Lost Department Stores of San Francisco

San Francisco author Anne Hitz, magically recalls the grand era of the fashionable department stores of San Francisco in this historic gem. Recorded here are the accounts of six former elegant shops that flourished in the early twentieth century. Think of the past images that the names of Gumps, the Emporium, I. Magnum, J. Magnum, City of Paris, and The White House evoke. Such were the times when visiting these shops demanded heels and hose, gloves and hats, and social manners. Started by immigrants during gold rush years, most were razed during the 1906 earthquake, but were revived to become bigger and better, only to be challenged by the depression of the 1930s and finally to succumb in the last half of the twentieth century. The nostalgic story of these magnificent edifices along with descriptions of the unique personalities of the owners along with recognition of their affiliations with staff and customers is delightfully recorded. Memorable photos of the Union Square area and settings from these earlier times highlight the text. Discover the wine cellars and Eiffel Tower at the City of Paris, the Jade Room at Gumps, the ice-show on the Emporium roof, and read the comments of former employees of these establishments. Step back and reminisce about an era that has passed in this revealing and enchanting recapitulation of a world that was.