Younkers: The Friendly Store

by Vicki Ingham

Overview

When shoppers went to Younkers, they experienced something magical. Celebrities signed autographs, chefs gave cooking demonstrations and Miss Universe discussed the latest styles in swimwear. The flagship store, a showplace in the heart of downtown Des Moines, boasted dazzling selling spaces equipped with the first escalator and air conditioner in the state. The Tea Room established a legendary reputation for its food, fashion shows and Theater Nights. A great place to work, it gave thousands of teens their first paychecks and afforded hundreds of associates a lifelong career. Join Vicki Ingham for Younkers' journey to become one of the most important department store chains in the Midwest.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781625857811
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	11/07/2016
Series:	Landmarks
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Now a freelance writer, Vicki Ingham spent nearly thirty years in book and magazine publishing as a staff editor and writer. She is a member of Preservation Iowa, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Des Moines Art Center.

Table of Contents

Preface 7

Introduction 9

1 Band of Brothers 11

2 A Branch in Des Moines 16

3 The Largest Store in Iowa 20

4 "As Modern as Tomorrow" 29

5 Supporting the Troops 34

6 Midcentury Expansion 46

7 The Younkers Tea Room 54

8 Furnishing the Iowa Home 65

9 A Full-Service Store 77

10 Iowa's Fashion Capital 87

11 Something Is Always Happening at Younkers 105

12 A Great Place to Work 116

13 Here to Do What Is Right 122

14 The End of Independence 129

Notes 135

Bibliography 147

Index 151

About the Author 155