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.

Elizabeth Thalhimer Smartt takes readers along on her obsessive quest to find the true story of her father's family and their department store Thalhimers. Riveting and poignant, this multigenerational narrative weaves together history, biography, and memoir into an unforgettable portrait of an ambitious American retail family.

Under the Clock documents the fascinating historical chain of department stores Miller & Rhoads through its many transformations. Under the Clock tells the story of Miller & Rhoads, from its incarnation as a little dry goods store in 1885 through more than a century as a beloved Richmond landmark. Earle Dunford, longtime city editor for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and George Bryson, a Miller & Rhoads veteran for thirty-nine years, usher us behind the scenes at the famous department store, sharing anecdotes they have collected from the many devoted shoppers and loyal employees who remember the good old days at Miller & Rhoads. Meet them "under the clock" to read about the famous Tea Room, Book and Author Dinners, fashion shows, Sara Sue hats, Christmastime with Santa Claus and countless other memories of a bygone era in shopping.

“Fascinating . . . Provides a history of the Holocaust as the tapestry against which the trials and adventures of these young Jewish youth played out” (Jewish Book Council). Jewish teenagers Eva and Töpper were desperately searching for an escape from the stranglehold of 1930s Nazi Germany. They studied agriculture at the Gross Breesen Institute in hopes of securing visas to gain freedom from the tyranny around them. Then, Richmond department store owner William B. Thalhimer created a safe haven on a rural Virginia farm where Eva and Töpper would find refuge. Discover the remarkable true story of two young German Jews who endured the emotional torture of their adolescence, journeyed to freedom, and ultimately confronted the evil that could not destroy their spirit. Author Robert H. Gillette retells this harrowing narrative that is sure to inspire generations to come. Includes photos! “Escape to Virginia is not only an illuminating history lesson, bridging the Old World and the New World during its most tumultuous period, it is also an exemplary story on various levels and for readers of all ages, crystallizing time and again the Gross Breesen spirit of hope, courage and resilience. The book is well researched, vividly narrated, and richly illustrated.” —Jewish New

In the shadow of Winston-Salem's tall buildings and within hearing distance of highways and railroad yards, Salem Cemetery exudes calmness and serenity throughout its rolling landscape. The hills and ravines that comprise its terrain made it an unlikely location for a cemetery. Since it was chartered in 1857, Salem Cemetery reflects the personal taste and imagination of individuals who designed their family plots, vaults, and markers. A walk along the winding paths, noting names on markers and vaults, is a walk through the city's history, recalling the people who lived, labored, and loved here. The story of the people who find eternal rest in Salem Cemetery is the story of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

All proceeds from the sale of our Snow Bear scrapbook will go to Theatre IV's arts-in-education programs.

Whether you are thinking about becoming an independent retailer or are already running your own business, there are some tricks you need to know. Big retailers like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s use tricks of the trade to boost productivity, sales, and profits. You can learn and use these techniques to compete with them and to maximize your store’s sales and profits. Joanna Bradshaw, who has served at the highest executive levels with several of America’s best known and most successful retailers, and has also enjoyed a career as an independent retailing entrepreneur, explains the challenges you will face as a shopkeeper today. She walks you through the process of creating the proper foundation for your store and helps you master invaluable skills for your success. You’ll learn how to • create a successful business plan; • develop and convey a mission statement; • harness your strengths to achieve a competitive advanta≥ • refine and differentiate your products and store; and • use innovative cost-effective ways to promote your business. This easy-to-understand guide is filled with practical information and keen insights distilled from decades of experience in all types of retail venues: department stores, specialty stores, outlets, and big-box retailers—as well as with start-ups, turnarounds, and liquidations. Get the tools you need to Be a Millionaire Shopkeeper.

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.

Brave people don't really know how brave they are until that one special moment asks them to show up and be more than they ever imagined. For Elizabeth Johnson-Rice, that day was February 22, 1960 when she decided to join a peaceful protest to SIT-IN and STAND OUT! This book, Sit in and Stand out with Elizabeth Johnson-Rice rhymes the reasons why she walked into Thalhimers Department store in Richmond, Virginia to sit down at a segregated lunch counter and let the world know she was one of the people who would not stand by and watch injustice happen without acting against it. Elizabeth was a young Virginia Union University student on a mission. She and many other protesters looked racism in the eye that day and made history, together as the Richmond 34. ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATORHabibah Quddus creates art that is full of emotional value. The vivid expression of the story has the ability to give a fun and moving trip into her imagination. In "Sit In and Stand Out", she is able to have the viewer see through the eyes and heart of a young Elizabeth Johnson-Rice and how she felt during her social activism actions in the civil rights era. The simple act of taking a seat and refusing to move is powerful. Young readers are receive a whimsical and artistic point-of-view into a subject that is not, usually, presented in this unique, colorful way.

After the turn of the twentieth century, young Bill Strother left the tobacco farms of North Carolina to make a living climbing buildings. He became known as the "Human Spider," scaling countless structures across the nation. Yet this was just a prelude to his true calling as the Santa Claus at Richmond's famed Miller & Rhoads department store. As department stores everywhere reached their golden age, Strother became one of the most beloved and sought-after Santas in the nation. Author and former Miller & Rhoads Snow Queen Donna Strother Deekens recounts the amazing history of the Real Santa.