
Department Store - Haberdashery Department 1912

by Mike Savad
Title
Department Store - Haberdashery Department 1912
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Colorized Photo
Description
Hand colored photo from 1912
Original Title: Elliott Taylor Woolfenden, First floor
Photographer: Detroit publishing
Location: 2473-2481 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Mi (orig address 1-37 Henry St)
During the Edwardian era, it was common for women to engage in sewing and create their own clothing. Many women took pride in their sewing skills and considered it a valuable domestic art. Sewing was an essential part of a woman's education, and she would learn various techniques to construct and customize garments according to her personal style and preferences.
Women would often purchase fabric, patterns, and necessary items from stores in the haberdashery department. With these materials at hand, they would spend hours at home cutting, stitching, and embellishing their garments. Sewing machines, which were becoming increasingly accessible during that time, also facilitated the process and allowed for more efficient stitching.
By making their own clothing, women could have garments tailored to their measurements and style preferences, ensuring a unique and personalized wardrobe. It also provided an opportunity for creative expression and a sense of accomplishment. However, it's worth noting that not all women during that era made their own clothing. Some women who could afford it would still purchase ready-made garments or rely on professional dressmakers to create their outfits.
This store has an intriguing history. It originally started as the Elliot Building, situated at the northwest corner of Grand River Ave and Woodward Ave (known as the barns block) back in 1894. At that time, it housed a store called The William H. Elliott Dry Goods, specializing in carpets, draperies, and children's clothing until 1909. In 1910, the company merged with the Taylor-Woolfenden Company, resulting in the new name of Elliott-Taylor-Woolfenden, which must have been quite a mouthful to write down everywhere.
Looking back at how these old stores were organized is fascinating. Counters filled with an abundance of items, such as cloth, ribbons, lace, and other sewing notions, reveal a time when many people made their own clothes. It's unclear where the centralized payment area was, if there was one at all. The objects on the wall that resemble cash registers are actually Credit charge stamping devices equipped with a phone. Department store clerks used these devices to obtain approval from "credit specialists" in the back room, allowing customers to charge their purchases. It seems this system functioned like an early form of a credit card.
In addition to the insight into the store's history, it's worth noting that a haberdashery department, specializing in all sorts of fabric, ribbons, lace, and everything in between.
Uploaded
June 30th, 2023
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