Carson's and The Perfect Bedspread
Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building
One South State Street, Chicago, Illinois
Architect: Louis H. Sullivan (1862 - 1924)
The lower two stories of the building are a visual testimony, wrought in ornamental cast iron, to the architectural genius of Sullivan. Those who shopped in Chicago's Loop in the 30s and 40s remember the building well, in particular the entrance to the store at its northwest corner. "Meet you at Carson's" was a favorite invitation that still lingers in the minds of many. It was a pleasure to wait for a friend while surrounded by intricate ornamentation and informed of the time by a clock incorporated in the design.
The building still stands as a landmark, designated as such in 1970. Lately some upsetting news has come to those who remember and admire the store, and who have traveled often to shop in the Loop even though trendier merchants can be found elsewhere. In 1976, having purchased a new bedroom suite, it was necessary to look for the perfect bedspread. The search began with a train ride to the Loop and Carson's and ended with the purchase of The Perfect Bedspread - and a train ride home.
The building is still standing, studied by students and admirers of Sullivan's architecture. Unfortunately, it has been reported by a lifelong Chicagoan that its cast iron entryway is being supported, in part by two-by-fours - and that the store is dark.
The clock disappeared years ago. It is to be hoped that restoration and preservation of the building will take place soon.
It would be shameful if The Perfect Bedspread, still in almost pristine condition after all these years of daily use, would outlast the cast iron glories of the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building.
One South State Street, Chicago, Illinois
Architect: Louis H. Sullivan (1862 - 1924)
The lower two stories of the building are a visual testimony, wrought in ornamental cast iron, to the architectural genius of Sullivan. Those who shopped in Chicago's Loop in the 30s and 40s remember the building well, in particular the entrance to the store at its northwest corner. "Meet you at Carson's" was a favorite invitation that still lingers in the minds of many. It was a pleasure to wait for a friend while surrounded by intricate ornamentation and informed of the time by a clock incorporated in the design.
The building still stands as a landmark, designated as such in 1970. Lately some upsetting news has come to those who remember and admire the store, and who have traveled often to shop in the Loop even though trendier merchants can be found elsewhere. In 1976, having purchased a new bedroom suite, it was necessary to look for the perfect bedspread. The search began with a train ride to the Loop and Carson's and ended with the purchase of The Perfect Bedspread - and a train ride home.
The building is still standing, studied by students and admirers of Sullivan's architecture. Unfortunately, it has been reported by a lifelong Chicagoan that its cast iron entryway is being supported, in part by two-by-fours - and that the store is dark.
The clock disappeared years ago. It is to be hoped that restoration and preservation of the building will take place soon.
It would be shameful if The Perfect Bedspread, still in almost pristine condition after all these years of daily use, would outlast the cast iron glories of the Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building.
posted by marguerite louise at
7:13 PM
7 Comments:
That's a sad story and I'm real sorry such a fine landmark is deteriorating.
"...the store is dark..." but the memories and The Perfect Bedspread live on. YAAAY! :)
By
Anonymous, at 12/03/2006 10:02 PM
You always share your thoughts and memories so eloquently. Thank you.
By
Tah, at 12/04/2006 12:23 AM
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
By
Marguerite, at 12/04/2006 3:10 PM
Curious about the grillwork, I had to Google for a picture.
You can check it out here.
By
Marguerite, at 12/04/2006 3:14 PM
It is hard to imagine that there isn't a Chicago Preservation Society of some kind involved?
Thanks for another lovely post!
By
Anonymous, at 12/04/2006 6:17 PM
does anyone else have trouble getting the letters typed in on the first try? Why is it so hard?
By
Anonymous, at 12/05/2006 11:00 AM
Concerned readers have informed me that their research on the matter of The Carson, Pirie, Scott and Company Building indicated that restorations and repairs have begun and are ongoing. That is good news for those of us who treasure the memories of the store in its heyday. Its architectural integrity remains intact.
By
marguerite louise, at 12/11/2006 1:22 PM
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