Robertson’s was the big department store in downtown South Bend when I was growing up. It is firmly wedged in my memory, to the point where I still dream about it sometimes. My favorite part was the mezzanine. The book department was on your right as you went up the stairs, and on the left was a luncheonette that served things like club sandwiches, which seemed terribly exotic to me. There was also a bargain basement, with cheap clothes and such, in contrast with the more opulent fare upstairs.
This catalog makes Robertson’s seem much more fancy than it actually was. Certainly the cover line “The store of a million gifts,” was an exaggeration. But I used to linger over each page to deliberate over which item I would choose, given the option. Except the yard of cheese—I got away from that as quickly as possible. Here’s a sample of the delights within.
Look in the upper right. How long has it been since a mantilla was an indispensable element in anyone’s wardrobe? When I was a kid, it was a major sin for any female to go to mass with her head uncovered. Just before we left the house on Sunday, we would all grab mantillas. My mother kept a bunch of them in the drawer of her night table, mostly black lace, some with gold thread woven in. They were awfully fancy and delicate, and I can’t believe we took them so casually. She would secure them with bobby pins and off we’d go.
Here’s something for the guys. Double-breasted pajamas! Kimo-jamas! My favorite is the Red Devil Nightshirt, though, for its understated naughtiness.
One of the hallmarks of this era was the named polyester. It wasn’t just easy-clean, wrinkle-free synthetic fiber, it was Dacron or Orlon or some other varietal. Apparently people wore this as a badge of pride.
Here’s a glimpse into the dream kitchen of the avocado epoch.
Monday, 1. February 2010
Greetings! I am fascinated by Robertson’s as I grew up there and spent countless hours shopping with my Mom. I can see that this unique department store has affected more than one person’s imagination and I would be interested to learn more about what has been preserved of this beautiful, American, dinosaur! Thank you, Jonathan.
Wednesday, 3. February 2010
I was browsing the web for something about Robertson’s, and I found your web site. For some reason, before I went to sleep last night, that department store and memories I had of it started to come up in my brain. Yes, the Tea Room was very special. And when I was quite small, sometimes my mother would treat me (not often) to lunch there. I would order from the ‘child’s menu’ and it seems what I would usually order had something to do with eggs, but I can’t quite remember what it was, but it was tasty. My mother knew that store like the back of her hand. She also shopped in the bargain basement; I can remember the lay out of that area too. Wasn’t the jewelry/makeup on the first floor, as you walked in those revolving doors? What floor were the toys on?
Sunday, 21. March 2010
I worked there in the late 70’s. 1st job out of college. I loved it. I had a ton of fun, lots of very nice people. Trying to find a couple now.
Wednesday, 14. April 2010
I was born in South Bend in ‘47. Lived on East Palisade St. . The mezzanine at Robertson’s was my favorite. They made sodas that would rival anything you can buy today. I remember going to see a magician one time in the tea room. What a treat!