The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1882-06-16
PHILADELPHIA LETTER.
OUR CORRESPONDENT IN THE QUA
KER CITY. MAY IS.
GRAND DEPoT.-GooD THINGS AND
GRAND THINGS WHICH THE
SPRING lime BRINGS.

~ 80
SPRING TINE BRINGS.
The Opening" is an institution
essentially American and peculiarly
Philadelphian. The spring carnival
in this city suggests a versatility o,
enterprise unparalleled. A walk
through Wanamaker's, with its limit.
less and territorial display
recalls an old time tribute concerning
the Homeric inspiration which could
build and unbuild cities with a song
strangely appropriate to the mercan-
tile mystery in contemplation.
In less than a score of years, be-
hold a superstructure, inwrought and
impermeated with the enterprise of
half a century.
For the benefit of those who are
willing to concede all things to the
genius of a gentleman who comedies
all things to the great public, a few
facts and figures concerning the
locale of this vast superstructure may
not come amiss.
The first or ground floor, covering
an area of several acres, is divided
into circular sections radiating from
the centre. Each section or segment
is subdivided into departments, al
phabetically arranged, each under
the management of a competent head,
SO that a key to one unlocks the in
tricacies of their system of arranging
a stock, which for quality, quantity
and diversity, cover the ground of
every possible requirement. There
are fabrics Of every conceivable class
from the famed looms of the world,
fashioned after models and methods
which are simply perfect. There are
hats after latest Partisan models sufi-
cient to turn the heads of whole
communities to say nought of
gloves, notions, hosiery, laces and
lingerie ensnite. There are children's
garments for all sizes and sexes, and
mems appareling which, in point of
style and finish, set the modes of
Brummel at defiance. Here, too, are
found the jewels of crystal, sevres,
and majolica, like unto those which
adorn the beautiful tables Of hospita-
BILE denizens, and all the parapherna-
liza incident to comfort, luxury and
repose in the hospitable homes for
which the Quaker City is famed.
The method of delivering goods is
a feature here. One can 90 from
post to pillar, purchasing, and back
again, and find selected articles
bearing her address at the parcel
desk to be paid for in bulk or
charged, as the case may be. The
electric system of returning change,
too, is an elimination of enterprise
consecrated to the service of this
house. A check is given for parcels
deposited, hence, assured of their
safety, one may look at the styles,
read the papers, lunch, refresh and
enjoy themselves in a free, unbur-
dened fashion peculiar to the habitues
of this exceptional establishment,
where comfort and convenience are
synonymous of style and taste.
PURCHASES E POST.
So much for the buyers who
throng the grand depot at all seasons!
Yet those who cannot visit the city
will find the Mail Order Department
of this great house a b%enefaction
beyond price. A hundred hands are
constantly employed in filling orders
from all sections. The letters, mum
bering over one thousand per day,
are catalogued and classified, the
goods selected, and shipped, if posi-
bic, on the same day. If articles r
made to measure, it takes longer,
for if samples are to, be matched at
other stores, or goods purchased
which are not in stock, the utmost
care and promptness are exercised
by the buyer, who makes returns each
day, thus clearing off the orders with
despatch, after which each letter is
booked and filed away for reference.
Thus mistakes are akin to impossible.
No charge is made for filling orders,
yet should any purchase prove un-
satisfactory, the goods will be ex-
changed or the money refunded.
Could anything be fairer, or pro-
vision for convenience more com
pletel Without mourning the cost of
a journey, or the wear and tear Of
patience and shoe leather, a lady
may sit in her border home and
select from catalogue and price list
(sent on receipt of name and address)
articles of every kind; garments Of
every conceivable cut and finish, at a
very slight advance upon the original
material cost,
Thus run the circles of trade in the
Quaker City, which boasts the great
est number of private dwellings, the
largest and handsomest public ediices
of any city in America. Truely this
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