Dayton's Department Store (Images of America) - Softcover

Firestone, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0738550612 ISBN 13: 9780738550619

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC), 2007

Synopsis

Dayton's department store, grand in scope and company spirit, enjoyed a century in the limelight as one of the nation's leading retailers. Its disappearance has been a challenge to the community, but it is a sign of the times, as many other urban department stores have shared the same fate. Originally called Goodfellows, the store got its start in 1902 when real estate investor and banker George Draper Dayton became a silent partner in the business. He soon took over the company but had to learn the ropes of retail as he went along since he had never intended to become a merchant. The early years were not without struggles, but Dayton's department store was nevertheless an instant hit with its daylight-filled aisles, generous return policies, and quality merchandise. The Minneapolis store became a vibrant self-contained community with a post office, newspaper, infirmary, laundry, bakery, and even a college. "Daytonians" worked and played together around the clock, in baseball and bowling teams, glee clubs, and orchestras. Over time, the reach of Dayton's extended far into the upper Midwest, with stores in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, including the development of the nation's first indoor mall.

About this title

About the Author

Author and freelance writer Mary Firestone is a native Minnesotan and one among a large community of Dayton's devotees who treasures the memory of the store.

Edition details

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0738550612
• ISBN 13: 9780738550619
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128