In November, it will have been ten years since my first book, Dainty Dining, was published, and I’ve started researching even more department store tearoom stories and recipes for a second volume. This week, I realized I needed to take stock of the books, postcards, tea wares, and other goodies I’ve slowly been accumulating. One of the stores I’m interested in learning about is Strawbridge & Clothier, the Philadelphia store that closed in 2006. I had never heard of this store until I became interested in old tearoom recipes. This drawing of their English Room on the sixth floor appears in an old travel booklet I found on eBay.
I also have a vintage Limoges teacup from Strawbridge & Clothier, one of the few stores I’ve actually been able to find a teacup from!
But what I found was most intriguing this week was this book by Alfred Lief, Family Business: A Century in the Life and Times of Strawbridge & Clothier. I found it years ago, probably closer to 2011 than 2021, and I’m looking forward to reading it. I probably picked it up on eBay or Etsy.
And when I opened the book, I was surprised to find this inscription from the store’s former chairman: “To George E. DeLucas — With congratulations and sincere appreciation on the occasion of joining the Quarter Century Club. Stockton Strawbridge 4-1-71.” Now I’m really interested in learning more about this company! (And if any of you happen to have stories about Strawbridge & Clothier, I’d love to hear from you!)
I love that tea cup! And I would love to have had luncheon at that charming English Room shown in the drawing. I've been to Philadelphia several times over the years, but unfortunately I never went to Strawbridge and Clothier. Good luck on your research---I'm looking forward to your book.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky to take my daughter to breakfast with Santa at S & C when she was little. I also miss rubbing the boar's nose for luck... great times I also have a box and recipes from them.
ReplyDeleteOh, how wonderful! I will look for info on rubbing the boar's nose (sounds interesting!) as I read the book. Are your recipes from them from their food hall? I've got a cookbook from there and am just getting started on reading it and the book about the store.
Deletewas the tea cup used at the store restaurant or china made to sell in retail china department?
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing that indicates it was actually used in the restaurant, so I'm *assuming* it was sold in the china department. (But I suppose I could find out otherwise as I keep researching.)
Deletelook up about the dickens village now at Macy's in philly was old wannamakers store.
ReplyDeleteI will! Thanks!
DeleteI might be able to connect you to a family member....
ReplyDeletelook up Lit brothers, Gimbles, John Wannamaker's, Strawbridge, Snellenbergs all philly store All had some kind of tearoom.
ReplyDeleteAngela look up Hess's in Allentown another place had a tea room. I also have pics from Santa brekkie ... happy to speak about philly area if you'd like
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I know a bit about Gimbels, Wanamaker, and Hess's (researched them for my first book), but I don't know about Lit brothers and Snellenbergs, so thank you for the tips. After I read the books, I'd love to contact you with a few questions I'm sure I'll have! (My email: angelamcrae at charter dot net.) Thanks again for the leads!
DeleteThere are 2 teacups and 3 saucers listed on eBay from Strawbridge & Clothier, along with some other china pieces. The cups and saucers are a different pattern, though.
ReplyDeleteThere is also a brass Christmas ornament of the front of the store with a carriage in front.
ReplyDeleteWhenever you find information on old department stores it just makes me smile. When I was in my early 20's I worked in the credit department of Catalina and Cole of California Swimwear companies. The stores you mention including this one were part of the accounts I managed. I love imagining visiting each of those department stores and miss that they have died out.
ReplyDelete