At the silk department of John Taylor’s Dry Goods Company long-skirted customers with sailor hats topping their pompadours shopped for material by the yard. While they rested on stools at the counter, 12 male clerks and two floor walkers were ready to give counsel and suggestions regarding the crisp taffetas, chiffons and silks suitable for dresses and skirts. Women’s clothing was almost entirely made at home or by the dressmaker. Overhead wire baskets carried the customer’s purchase and cash to a cashier who wrapped material and returned it and the change in the basket. John Taylor’s was operated on a strictly cash basis at the time, a fact of which both customer and owner were proud. The post cards were included in a promotional set. They were titled “Main Street Building,” “Baltimore Street Building,” “Second Floor Table Linens,” “Aisle Extending from Main to Baltimore,” “Corset Section – Third Floor,” “Corner of the Suit Section, 2nd Floor” and “Engine Room.” John Taylor’s was founded in 1881 and was purchased by Macy’s in 1947 after which an expansion and rebuilding program more than doubled the size of the store. Recently the building occupied by the store was purchased by Macy’s, assuring a continuation of the store downtown. Kansas City Times, March 24, 1978.
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