Thalhimers Department Stores

By Emily Golightly Rusk and Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt

This book documents the history of Thalhimers department stores, through stories and vintage photographs.

Thalhimers was founded in Richmond in 1842 by German Jewish immigrant William Thalhimer as a humble dry goods store. It expanded over the years to become a 26-store chain across the Southeast under the leadership of William's great-grandson, William B. Thalhimer Jr. It boasted the latest in clothing, shoes, and accessories for the entire family, the most modern of housewares, and gourmet foods and baked goods, including the iconic six-layer chocolate cake. Through decades of dramatic political and social change, Thalhimers stood strong, guided by the overarching philosophies of honesty, integrity, quality, and service. Loyal and devoted employees were the heart of Thalhimers, becoming part of the extended Thalhimer family. Sadly, in 1992, as a result of retail consolidation, the Thalhimer name was dropped and the flagship downtown Richmond store closed. A 150-year legacy ended, leaving behind cherished memories, stories, and images.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Release date: Apr 14, 2014
• ISBN: 9781439642689

Emily Golightly Rusk

Longtime Thalhimers shopper Emily Golightly Rusk is a freelance historian with special interest in Richmond's past. She and Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt, the sixth generation of the department store family and author of Finding Thalhimers, have spent years researching the Thalhimer family and store. The images used in this book come from the Thalhimer family collection, the Valentine Richmond History Center, and the Virginia Historical Society.

Book preview

alone.

One

FRIENDS, FUN, AND FINDS

MEMORIES

You’re very Richmond if . . . You bought your Christmas gifts at Hecht’s but wrapped them in Thalhimers boxes. Elizabeth Vellines’s entry in the 1993 Style Weekly’s popular You’re very Richmond if . . . feature reflects esteem for the beloved Richmond department store, Thalhimers, and regret over its loss in 1992 after 150 years of continual operation in Richmond and almost 50 years of memories in nearby states. What do others remember? (Courtesy of the Thalhimer family.)

Everyone remembers the excitement of dressing in Sunday best to go downtown with a mother, aunt or grandmother. Jacket and tie were required, but it would be a great day, anyway.

Of course, the girls always wore hats or hats and gloves like the grown-up ladies. Everyone had to look her best.

Richmonders remember riding the bus downtown to Grace Street, Richmond’s Fifth Avenue. So many stores, so little time, but the first stop was always Thalhimers!"

Thalhimers’ fantastic windows always attracted attention. Would one see sights of far-off lands or ducklings paddling around their pool? People could have window-shopped all day, but they were anxious to go inside where more dazzling displays awaited them.

Mouths still water when Richmonders remember the deviled crabs and popovers in the Richmond Room. It was a great place to meet friends for lunch. An evening of shopping could include dinner out or be capped with a special dessert. (Courtesy of the Thalhimer family.)

And everyone was excited to see the familiar checkered box. Was it a six-layer cake? Or maybe a chess pie was inside. Or was it a surprise? (Courtesy of the Thalhimer family.)

Before leaving, shoppers always stopped by the Sweet Shop. A treat for now and a tin of butter mints to share kept everyone happy.

Thalhimers’ fudge was good at any time of the year. And when it was on sale, who could resist picking up a pound or two? (Thalhimers ad, June 21, 1973, Richmond Times-Dispatch.)

Generations of Richmonders remember working at Thalhimers. The store family often included members of one’s own family. Spouses, parents, and other relatives were often coworkers. (Courtesy of the Thalhimer family.)

Of course, generations of Richmonders remember shopping at Thalhimers, too. Many of the associates were friends, or became friends. It sometimes seemed that all of Richmond stopped in to say