Comments on: The 1967 Robertson’s Christmas Catalog

By: Ted Lawrence

Ted Lawrence — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:42:58 +0000

I believe that the skywalk was added when the parking garage was opened. This was back in ’71 I believe. I do think that they had a pneumatic tube system in operation when I was quite young. I am going back to the 50′s now. Recently I started to use a tablecloth that my late Wife purchased from Robertson’s in ’83. It was 50% off so I am guessing that she may have bought it as they were going out of business? Shopping downtown South Bend was fun back in the old days. 4 5 & 10 stores, Dainty Maid Bakery, 4 theatres, etc. The Malls were never as much fun in my opinion.

By: Sharon Nelson

Sharon Nelson — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:42:47 +0000

I have so many wonderful memories of Robertson’s. I was born in SB in 1940 and lived there until ’64. How could I get a copy of this article? I would love to share it with the younger members of my family. Thank you.

By: K. Robertson

K. Robertson — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 03:03:42 +0000

I was just talking to my Dad about Robertson’s Department store a couple of weeks ago. His grandparents were the owners. I do not know much about the history but I do remember my parents and grandparents talking about how the store was doing when I was growing up. I loved reading everyone’s posts. I sent this link to my parents who I know will also enjoy all the memories written.

By: Jill

Jill — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 02:00:21 +0000

Just today as I went to visit my 80 year old mother in the hospital, I remembered the Robertsons Tea room. My mother and I spent many hours shopping and having special mother- daughter lunches. I remember getting to pick a special prize out of the treasure chest. Robertsons was great!

By: Lillian Mackal

Lillian Mackal — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:32:09 +0000

In the1960′s, I was a member of a revolving team of models from the South Bend Model Agency, who presented lunch time style shows in the Robertson’s tea room. Ginger Sarka owned the agency; not only did we model all over the Michiana area, we also taught for the school that in time would become a part of the Patricia Stevens organization, maybe out on Colfax. Pat Hartwick was the fashion coordinator at the store. We would go in for fittings with him for clothes, shoes, and accessories appropriate for the upcoming show. We dressed in an area a floor above the tea room, and because there were only four of us at a time, we would fly across the floor and up an escalator in order to change outfits — then scurry back to wait outside the tea room for our entrances. I believe each table had a program that described our outfits and gave prices. We modeled formal wear, “lady-like” lingerie, and business dress. We were kept busy doing live and photo work for companies such as Studebaker, Whirlpool, and mobile homes. Good friends, fun – but sometimes challenging – work.

By: Andrew Elegante

Andrew Elegante — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 18:50:24 +0000

Hi all. Karen, did your family really own the Inwoods department store? I’ve recently moved to South Bend (after graduating from Notre Dame) to do something about revitalizing the State Theater. I’m really enjoying learning more about the area history and I’ve peeked into the front window of that building a time or two.

For those asking about the current state of things at Robertson’s, it has been converted into apartments for seniors and low income persons. As I look out the window of the theater there are 5 floors or fapartments so the top floors must be mechanicals or something. There is a downtown development agency on the south side as well as a downtown Notre Dame office. On the north side is a small convenience store. Google Maps has a pretty good street view of the place. I’ve heard from people that participate in the meals on wheels program that the elevators still reference the various departments that were in the building. As far as I know nothing goes on in the basement.

Drew

By: Brenda

Brenda — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 02:15:05 +0000

Someone asked about a stereo discount place…I remember Wolfie’s Tape Town, that was LOADED with new, used and unusual stereo equipment! You didn’t have a good system unless Wolfie helped you put it together! Tepe’s was a store that offered discount items…everything from luggage to small kitchen appliances. LOVED THAT STORE!

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 05:40:48 +0000

Hi Matt,
Just returned to this website tonight (11/9/12) to find your post. Thank you so much for providing the link to the ad! It really brought back great memories. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated hearing that tune again.

Hi Karen,
Inwood’s was a great place to shop. I think we still have some Inwood’s vases and plates in the family.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:43:22 +0000

Ann wrote:
Does anyone remember the radio commercial? “Semi-annual event days, remnant days at Robertson’s. Save a fourth, save a third, save a half. In every department. On every floor.”

Check this out!
http://thorntoncommunications.net/Sound/Robertsons.wav

By: brigidalverson

brigidalverson — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:14:03 +0000

Wow, Karen, thank you for sharing! I remember doing our Christmas shopping at Inwood’s—it was one of my family’s favorite stores!