Pictured in the center background, in the four-story brick building with the striped awnings, on an old postcard of about 1910, is the John Taylor Dry Goods Company, later a greatly enlarged Macy's and still later Dillard's Department store, downtown.Announcement of the imminent closing of the Dillard's at this location brings memories of the old John Taylor's, at a time when all its customers arrived at the store by street car or horse and buggy. John Taylor, born of Scottish parents, came to Kansas City during the boom days of 1881. He opened a store with George Sinclair of Columbus, Ohio. Within a year Sinclair sold his half to Taylor. The John Taylor Dry Goods Co. eventually occupied the four-story brick building at the foot of Petticoat Lane (11th) and Main, as pictured. After 1891 Taylor's operated on a cash basis, a system of which both Taylor and the customers were proud. The store occupied a frontage of 100 feet on Main and 90 on Baltimore. There were entrances on both Baltimore and Main. The store became well known for its fine quality of merchandise and helpful personnel. Fine linens were imported from Scotland, where Taylor kept a buyer year-round. Yard goods were in great demand. Women's clothing was sewed at home at this time or by a dressmaker since there were few manufacturers of women's dresses. Customers occupied revolving stools at long counters while helpful salesladies assisted them in their choice. Gloves were fitted and measurements taken for corsets, stockings and other items. Kansas City Times, August 4, 1989.
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