THE WINDOWS | MAIN AISLE | WALNUT ROOM |
VISITING SANTA | TOYS & MORE TOYS |
FOR OVER A CENTURY, MARSHALL FIELD'S has delighted children and adults at Christmas time. The Walnut Room tree, the main aisle decorations, the magical windows, the 4th floor toy department, and visits to Santa have enthralled generations who visited the State Street store. An imposter stands in Field's place now, but the holiday memories that were imprinted on visitors' during Field's reign continue in those of us fortunate to have experience Marshall Field's in its Christmas glory.
. . . it's just not Christmas without a visit to Field's!
. . . and this is why.
Marshall Field's Christmas Memories
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CHRISTMAS IN CHICAGO JUST WOULDN'T BE COMPLETE for many of us without viewing the fantastic department store window displays on State Street. It’s a top holiday activity that began at Chicago's Marshall Field's.
In the 1890s, retail pioneer Marshall Field had a novel idea: he chose a theater set designer Arthur Fraser to transform his store’s display windows. Frazer eliminated the chaotic arrangements of merchandise familiar to customers and in their places built mini theater sets. These showcased a minimal number of items in an artistic and dramatic manner.
At no time were these displays more powerful than at Christmas. Field’s clever, beautiful, and eventually animated holiday store windows became a major draw for locals and tourists from all over.
The first theme windows appeared in 1944 with the story of A Night Before Christmas, which were illustrated under the direction of Fraser's successor, John Moss. Shortly thereafter, the Moss team expanded that idea to present theme windows that spanned the entire length of State Street. Persons could walk from one end to the other and see a story unfold before them.
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To compete with Montgomery Ward's Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Moss created a special character called Uncle Mistletoe (pictured in first photo in this story) who had his Field’s window debut in 1948. Uncle Mistletoe quickly became a favorite of Chicago children.
Other characters featured in the holiday windows over the years include Cinderella, Pinocchio, Harry Potter, The Grinch, Snow White, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
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UPON ENTERING THE STORE, just walk up a few yards into the main aisle near the corners of State and Washington. Stop and look up to see the incredible, mosaic Tiffany Dome.
It was made from 1.6 million pieces of multicolored Favrile iridescent glass, covering a vast 6,000 square foot ceiling. The dome is one of the finest examples of its kind and took 50 artisans a year and a half to install. It became the highlight of the 385 foot main aisle, unveiled to the public on the first day of the store's grand reopening September 30, 1907.
Every Christmas season, however, the magnificent dome takes second place to the spectacular decorations that line the main aisle and tower above the massive, walnut and beveled glass display cases
The tops of the display cases once were lined with mounds of sturdy gift boxes, tissue paper, gift tags, stickers, gold cording, and green shopping bags. Behind them stood smiling sales people waiting to help the customers. All this has changed. Gone are the gift tags, stickers, gold cording, and shopping bags. Flimsy "fold-your-own" boxes have replaced the heavy ones and finding a sales clerk, smiling or not, is a usually a major task.
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LUNCH at the WALNUT ROOM
- 7th Floor
THE WALNUT ROOM IS LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE 7th floor of Marshall Field's department store. Walls are covered with flawless Circassian Russian walnut paneling after which it is named. Crystal chandeliers and dainty wall sconces softly light the room and enhance the beauty of the natural wood. Square tables covered with white linen cloths, nickel silver plated tableware, glass water goblets, and stately firm chairs combine to add a sophisticated air and one that normally would not entice children.
At Christmastime, however, Field's would erect a 45 foot evergreen in the middle of the room. Five thousand brightly colored ornaments and endless strands of lights adorned the huge tree lending a fairytale glow to the staid room. Children, dressed in their Sunday best, eagerly awaited their turn to have lunch under the big tree. The lines were long, and the menu far from child-friendly, but the magical setting created a favorite holiday tradition.
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YOU KNOW, OF COURSE, that the real Santa was at Marshall Field's. I know because my mom told me, and she wouldn't say so if she didn't know for sure. Therefore, in my mind it wasn't Christmas without a visit to Field's; and it had nothing to do with store windows and decorations or lunch under the big tree. It had to do with speaking to the right person, Santa himself, and explaining what I wanted for Christmas. I never relaxed until my mom, brother, and I made the trek downtown to visit "the big man himself."
We'd dress in our Sunday best, ride the Illinois Central Commuter train to Randolph Street, and walk the half block to Field's department store. Our excitement grew as we came closer and closer to our goal. When we reached the store’s eighth floor, Santa Claus' territory, I remember suddenly feeling a mixture of nervousness and awe. We were about to speak to the very man who'd been incredibly kind and generous to children all over the world. It was truly thrilling.
Well, in reality it took a while before we actually approached Santa. The lines were unbelievably long. Field’s would post a wait-time as you exited the escalator on Santa's floor, and two hours was not unusual. Even for a small child intent on presenting his, or her, Christmas list, two hours was an eternity. But wait, we did; often without a single complaint, except for my younger brother Billy, that is. He would take one look at the long lines and begin to whine.
I tried to explain that this was no time to misbehave - especially if he wanted to be remembered on Christmas Eve - but he never seemed to understand. My mom, fortunately, knew what to do. She'd reach into her purse and pull out a couple of cookies and keep them coming as we waited for our turn.
It's still hard to believe that Santa brought any toys to Billy. He was always getting into trouble at home, school, and here he was again misbehaving as we stood in line to see Santa. Being good while waiting to speak to someone who was about to bring you toys and candy, just made sense to me. I guess he was just too young to understand. Being a big sister was often challenging.
The store would have stunning displays for us to admire as we waited. Crystal icicles and lacy snowflakes filled the air; whimsical animals and dolls danced before us; and beautifully decorated Christmas trees were everywhere. There was even a detailed mockup of Cozy Cloud Cottage, Santa’s home-away-from-home. In later years Uncle Mistletoe and Aunt Holly would visit with us as we waited our turn.
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Finally our wait was almost over. I can still remember our first glimpse of Santa. He was busy listening to two little girls even younger than Billy recite their lists. “What a wonderful man,” I thought to myself.
Even Billy stopped fussing and watched as our turn came closer and closer. Suddenly, we were next! I could feel my heart jump, my legs turn to jelly, and my face burn as we approached Santa. With a wink of his eye he welcomed us by name. “Well, hello, Carole and Billy. What would you like me to bring this year?”
“He remembers us!” was all I could think, and I couldn’t find any words to answer his question. I was overwhelmed.
Suddenly a strong voice beside me said, “She wants a bride doll.”
Santa gave me a questioning look, and I nodded my head.
The bride doll came that Christmas Eve, and I’ve never forgotten who put in my request. I guess having a little brother isn’t all bad.
Our Kids and Grandkids
(Don't forget to send in your photos.)
Carole Fanizzo Mackey's Daughter |
Carole Fanizzo Mackey's Daughter |
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Carole Fanizzo Mackey's Grandchildren
Colleen & Kyle Hardman |
Your Children |
Your Grandchildren
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TOYS, TOYS, and MORE TOYS
- 4th Floor
ISN'T IT AMAZING HOW MUCH TOYS HAVE CHANGED since we were young? In our day, we spent hours poring over the Sears Christmas catalog and making our wish lists. Young boys were yearning for BB guns, Lincoln logs, erector and train sets, Radio Flyer wagons, and of course, bicycles. Many boys longed for a coonskin cap so they could look like Fess Parker who starred on the Davy Crocket television show.
Young girls were hoping Santa would bring them one of the glamorous dolls offered by Revlon, Toni, or McCall. They had eyes that opened and closed and hair that could be washed and set in rollers. The life-size baby doll that actually wet her diaper was popular too. Other gifts on many young girls’ lists were clothes for their new dolls, doll houses, tin sinks and stoves, and child-size dishes.
Now, I really don’t mean to criticize the kids of today. But when they talk about their holiday desires, it’s like they’re speaking another language. What on earth are Xboxs, PlayStation 3s, Nintendo Wiis, CDs, DVDs, and IPods? I haven't a clue.
But again, my favorite memories go back to Marshall Fields, 8th floor - specifically their toy department. Can you imagine an entire department store floor devoted to nothing but toys? Fortunately, my mom was patient and didn't mind exploring display case after display case. Store clerks were patient too. They would take out whatever caught our eyes for a closer look.
At Christmas time it was even better. Clerks demonstrated the newest mechanical gadgets. A magician mystified us with magic tricks we could own ourselves. String puppets danced happily before our eyes. Electric trains wound their ways through miniature towns. Elaborate Lincoln log, Tinker toy, block buildings lined the shelves. The smells from chemistry sets filled the air. Erector sets were erected. And, display cases were stuffed with every treasure a child would desire. Fields toy department was probably only second to Santa's workshop. How truly lucky we were to have such a marvelous place right here in our favorite Chicago store! Ah, such a wonderful memory!
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1940 Newspaper Advertisements
Vintage 1940s 98 Cents Toys |
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1940s Blackbird Crystal Set |
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Vintage Gilbert Electric Train Set Gilbert Company was an American toy company was best known for Erector Construction sets. Gilbert expanded from the 1930s to the late 1950s to become one of the largest toy companies in the world but following the death of its founder A.C. Gilbert in the early 60's, the company lost its way with the American Flyer products and sold to Lionel. |
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Gilbert Erector Sets |
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Portable Electric Phonograph |
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Walnut Finished Piano in Spinet Style Toy |
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Brightly Enameled Steel Truck |
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Selection of Steel Cars, Trucks and Bus for 98 cents |
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Table Style Zellophone - Old Toy Xylophone |
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Army Doctor/Nurses Kit What struck me about this one was this quote "Every Little Boy Can Play a Doctor and every little girl can play a Nurse" |
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World War II Model Plane Kits |
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Pull Along Walking Dog |
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Farm Yard Set |
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World War II Rose O'Neill Kewpie Doll |
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Parcheesi Board Game |
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World War II Plane Models Price: From 23 cents The World War II Aircraft Models include P-38, Mustang, Thunderbolt, Typhoon, Corsair, Flying Fortress, Wildcat, Tiger Shark, Hellcat, and Spitfire. |
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Tiddledy Winks/Tiddlywinks |
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Sidewalk Pedal Plane This was sold in Christmas 1946 following the end of World War II when steel became available again. |
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Wind Up Plastic Speedboat |
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Steel Jeep (1946) |
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Chain Driven Tricycle In today's money this would be about $200.00--quite expensive for a small child's present. |
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1949 Pedal Car What is interesting is how this car reflects changing design. Looking at this makes you realize that the car design we associate with the 50's started in 1949, and children's play reflect the change quickly. |
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Steel Radio Flyer Wagon This is from 1949 and what is most interesting is that many of these were popular before the war and were quickly brought back into production. |
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Velocipede 3 Wheel Bike The words Velocipede and Phonograph were both in use in the late forties but have almost disappeared today. Velocipede was replaced by the word trike, and phonograph replaced by record player. |
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1950 Newspaper Advertisements
Deluxe Junior Steering Wheel |
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Vintage Deluxe Velocipede |
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1950s Happi-Time Camera |
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Alice in Wonderland Watch |
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Vintage 1950s Pepsi Cola Truck |
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Tweedie Singing Bird in Cage |
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Caterpillar Earthmoving Equipment |
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Howdy Doody's TV Game |
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Mr. Potato Head |
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Toni Doll |
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Car of the Future |
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Doctor and Nurse Kits |
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Giant Pan American Clipper |
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Smokey Bear |
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Betsy McCall Doll |
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Dick Tracy Siren Squad Car |
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Farm Stake Tonka Truck |
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Life-Size Baby Doll |
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Rocket Bicycle Headlight |
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Electric Pin-Ball Game |
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Lone Ranger Guitar |
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Mickey Mouse Phonograph |
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Milton Bradley Games |
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Captain Kangaroo Tasket Basket |
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Mighty Mouse |
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Dennis the Menace |
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Disney Space Ship Set |
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Revlon Fashion Dolls |
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Zorro Official Guitar |
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Dick Clark Autograph Doll |
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Barbie Dolls These images are from 1960 rather than the actual year Barbie was introduced. |
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Little Miss Revlon |
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Plastic Molding Machine with Play-Doh |
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AS PROMISED: MORE TOYS
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NOTE: Email your favorites and if you don't find them let me know and I'll add them to the list. |
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