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...