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Wanamaker's: Meet Me at the Eagle
Philadelphia was once the proud home of Wanamaker's, a department store of many firsts founded by the retail giant John Wanamaker in 1861. Its name was synonymous with service, and Philadelphians still fondly remember the massive bronze eagle in the Grand Court, concerts from the world's largest pipe organ and the spectacular Christmas festivities. Author Michael J. Lisicky takes a nostalgic journey through the history of the store from its beginnings as a haberdashery to its growth into New York and Delaware and the final poignant closing of its doors. Lisicky brilliantly combines interviews with store insiders, forgotten recipes and memories from local celebrities such as Trudy Haynes and Sally Starr to bring readers back to the soft glow of the marble atrium and the quiet elegance of the Crystal Tea Room that was Wanamaker's.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 9, 2015
Just finished reading "Wanamaker's: Meet Me at the Eagle" by Michael J. Lisicky. Published in 2010 it describes the downfall of department stores as well as the specifics of the chaos in Philadelphia.
Both my step-grandparents worked, and probably met, at Wanamaker's. When I graduated from high school in the winter of 1963, I had months before college and found a job working at Wanamaker's in the tabulating department which was perched between the second and third floors in a corner of the women's coat department. That also gave me access to the floor where celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco had to pass on their way to the organ balcony to be presented to the public crowding the main floor below. I loved that store and my time there.
The author tells his story well and I devoured it like a thriller. Well-researched and sprinkled with comments from those who knew and loved the store, Lisicky provides insight into why this Philadelphia institution is a Macy's store today only occupying three floors of what once housed twelve shopping floors selling everything but groceries and gasoline.
Both my step-grandparents worked, and probably met, at Wanamaker's. When I graduated from high school in the winter of 1963, I had months before college and found a job working at Wanamaker's in the tabulating department which was perched between the second and third floors in a corner of the women's coat department. That also gave me access to the floor where celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco had to pass on their way to the organ balcony to be presented to the public crowding the main floor below. I loved that store and my time there.
The author tells his story well and I devoured it like a thriller. Well-researched and sprinkled with comments from those who knew and loved the store, Lisicky provides insight into why this Philadelphia institution is a Macy's store today only occupying three floors of what once housed twelve shopping floors selling everything but groceries and gasoline.
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June 27, 2023An easy read about an interesting store. It gets kind of depressing near the end, as time hasn't been kind to downtown department stores. I still can't wait to visit the Philadelphia store someday.
May 17, 2024
Historically accurate. I loved exploring Wanamaker which took up an entire city block..
December 19, 2016
I can see why this book would appeal to Philadelphians, especially the nostalgic photographs and the memories of treasured traditions like the Crystal Tea Room, the fabulous organ, and the Christmas Light Show. As someone not from Philadelphia, however, much of it made little sense to me. Terms were introduced with no explanation; street locations are tossed out, assuming they are meaningful to readers; and malls are listed, assuming (I guess) that I know what they are and what identity they have. I had none of this background knowledge. I didn't even get what the Christmas "light show" was supposed to be -- never having heard of it or experienced it before. Was it some sort of wall of lights you looked up at it? A bunch of sculptural figures made of light? No clue and the book gave me little to go on other than some photos.
But OK, I get it, I'm not the target reader. More frustratingly, the book devolves into lists of competing Philadelphia stores and then an endless recitation of different mall store openings. Yes, I understand that putting the store in context of its competition is important. And yes, I get that the emphasis on mall store openings in the 1960s-1980s is a critical part of the story. But there's much more to it than just a list of store names, locations, and origins.
What I wanted was more exploration like that which comes in the final chapter and in the sections about the organ and the Crystal Tea Room and the children's train. In those rare areas, the pace seems to slow down and the emphasis moves away from lists and place names. That's where this book shines. But there isn't enough of that. As with so many History Press books, this one really needed a strong editor. It could have shined as both a work of nostalgia and a useful piece of American retail history. It kind of, sort of, tries to succeed at both but doesn't achieve either very well. Disappointing.
But OK, I get it, I'm not the target reader. More frustratingly, the book devolves into lists of competing Philadelphia stores and then an endless recitation of different mall store openings. Yes, I understand that putting the store in context of its competition is important. And yes, I get that the emphasis on mall store openings in the 1960s-1980s is a critical part of the story. But there's much more to it than just a list of store names, locations, and origins.
What I wanted was more exploration like that which comes in the final chapter and in the sections about the organ and the Crystal Tea Room and the children's train. In those rare areas, the pace seems to slow down and the emphasis moves away from lists and place names. That's where this book shines. But there isn't enough of that. As with so many History Press books, this one really needed a strong editor. It could have shined as both a work of nostalgia and a useful piece of American retail history. It kind of, sort of, tries to succeed at both but doesn't achieve either very well. Disappointing.
April 1, 2013
Last night, my local PBS station premiered a program about Selfridge's department store in Londan. Mr Selfridge and his former employer, Marshal Fields are credited with innovations in retail that, I believe, were probably those of John Wanamaker. So this book review is rather timely for comparison.
Normally, books like Mr Lisicky's wouldn't register on my reading radar. Lately, though, I've been inspired to take a look at Philadelphia's early 19th & 20th century influences. With so many of its representative architecture gone, its retail soon followed. Mr Lisicky's book gave me a comprehensive look at the innovations and community impact of the John Wanamaker presence. Reading about the store and its beginnings, struggles and ignominious end brought back many memories of my own experiences in the store. To my mind, the Wanamaker ghost still haunts that elegant David Burnham building as one rounds City Hall. And, while the store inside may be gone, it stands at Juniper Street among other 100 y/o buildings as testament to aspiration, integrity and purpose espoused by Mr John Wanamaker and those early others.
The book was very easy to read and featured just enough photos to enhance the text. The author's choice of "local celebrities" was questionable (in my mind) but they had their local impact in their day. There was just enough about the other Philadelphia stores to create interest in the eras described and possibilities for further reading. At the last chapter, to my surprise, I found myself filled with sadness and nostalgia. For that, I give the book 4 stars as I believe the author was able to recreate the psychic impact of loss created by the store's demise.
The only disappointment was that the author didn't show a photo or discuss the beautiful mosaic wall at the Market Street main entrance - a small matter overall. Thank you, Mr Lisicky, nice work.
DD@Phila
Normally, books like Mr Lisicky's wouldn't register on my reading radar. Lately, though, I've been inspired to take a look at Philadelphia's early 19th & 20th century influences. With so many of its representative architecture gone, its retail soon followed. Mr Lisicky's book gave me a comprehensive look at the innovations and community impact of the John Wanamaker presence. Reading about the store and its beginnings, struggles and ignominious end brought back many memories of my own experiences in the store. To my mind, the Wanamaker ghost still haunts that elegant David Burnham building as one rounds City Hall. And, while the store inside may be gone, it stands at Juniper Street among other 100 y/o buildings as testament to aspiration, integrity and purpose espoused by Mr John Wanamaker and those early others.
The book was very easy to read and featured just enough photos to enhance the text. The author's choice of "local celebrities" was questionable (in my mind) but they had their local impact in their day. There was just enough about the other Philadelphia stores to create interest in the eras described and possibilities for further reading. At the last chapter, to my surprise, I found myself filled with sadness and nostalgia. For that, I give the book 4 stars as I believe the author was able to recreate the psychic impact of loss created by the store's demise.
The only disappointment was that the author didn't show a photo or discuss the beautiful mosaic wall at the Market Street main entrance - a small matter overall. Thank you, Mr Lisicky, nice work.
DD@Phila
January 31, 2016
Michael Lisicky does an admirable job chronicling the history of John Wanamaker's and the changes throughout the years, not only to the 'old Wanamaker's' building in Center City, but all the stores in the surrounding areas. It's quite a tribute to John Wanamaker that all Philadelphia schools closed early on the day of his funeral. It was also interesting to see how much influence his Christian background had on the stores and his business philosophy.
If you're interested in Philadelphia history, this is a quick read that is well-researched and tells a good story.
If you're interested in Philadelphia history, this is a quick read that is well-researched and tells a good story.
September 25, 2012
Wanamaker's meant elegance and special occasions when I was growing up-my bridesmaids' luncheon was held in the Crystal Tea Room. However, this book was a disappointment. I actually looked up the publisher, sure that I would find it was a vanity press, because this book needed an editor. The style is so basic that it is difficult to read: the endless simple sentences create a staccato rhythm that quickly grows annoying.
June 13, 2013
When I worked at Wanamaker's 30 years ago, I fell in love with the beauty and grandeur of the Center City store. The first time someone told me to meet him at the Eagle, I no longer felt like a transplanted Bostonian, but rather, a Philadelphia resident. This book, although written like a textbook, gave me new insight into John Wanamaker the man, and brought back wonderful memories of my 4 years in the grand store.
September 28, 2012
This was interesting for me as someone who only moved into the city of Philadelphia recently and enjoys knowing the history of local buildings and businesses. The book reads fairly dry but gives a good overview and context for the Wanamakers retail past. This is a good book for anyone with a mild curiosity on Philadelphia retail history and the Wanamakers store.
July 10, 2013
Interesting history of the department store chain. If you ever lived in Philadelphia or the suburbs visiting Wanamaker's at Christmas (especially if you were young) was one of the season's highlights.
August 1, 2014
My mother remembers going to the store in Philly with her Aunt at Christmas. For me it was the store I went to with my grandmother for special occasions. I remember going for after Christmas sales, they had the best quality gift wrap.
April 16, 2015
I often shop at the Macy's at the Wanamaker building, and see the Christmas light show each December. I loved reading the history of the building and stores within. My husband's office is moving into one of the floors this summer so I'm going to have a backstage tour! :)
April 15, 2025
A wonderful history of the most magnificent department store in history. Growing up with Wanamaker's was a real treat and everyone knows that the "real" Santa was at Wanamaker's. Great memories, nostalgia, and some tears over its loss.
March 21, 2011
A nice sampling of local Philadelphia history.
April 9, 2012
Brought me back to my childhood- every Christmas, the family would take me to Wanamaker's to see the lights and then to Reading Terminal for lunch and shopping. Loved this book.
December 31, 2012
Dull. Read like a High School research paper.
August 14, 2013
This was a very quick, very simple read, but I liked it because I have a thing for mundane history I guess :)
February 7, 2016
Walt read this: It's his book
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews