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.
My grandfather, Ray Green, owned the peanut shop in South Bend. I was born in the early 70’s, about the same time he sold it, so I don’t have any memories of the shop, but I have found several people online talk about how much they loved going to his shop, which is really neat.
My Aunt bought the Peanut Shop at the corner of Michigan St. & Wayne St.
It was just down the street from Robertsons on the same side of the street. If anyone remembers Mr. Greene he’s the man that put the Peanut Shop in and He then sold it to my Aunt and her name was Ida Breden ! Those were to good old days of South Bend. I’ve been back to see the museums they’re fun but sad all at the same time !
Wow !
You are Ray Greens grand- daughter I used to work for him he was a great man
I’m a bunch older then you are but anyway Mr.Green was a great man and I learned a lot from him about buying and selling !!! Hi Kristin you had a good
Grandfather !
Wow…all such wonderful memories! My name is Paul Sovinski. I was born in South Bend in 1949 at Osteopathic Hospital…it’s been gone for many years. I attended Central and LaSalle High School (first graduating class in 1967)…both Central and LaSalle no longer exist as high schools. I have lived in Tampa for many years, but remember Robertson’s Department Store as THE place to shop and hang out throughout the 50’s, 60’s and even 70’s. My grandmother worked in the Tea Room…a “classy” place at the time! I have the Santa Claus chair that was used by Santa probably in the 40’s and 50’s (on the famous 6th floor!) and am looking for any pictures of Santa’s chair. I will send a picture soon. Hugs to all my South Bend brothers and sisters!