1921-24 Wanamaker's Store Philadelphia Pennsylvania Vintage Postcard

About This Vintage Postcard

The sheer grandeur of American retail is on full display in this early 20th-century view of the John Wanamaker Store in Philadelphia. Occupying an entire city block near City Hall, this massive "cathedral of commerce" was one of the first true department stores in the United States. Designed by famed architect Daniel Burnham and completed in 1911, the Florentine-style granite building stands 12 stories high and was famously dedicated by President William Howard Taft. The postcard captures the bustling street life of downtown Philadelphia at the corner of Market and Juniper Streets. Inside, the building housed the legendary Wanamaker Organ and the "Great Court," making it a premier social and cultural landmark for generations of Philadelphians who famously "met at the eagle" for lunch or shopping.

Details

Era: White Border (circa 1921-24)
City: Philadelphia
State or Region: Pennsylvania
Country: United States
Topic: Wanamaker Department Store, Philadelphia Architecture, Retail History, Daniel Burnham Buildings, City Landmarks
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: None (Stamp box indicates One Cent for Domestic, Two Cents for Foreign)
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: P. Sander, Philadelphia & Atlantic City
Printer: Unknown (Numbered 2068)
Print Type: Lithograph (White Border style)

Additional Information

This postcard was published by P. Sander, a well-known regional distributor based in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. The manufacturing date is narrowed to 1915–1918 based on the "PS Phila" Independence Hall logo and the specific White Border layout which became standard during World War I. The reverse includes impressive architectural stats, noting the building is twelve stories high, extends three stories below street level, and contains forty-five acres of floor space. John Wanamaker was a pioneer in retail, credited with inventing the price tag and the "money-back guarantee." Today, the building still stands as a centerpiece of Philadelphia's commercial district, famously housing the world's largest fully functional pipe organ.

This postcard would look great framed or make an excellent addition to any collection.

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