Wanamaker guaranteed the quality of his merchandise in print, allowed his customers to return purchases for a cash refund and offered the first restaurant to be located inside a department store. Wanamaker also invented the price tag.
His employees were to be treated respectfully by management (including not being scolded in public), and John Wanamaker & Company offered its employees access to the John Wanamaker Commercial Institute, as well as free medical care, recreational facilities, profit sharing plans, and pensions—long before these types of benefits were considered standard in corporate employment.
Innovation and “firsts” marked Wanamaker’s. The store was the first department store with electrical illumination (1878), first store with a telephone (1879), and the first store to install pneumatic tubes to transport cash and documents (1880)
Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol at Macy’s.
Click above photo for larger viewing
‘He’s bothering me!”
Looks like it was a beautiful Christmas in Philadelphia. That John Wanamaker sounds like he was a good guy to work for.
The Macy's building looks gorgeous with all the lights, almost magical
What fun, each image gave me reason t smile What a celbration of family time you have had! Could you please e-mail me…I would love to know which camera you use, and the setting. Your images are always so wonderful taken inside and out. I have an awful time getting good ones inside.
Happy New Years Blessings~
Wonderful photos! I used to spend time there as a child as that is where my dad grew up! Looks like a great time you all had together!
What a fun post! Many years ago – more than 35! – we lived just outside of Philly, between Paoli and Phoenixville, and spent many happy weekend afternoons in the city. We rented a small house on the estate of the owners of Strawbridge and Clothier, the other old Philadelphia department store, now closed.
I'd love to visit Philadelphia again!
wow..what great pictures… it looks like you and your family had a awesome time..
so glad you stopped by for a Glass of Sweet Tea..lol.. and I look forward to getting toknow each other,,,
Have a wonderful and blessed New Year..
Oh what a wonderful trip! I haven't been to Philly in YEARS! Only the airport recently! The history of the store was amazing! Enjoy your New Years!
What wonderful, happy family pictures. It just makes me smile to see your beautiful family all together having fun. I laughed about eating ice cream on a cold day! This family does that~
Happy New Year to you, Lorraine- xo Diana
Wow! You've had an amazing holiday! I love all of the family photos and love the way you are dressed for the big city…in style! Happy New Year! ♥♥♥
This looks like a great day. The photos are wonderful. The doggies are so cute. I was very impressed with those shrimp. Happy New Year, and I am your newest follower. xo
What a wonderful treat to spend this special time with family, in this special place. A beautiful family too.
I so enjoyed reading about Mr. Wannamaker. I think a lot of today's merchants could learn a lot from him, as far as fair trade and the treating of employees. I have always found Macys to be a great place to shop.
Thanks for the smile with Rudy and Raider. I always remember Raider's episode with the bees, and how blessed that he survived the stings.
Wishing you and your family a very blessed, and Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Sue
Beautiful Pictures! Looks like you had a wonderful time! Happy New Year!
Dearest LDH,
Learned something about Philly… We lived in Shillington, PA for half a year but never went to this market. Made a note of it, if we once visit again it's interesting to see.
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones,
Mariette
Looks like you had a great day out with the family. I would love to visit Macy's (Wanamakers) 😉
Oh what a wonderful place to spend Christmas with family. I have not made it to N.Y. yet. On my bucket list. Love all of the pics and the dogs are too cute. Happy New Year!
Oh what a wonderful place to spend Christmas with family. I have not made it to N.Y. yet. On my bucket list. Love all of the pics and the dogs are too cute. Happy New Year!
Oh what fun it is! I'm so glad you are having a party in the city with your beautiful family. Happy New Year L!
looks like a fantastic time! So much fun and festivities. Great captures. Wishing you and yours a very happy New Year!
Oh, what a fun time.
What lovely pictures, looks like you had so much fun. I used to go to Macy's New York when I lived there in the 60s and 70s. Happy Holidays, I am following you from Rome!
I really enjoyed these marvelous pictures. Looks like so much fun! Wishing you and yours a blessed new year.
Oh my, I'm loving this post of yours! I have an appointment to go to and I want to return and read this one again when I get home. I think there used to be a Wanamaker's in Yonkers, NY. I loved the family photos and felt like I was along for the journey just a bit. Thanks for that!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Wow….looks like an amazing trip. Such GOOD pictures. I love hearing of history like that. Glad you enjoyed it all…
Oh wow!! Thanks for taking us along on the trip…what a memory maker. Thanks for the history lesson…just such a great reminder of our foundation…and DL Moody preacher there, that is just awesome. I must visit one day…Lord willing.
The pictures are great and what a great time for memory making and family.
Wow great pictures looks like such a fun day!! The dogs had me laughing too! Love Heather