Curious Historian

Read’s Department Store Display Window, 1936.  Downtown shopping at department stores was always a thrill…and the yearly displays were fabulous.

I can remember as a child, taking the bus Downtown to go Christmas shopping.  It was a thrill…my mother and my sisters and I go from
Department store to store to Department store.  There were so many stores to choose from, we would sometimes split up and meet later at some designated spot.  We would gaze in amazement at the wonderful window displays, showing the latest fashions and goods.

“I’ll meet you under the clock,” my Mother would say. After speeding  through the revolving doors of the store, we each would head towards our chosen shopping goal.  Our allowances were in our pockets; waiting to be spent.

 I grew up in Detroit, however, Bridgeport, Connecticut had the same crowded stores with the many varieties of goods.  The department store had women’s gloves, wallets, and scarves on the lowest floor.  We often stopped to admire a scarf or hat that was on display, and then go to the bank of elevators where the elevator operator would ask, “what floor please.”  At each floor, the operator would give a verbal guide to what was on each floor:  linens, better clothing, men’s, and our favorite…toys. 

The top floor of the department store was Toyland, and where children stood in line with their parents to see Santa. 

After a long morning of shopping, my mother would treat us to lunch somewhere…either Kresge’s or Woolworth’s at the lunch counter.  After a grilled cheese sandwich, we would be out in the street again, ready to continue our shopping.

It was getting dark by the time we took the bus home, and our arms were so laden with packages, we dropped into the seat on the bus. All that kept us awake were the dazzling display of Christmas Lights, as we “oohed” and ”awed” in wonder.