Friday, December 13, 2013

Generations of a Christmas Tradition

It all began as a men's clothing store in 1861,
and by 1877 John Wanamaker was also selling dry goods and women's clothing
in his center-city Philadelphia department store.


Shooting above the busy shoppers..............................................someone's hat ^^^^ 
John Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia, PA

John Wanamaker's business innovations include:
The price tag.
Cash refunds.
Free medical care, recreation, profit sharing and pensions for employees.
His department store was the first to have electricity and a telephone.
He installed a pipe organ that offers free recitals while you shop to this day.


The Organ Player, Third Floor
John Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia, PA

The Christmas light show first premiered in 1956
and was modernized to include LED lighting in 2007.
The light show continues around the Christmas tree
in the John Wanamaker building
and is a family tradition loved by many.


The Grand Court
John Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia, PA

In 1995 Wanamaker's was dissolved
and absorbed into Strawbridge's, and later into Macy's.
post signature
Come along....The Party's Here
And be sure to Get Social.  I love bumping into my friends in cyberspace too!

7 comments:

Out on the prairie said...

I would be a regular to visit.May go out an look at lights this weekend.

MadSnapper said...

i have never been in a big city store like this, so thanks for the visit

Murthy said...

Great pics...Rebacca! I like both names Rebecca and Erica in Bible..have a nice day!

Wayne said...

I hope this tradition lives forever, because it is so nice. The store is stunning on any day and is magical around Christmas.

~JarieLyn~ said...

Wow, that is gorgeous. When I think of Christmas, I always think about traditions like the one you talked about. I think that's why I love Christmas movies so much.

Sarah Huizenga said...

Amazing building and architecture. Thank you for sharing the history.

EG CameraGirl said...

Wonderful traditions!