chestnut Street. This area was quickly becoming the center of retail in Philadelphia. The brothers were aggressive in their advertising for the new location and fought to make a name for themselves in an area filled with successful retail locations, and eventually, dominating department stores.
920 Chestnut Street Location, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
Department stores were the new favored form of shopping at the end of the 19th century. The large stores with goods spread throughout their open floors allowed for a new shopping experience. Customers were no longer forced to engage with a salesperson, often haggling over prices and feeling pressured into purchases, but they could not leisurely browse the store, pressure free. Because of this change in favor, Alan, the lone surviving son of Jacob, made a final move for Jacob Reed’s Sons to a larger building, designed specifically for the store at 1424 Chestnut Street in 1905.
1424 Chestnut Street, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
-- The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection
-------
One of Jacob Reed’s Sons’ former locations, at 301 S. Front Street, now site of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial over I-95 | Photo via the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s PAB project
Prior to building their Italian palazzo, Jacob Reed’s Sons operated a location in this three-story building at 1424 Chestnut | Photo via Free Library of Philadelphia
Mercer tiles above the store’s entrance | Photo: Peter Woodall
Trial size Beauty: Looking toward Chestnut Street from the back of the store | Photo: Peter Woodall
^^^^^ Now housing a CVS Pharmacy.
1917 Ad:
1927 Ad for the Atlantic City location:
The only photo I could find of the Atlantic City location (and that took some doing): 1919
The 1424 Chestnut (Philadelphia) location nowadays:
Mighty44
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,997
Fantastic research. I believe the Chestnut St. location was a Barnes and Noble back in the 90s, but I could be misremembering.Mid-1930s Stetson Excellent Quality from Reed's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
View attachment 583105
View attachment 583107
The shop began with the completion of Jacob Reed’s apprenticeship in 1824. Though he was just 21 years of age, Jacob had spent 13 years of his life learning the art of tailoring and was ready to open his own clothing shop on High Street (now Market), the largest concentration of tailors in the city.
Jacob Reed struggled through his first few years. His shop bounced around the eastern part of the city, not lasting in a location for much longer than a year, but he eventually began to gain a steady flow of business by offering his “one price” guarantee (which would eliminate the need for bargaining over goods, since he was offering his garments at their lowest price) and by shifting some of his work towards producing ready to wear garments. By 1858, Jacob had settled in his location at the corner of 2nd and Spruce, and was becoming increasingly involved with the production of military uniforms. This practice was something that would continue for decades, as Reed’s and then Jacob Reed’s Sons would produce uniforms for government agencies ranging from the Army and Navy to the Post Office and National Parks.
Jacob Reed’s Sons for Winter Postal Uniform, from Smithsonian Postal Museum
In 1877, after half a century and surviving two wars and periods of political and economic turmoil, Jacob passed his business over to his three sons, Edward, Alan, and George. Shortly after taking control, the sons moved the business westward to the newly popular Chestnut Street. This area was quickly becoming the center of retail in Philadelphia. The brothers were aggressive in their advertising for the new location and fought to make a name for themselves in an area filled with successful retail locations, and eventually, dominating department stores.
View attachment 583126
920 Chestnut Street Location, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
Department stores were the new favored form of shopping at the end of the 19th century. The large stores with goods spread throughout their open floors allowed for a new shopping experience. Customers were no longer forced to engage with a salesperson, often haggling over prices and feeling pressured into purchases, but they could not leisurely browse the store, pressure free. Because of this change in favor, Alan, the lone surviving son of Jacob, made a final move for Jacob Reed’s Sons to a larger building, designed specifically for the store at 1424 Chestnut Street in 1905.
View attachment 583128
1424 Chestnut Street, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
-- The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection
-------
View attachment 583131
One of Jacob Reed’s Sons’ former locations, at 301 S. Front Street, now site of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial over I-95 | Photo via the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s PAB project
View attachment 583134
Prior to building their Italian palazzo, Jacob Reed’s Sons operated a location in this three-story building at 1424 Chestnut | Photo via Free Library of Philadelphia
Mercer tiles above the store’s entrance | Photo: Peter Woodall
Trial size Beauty: Looking toward Chestnut Street from the back of the store | Photo: Peter Woodall
^^^^^ Now housing a CVS Pharmacy.
1917 Ad:
View attachment 583125
1927 Ad for the Atlantic City location:
View attachment 583120
The only photo I could find of the Atlantic City location (and that took some doing): 1919
View attachment 583124
The 1424 Chestnut (Philadelphia) location nowadays:
View attachment 583144
Rmccamey
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,815
- Location
- Central Texas
The color on that bowler really makes it special.
Mid-1930s Stetson Excellent Quality from Reed's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
View attachment 583105
View attachment 583107
The shop began with the completion of Jacob Reed’s apprenticeship in 1824. Though he was just 21 years of age, Jacob had spent 13 years of his life learning the art of tailoring and was ready to open his own clothing shop on High Street (now Market), the largest concentration of tailors in the city.
Jacob Reed struggled through his first few years. His shop bounced around the eastern part of the city, not lasting in a location for much longer than a year, but he eventually began to gain a steady flow of business by offering his “one price” guarantee (which would eliminate the need for bargaining over goods, since he was offering his garments at their lowest price) and by shifting some of his work towards producing ready to wear garments. By 1858, Jacob had settled in his location at the corner of 2nd and Spruce, and was becoming increasingly involved with the production of military uniforms. This practice was something that would continue for decades, as Reed’s and then Jacob Reed’s Sons would produce uniforms for government agencies ranging from the Army and Navy to the Post Office and National Parks.
Jacob Reed’s Sons for Winter Postal Uniform, from Smithsonian Postal Museum
In 1877, after half a century and surviving two wars and periods of political and economic turmoil, Jacob passed his business over to his three sons, Edward, Alan, and George. Shortly after taking control, the sons moved the business westward to the newly popular Chestnut Street. This area was quickly becoming the center of retail in Philadelphia. The brothers were aggressive in their advertising for the new location and fought to make a name for themselves in an area filled with successful retail locations, and eventually, dominating department stores.
View attachment 583126
920 Chestnut Street Location, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
Department stores were the new favored form of shopping at the end of the 19th century. The large stores with goods spread throughout their open floors allowed for a new shopping experience. Customers were no longer forced to engage with a salesperson, often haggling over prices and feeling pressured into purchases, but they could not leisurely browse the store, pressure free. Because of this change in favor, Alan, the lone surviving son of Jacob, made a final move for Jacob Reed’s Sons to a larger building, designed specifically for the store at 1424 Chestnut Street in 1905.
View attachment 583128
1424 Chestnut Street, from “One Hundred Years Ago”
-- The Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection
-------
View attachment 583131
One of Jacob Reed’s Sons’ former locations, at 301 S. Front Street, now site of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial over I-95 | Photo via the Athenaeum of Philadelphia’s PAB project
View attachment 583134
Prior to building their Italian palazzo, Jacob Reed’s Sons operated a location in this three-story building at 1424 Chestnut | Photo via Free Library of Philadelphia
Mercer tiles above the store’s entrance | Photo: Peter Woodall
Trial size Beauty: Looking toward Chestnut Street from the back of the store | Photo: Peter Woodall
^^^^^ Now housing a CVS Pharmacy.
1917 Ad:
View attachment 583125
1927 Ad for the Atlantic City location:
View attachment 583120
The only photo I could find of the Atlantic City location (and that took some doing): 1919
View attachment 583124
The 1424 Chestnut (Philadelphia) location nowadays:
View attachment 583144
- Messages
- 14,782
- Messages
- 14,782
O.P.S. era Royal Stetson Bantam from M. Schwartz & Co. of Poughkeepsie, New York.
I've not had a lot of success finding much on the history of this business. I don't even know what the "M" stands for.
It appears to have started around 1868 and ended in the early 1990s.
Around the turn of the last century: (on the right)
1906: (on the right)
Around the same time: (on the left)
They went from M. Schwartz to M. Schwartz & Co. in 1912.
1958:
1959 storefront:
Turn of this century:
The 1950s facade on the first two floors was restored to the original look around 2012.
Nowadays:
I've not had a lot of success finding much on the history of this business. I don't even know what the "M" stands for.
It appears to have started around 1868 and ended in the early 1990s.
Around the turn of the last century: (on the right)
1906: (on the right)
Around the same time: (on the left)
They went from M. Schwartz to M. Schwartz & Co. in 1912.
1958:
1959 storefront:
Turn of this century:
The 1950s facade on the first two floors was restored to the original look around 2012.
Nowadays:
- Messages
- 14,782
^^^^^ Spoke too soon.
1928:
Mr. Salberg, born in 1885, died in 1958. See article in the prior post about the new owners in 1958.
1928:
Mr. Salberg, born in 1885, died in 1958. See article in the prior post about the new owners in 1958.
Fantastic research and pics!
- Messages
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Thanks Stefan!
Mighty44
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,997
Fantastic research Bob, great work!
- Messages
- 14,782
Thanks David!
- Messages
- 14,782
Dobbs "Two Ouncer" from B. R. Baker in Toledo, Ohio.
Bernard Robert Baker (1860 - 1941) began his clothing store business with a neighbor L. E. Flory in the Platt Building at Front and Main in Toledo
The first location (starting in 1886 -- shown in 1911 -- Baker had moved out in 1892).
The Summit location opened in 1892.
1916: Summit Street. A block down on the right.
They moved to their new location in the Miniger Building on Adams at Superior in 1931.
Circa 1940: Adams at Superior (on the left)
1955:
1959: Past Richmans on the right. Note the pedestrian mall.
Botany Industries bought the company in 1961.
As of 1966 B. R. Baker had branches at the Colony, Miracle Mile, Great Eastern and Westgate.
The stores closed in 1972 and the main store on Adams and Superior was demolished in 1980.
Nowadays.
Bernard Robert Baker (1860 - 1941) began his clothing store business with a neighbor L. E. Flory in the Platt Building at Front and Main in Toledo
The first location (starting in 1886 -- shown in 1911 -- Baker had moved out in 1892).
The Summit location opened in 1892.
1916: Summit Street. A block down on the right.
They moved to their new location in the Miniger Building on Adams at Superior in 1931.
Circa 1940: Adams at Superior (on the left)
1955:
1959: Past Richmans on the right. Note the pedestrian mall.
Botany Industries bought the company in 1961.
As of 1966 B. R. Baker had branches at the Colony, Miracle Mile, Great Eastern and Westgate.
The stores closed in 1972 and the main store on Adams and Superior was demolished in 1980.
Nowadays.
Rmccamey
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,815
- Location
- Central Texas
Some store names you just gotta' love.
GHT
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 9,771
- Location
- New Forest
That's true, and although the name Snook is unusual only a schoolboy memory can snigger at the reminisce of a teacher, name of Snook, whose hat went flying assisted by a well aimed cricket ball. Half an inch lower and Mr. Snook might have been in the back of an ambulance!
I have just realised that this was taken when they had their Christmas window display. Well at least you know one of the gifts that Santa brought Tina.
