Philadelphia's Golden Age of Retail

ISBN-13: 9781531662219 / Angielski / Twarda / 2012 / 130 str.

Lawrence M. Arrigale; Thomas H. Keels

Opis

Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of America but also the birthplace of Americas consumer culture. From the Civil War until Vietnam, Philadelphias thriving middle class made the city a mercantile mecca, home to some of Americas largest and most innovative department and specialty stores. Market Street between Seventh Street and Philadelphia City Hall was lined with five major department stores: John Wanamaker, Strawbridge & Clothier, Gimbels, Lit Brothers, and N. Snellenburg & Co. Here, shoppers could buy everything they needed to furnish their house from attic to basement, as well as the house itself. On nearby Chestnut and Walnut Streets, the carriage trade selected silver and jewelry at J.E. Caldwell & Co. and Bailey Banks & Biddle, haute couture at Nan Duskin and the Blum Store, and mens clothing at Jacob Reeds Sons. Images of America: Philadelphias Golden Age of Retail illustrates how these emporia taught generations of Philadelphians the proper way to live.