Robertson’s was the big department store in downtown South Bend when I was growing up. It is firmly wedged in my memory, to the point where I still dream about it sometimes. My favorite part was the mezzanine. The book department was on your right as you went up the stairs, and on the left was a luncheonette that served things like club sandwiches, which seemed terribly exotic to me. There was also a bargain basement, with cheap clothes and such, in contrast with the more opulent fare upstairs.
This catalog makes Robertson’s seem much more fancy than it actually was. Certainly the cover line “The store of a million gifts,” was an exaggeration. But I used to linger over each page to deliberate over which item I would choose, given the option. Except the yard of cheese—I got away from that as quickly as possible. Here’s a sample of the delights within.
Look in the upper right. How long has it been since a mantilla was an indispensable element in anyone’s wardrobe? When I was a kid, it was a major sin for any female to go to mass with her head uncovered. Just before we left the house on Sunday, we would all grab mantillas. My mother kept a bunch of them in the drawer of her night table, mostly black lace, some with gold thread woven in. They were awfully fancy and delicate, and I can’t believe we took them so casually. She would secure them with bobby pins and off we’d go.
Here’s something for the guys. Double-breasted pajamas! Kimo-jamas! My favorite is the Red Devil Nightshirt, though, for its understated naughtiness.
One of the hallmarks of this era was the named polyester. It wasn’t just easy-clean, wrinkle-free synthetic fiber, it was Dacron or Orlon or some other varietal. Apparently people wore this as a badge of pride.
Here’s a glimpse into the dream kitchen of the avocado epoch.
Greetings! I am fascinated by Robertson’s as I grew up there and spent countless hours shopping with my Mom. I can see that this unique department store has affected more than one person’s imagination and I would be interested to learn more about what has been preserved of this beautiful, American, dinosaur! Thank you, Jonathan.
I was browsing the web for something about Robertson’s, and I found your web site. For some reason, before I went to sleep last night, that department store and memories I had of it started to come up in my brain. Yes, the Tea Room was very special. And when I was quite small, sometimes my mother would treat me (not often) to lunch there. I would order from the ‘child’s menu’ and it seems what I would usually order had something to do with eggs, but I can’t quite remember what it was, but it was tasty. My mother knew that store like the back of her hand. She also shopped in the bargain basement; I can remember the lay out of that area too. Wasn’t the jewelry/makeup on the first floor, as you walked in those revolving doors? What floor were the toys on?
I worked there in the late 70’s. 1st job out of college. I loved it. I had a ton of fun, lots of very nice people. Trying to find a couple now.
I was born in South Bend in ’47. Lived on East Palisade St. . The mezzanine at Robertson’s was my favorite. They made sodas that would rival anything you can buy today. I remember going to see a magician one time in the tea room. What a treat!
I LIVE IN THE BUILDING WHICH NOW MADE IN TO A 92 APTS BLDG. THIS WAS DONE ABOUT 12 YEARS AGO. IT COST $8 MILLION TO DO IT.
As it approaches Christmas, one of my childhood 1960’s memories was when we traveled to South Bend to see my Aunt and Uncle from where we lived in Warsaw, and to travel downtown to Robertson’s as one of our major stops. Of course, there were a few other stops, Inwoods, JC Penney (across State street), and Kreske’s (spelling?) 5&10 dime store. We would also go to a Bakery a few stores down on State street to buy the best chocolate iced brownies ever. I remember that there was a ladies apparel store (Milady shoppe?) separating the Bakery from Robertsons.
We would normally park in the Bank parking garage. As a kid, I loved to walk the Skybridge into the Store. If I can recall, they had two levels of the Skybridge, one with Windows, and one without. Of course, I screamed and cried until we could cross on the level with the windows. We always seemed to eat on the Mezzanine. I always had the toasted Ham Salad Sandwich with Potato Chips. Till this day, everytime I eat a Ham Salad Sandwich, it has to be toasted, and I always think of Robertsons. My Mother would always migrate to the downstairs budget area, while I was pleading, crying to go to the Toy department up on the 5th floor. Funny, now in my 50’s, I cannot remember what day it is anymore, BUT, I still can remember what floor Robertson’s Toy department was on in the NE corner of the 5th floor! The 6th floor was absolutely MAGIC come Christmas time. They always reserved a spot on the Southside area on that floor for Christmas decorations. My late Aunt bought me a few european blown glass ornaments and little painted birds which the bodies were made out of pine cones with silver glitter. Today, I still have those few precious memory items displayed in my China cabinet. They have a name for that Christmas area each year, but that is one thing that I cannot remember. Of course they had their satellite stores in the 1970’s. but they weren’t the same. The mothership store held our childhood memories that still live with us yet today. Does any one person have any store pictures?
Wow, Tim, what great memories! You’re right, Kresge’s five-and-dime was right next to Robertsons. I loved to go in there because the smell of the lunch counter would hit you as you walked in the door. I’ll look around for photos of Robertson’s; in the meantime, thanks for sharing!
Just trawling aroung the web, looking for some pictures of Robertson’s when this came up. I think I’m a little young for mantillas, but I can remember my grandma still used white gloves. I loved the mezzanine with the cafeteria and bookstore so much, I still have dreams about it. I always had a bowl of vegetable soup, and eventually purchased the entire Great Brain series of books by John Fitzgerald. I’d love a time machine to go back for one more visit.
I’m so glad to have found this site with all of your comments. I spent many years living in Mishawaka and most of my relatives are still in the South Bend/Mishawaka area. You all are quite a bit younger than me, but I remember Robertson’s from the 40’s. My mother allowed me to take the Fellows Street bus from Mishawaka to downtown South Bend by myself when I was only about 9 years old. I would go to the South Bend Conservatory of Music once a week for piano lessons. And every other week, when I saved my allowance to Robertson’s to buy a Nancy Drew book in the store’s bookship.
I think there were only 6 floors in the 40’s (was the 7th added later, when Tim spoke of a skybridge?). I think the tea room was on the 6th floor. My sister worked for a short time at Robertson’s (1945, I believe), and later at Ball Band).
Strange, but I haven’t been able to get that wonderful store out of my mind, either. I’m just now finishing a children’s novella and the setting is Robertson’s Department Store. It will be published soon on Kindle Publishing. It’s a 10 chapter mystery novella. (The “special” mannequins at Robertson’s come alive at night).
In the 40’s there was a Planters Peanut shop between Kresge (sp?) an Robertson’s; and a man dressed like a large peanut would be out front of the tiny little shop, passing large spoonsful of nuts. Now and then we’d go in to purchase warm, roasted mixed nuts. Yum!
I had been trying to find a photo of Robertson’s in the 40’s, but couldn’t.
However, I was delighted to see one from the 70’s.
I miss that store and that time of my life. Wasn’t it nice to have a clerk in every department? And Christmastime on the 6th? floor – what a treat!
Does anyone know for certain when the “skywalk” was added? I’m going to keep the 6 floors I mention in my book. It’s a fantasy story and guess I’m allowed; but if there were seven floors in the 40’s, I’d really like to know.
I’ve also been trying to find out about the owners of Robertson’s. I believe it was some brothers; but before that I wonder.
Thanks to all of you for sharing what you remember. Strange how memories of that lovely store seem to be bouncing around in all of our thoughts.
Jeanette, thanks for sharing! Let us know when your novel comes out and I’ll feature it here!
I remember that peanut store; we used to go to the library on Saturdays and sometimes we would stop by there for a treat. I will never forget the delicious smell of the peanuts, although the smell was better than the taste—probably because we were smelling all kinds of things mixed together—mixed nuts, honey nuts, peanuts.
I don’t remember how many floors Robertson’s had, although I do remember the Christmas displays on the 6th floor. Maybe one of our other readers will know?
Thanks, Brigid. I love this site…I’m still getting used to a computer. Thanks for the 1967 Robertson’s catalog. It was such fun remembering all those styles! I will let you know when novel come out.
On Robertson’s Christmas display on 6th floor. I remember a Christmas doll house where you could peek in the open door and see a little Santa Clause sitting on a chair. Wonder if anyone remembers that or if it was just a ’40’s thing.
I have such found memories of Robertson’s Department store in downtown South Bend, Indiana. I loved the tea room at the top where if you finished your lunch you got to go to a toy chest and pick out a toy. Every year the four of us kids would get our Easter outfits there.
Does anyone have any vintage photos of Robertson’s inside and out? Would love to see them on line.
Thanks
ann.nyberg@gmail.com
Wasn’t the 6th floor Christmas area labeled “Trim-a-tree” or perhaps I might be thinking of somewhere else? Again, as a kid, it was not that big of an area, but really neat and very special. So funny how I sometimes cannot remember my name, but I do remember the escalators. Between the 1st and 2nd floors they were wide, but the higher you went, they became narrower. Sort of like Marshall Fields downtown Chicago before Macy’s ruined that stores’ heart and soul.
Hi, Brigid. My e- book “Mannequins Among Us” is now up on Amazon.com. To view/purchase, it’s necessary to download the free “Kindle for PC” program; and is a book to be viewed on a Kindle (electronic reading device) or on your computer. The price is $4.99.
Brigid; I don’t want to mislead anyone that this is all about Robertson’s. The store is the setting (and I might add, inspiration) for this children’s fantasy story. “Special” mannequins in Robertson’s come to life at night.
The story is about a lost child who awakens in a little used storage room among a pile of discarded mannequin parts. The “special” mannequins who discover her have the problem of deciding how to view her: as a threat (human), or one of them (mannequin). Either way, there are problems. The book is a 10-chapter novella priced at $4.99; and might be a good read for ages 7 – 10; or even adults, especially those with the “Robertson’s experience”, feeling there was truly something magical about that memory.
Should anyone desire directions to get to the e-book, downloading “Kindle for PC” I’d be glad to give them, although I imagine most are better at this computer thing than myself.
What a delightful tribute to an interesting store & time.
I am told that my great-grandparents were the owners of Robertson’s Department Store. My understanding is that the store was eventually sold to the city for $1, due to restructuring of the city design & a reduced accessibility to the store.
My parents were able to visit & shop, while dating, as ‘grandkids.’ They tell stories of the mezzanine & of overwhelming selections of high quality clothing, relative to the times. My mom has memories, as a northern MI farm-raised teenager, of being invited to pick a cashmere sweater in ‘every color.’
Although I have never been there, Robertson’s holds a very romantic place in my heart. It pleases me so to see that there are many others with the same sentiment.
I worked in South Bend during the 1960’s and 1970’s. I was thrilled to see these posts. My grandmother worked for Robertson’s as a seamstress, and she would occasionally take me to the Tea Room for lunch. My favorite lunch was something like a chicken Monte Cristo sandwich. I would love that recipe now! I worked as a legal secretary downtown – I rejember the Philadelphia, & other downtown landmarks. I loved the Volcano, the Capri, and many other eating establishments in the SB/Mishawaka area. I had a house in Mishawaka near Kamm’s Brewery. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! And for the catalog!!
I just was curious if anyone had pictures afterall? It would be a very neat and rare thing if so……thanks 🙂
Marcie… I’ve wondered about the original Robertsons who owned the store.
In my children’s book, they were mentioned as being very nice people of whom the “special” mannequins were very fond. Were they from the states or another country (England?)
What a treat for you to have been able to select all those cashmere sweaters. My older sister worked for a while in Robertsons before she left for college. Seems everyone loved that store; and I know I’ll never forget my every other weekly trips to the book department for my Nancy Drew books.
Tim… I’ve been searching, but haven’t found any yet of Robertson’s in its heydays. Maybe the library in South Bend or Mishawaka might. Or historical society?
Sorry, Marcie… I meant “what a treat for your MOTHER to have been able to select all those sweaters…”
And Gene… do you mean you live in the building that was Robertson’s?
What floor do you live on? When you look out the window, what do you see?
Hi everyone. I hope everyone had a great New Year. I was wondering the other day. When they turned the department store into small shops and apartments, has any one person been in the building since? I was wondering if they kept ANY part of the old structure? (i.e. staircases, etc.?) I hardly doubt it, but I was indeed curious. 🙂
Tim… I believe Gene Oakley posted that he actually lives in Robertson’s building. He might be able to tell what it looks like now, if he posts again.
Gene, if you ever tap back in here, do you have any pictures of the Apartments, or I should ask, are there any artifacts left? Staircases, elevators, etc. that was left inside the building. My guess is that they gutted the building to an empty shell before the remodel (sad). 🙁
Does anyone remember the name of the store that sold stereo equipment in South Bend in the 1970’s? It was a discount store that, I believe, started with a “T”?
It wasn’t Tepe’s was it?
Wow, what fun. Yes, I remember the store well also. The tea room, Christmas display, bargain basement, mezzanine, Penny’s acrros the street, Planters, Kresgees (SP), MiLady’s, there was a sports store on one of the side streets, I worked at the phone company on the cord boards in late 60’s early 70’s on Main. I think originally there was only one skywalk on the second floor of Robertsons. I would love pictures as well.
http://pieshops.blogspot.com/2011/05/your-handy-guide-to-new-robertsons.html
Check this out. It has floorplans to the store when it first opened. Lots of help in remembering!!
How cool is that (above). Just the drawings brought back tons of memories, especially of the first floor. Again if anyone has any other pictures, moemories, it is great to see them. Where did the good old days go? So sad.
I also remembered Newman’s. It was a women’s shop downtown as well. The cafeterias, I loved the fish sandwiches at Kresgees (SP) downstairs. The State theater across the street.
I am glad you have found the layout brochure I posted. I currently live in South Bend and am fascinated by Robertson’s stuff. I will let you know if I find/post new items.
Great!!
Robertson’s was my store and my family’s store! We bought all our finest in that store, including my wedding dress and veil! Never forget that toy department, with its Terri Lee dolls. I remember going to town once by myself. Had enough money only to buy lunch at Kresge’s, usually the vegetable plate, then going to Robertson’s to buy the playpen for the Linda Baby (who was Terri Lee’s baby sister). I only had left enough money to get home on the bus! Loved my childhood and loved Robertson’s! I, too, would love pictures of the inside and outside of Robertson’s. The Tea Room was great. I remember the entrees that all of you had mentioned, but what is foremost in my mind is the baked porkchops with the stuffing on top and we can’t forget the chicken velvet shop. Would love a picture of Robertson’s Tea Room, too! Oh what fantastic memories. I will try to find the book that Ms. Barrett wrote. Sounds great!
Thank you and loved reading all your fantastic memories of the most wonderful store in the world. All good things must come to an end and so did Robertson’s!
Does anyone remember the radio commercial? “Semi-annual event days, remnant days at Robertson’s. Save a fourth, save a third, save a half. In every department. On every floor.”
Dainy Maid Bake Shop was just down the street, and in between was the Milady Shoppe and Newman’s, if I recall.
In the ’80’s Robertson’s (and downtown in general) fell on hard times. The store was sold to Wickes, Inc., headed by Sandy Sigoloff, a turnaround specialist. Things went further downhill and Robertson’s was eventually sold again (maybe even to employee investors — I can’t recall exactly). After that, Robertson’s opened a second store at Town and Country Shopping Center, in the old Goldblatt’s building. But it was all for nought as the store eventually was forced to close.
I worked at Robertson’s in the early ’80’s, having shopped there as a kid for years during the ’60’s and ’70’s. I worked in the audit department and often worked alone on Sundays mornings. And when I say alone, I mean there was only one other employee in the building — the security guard. I had to remove all the sales tapes from all the registers in the store. So I started on the top floor and worked my way down to the basement. In the dark. I had to walk down the escalators because they were turned off. My only company was a flashlight and the sounding of my poor, scared beating heart.
The top floor was reserved for the administrative offices — human resources, accounting and advertising. I think the shoe department was on the fourth floor and there was a photography studio — maybe on the second floor. On the main floor was the men’s department. If I recall, it had its own mezzanine with a spiral staircase with a white wrought-iron railing. If you walked in the front door and walked directly to the back you’d find the elevators. If I recall, fine jewelry was to your left and a small stationery department was to your right. The ceiling by the elevators was shorter because of the luncheonette/mezzanine above. The stairs to the mezzanine was to the right of the elevators as well. I remember the luncheonette had Monte Cristo sandwiches and cherry coke. And the drinks came in stainless steel holders with the paper cone inserts. I can’t remember a thing about the tea room! Thank you for posting the layout — I’ll be sure to look at it — I’m sure it will bring back even more memories.
When I was working there in the ’80’s, there was a big to-do one day as Michael Warren came in to shop. If you don’t remember him, he was one of the stars of Hill Street Blues — and a native of South Bend.
Thank you all for posting your memories. I can practically smell the place reading everyone’s comments!
My memories are really great of the Robertson Bros. Dept. Store in Downtown SB during my youth during the 50s and 60s. I think it was the end all for shopping in Michiana. Wymans, just a couple of blocks North on Michigan St., was also a nice store, but didn’t have the cachet of Robertsons. A lot of people had a Robertson’s store charge card which was probably something of a status symbol during those early days of charge cards. My first memories of the store are before the addition to the South. It was six floors plus a bargain basement which my mother frowned upon. There was a small men’s dept. on the left just inside the front doors and some women’s things on the right. There was a small bakery tucked in the back of the first floor just to the left upon faciing the elevators. At Christmas time it was nearly impossible to walk through the first floor to get to the escalators or elevators. I think the addition was done in the early 60s which gave the store lots of additional selling space and expanded the men’s department considerably. In addition to the first floor men’s dept., it also had some mezzanine space in the new addition. I liked eating lunch in the Tea Room on six and also having ice cream in the mezzanine luncheonette. I remember a nice furniture dept. with interior design services on the 5th floor (I believe). One thing I’m not clear on is whether or not they had a pneumatic tube system for handling payments for merchandise. Maybe I’m confusing Robertson’s with some other store.
Downtown SB used to be so nice. It seems as though when Scottsdale Mall was built it was the demise of DT SB, but who’s to know. I even remember the South Shore Line coming all the way downtown, and they had a station at LaSalle and Michigan. It would be such a treat to visit SB again if it was just as it was during that time. I made a visit 2 years ago for a funeral and hardly recognized anything. What a treat to find this website. Thanks for starting it and also for showing the 1967 Xmas catalog. I remember seeing it when it was current.
What fun reading these posts! I started out looking online for something about my family’s old store, Inwood’s, just down the street from Robertson’s Dept. Store and got onto this website! My husband and I have wonderful memories of downtown SB when we were growing up. I have been in the Robertson’s Apts recently and was delighted to find that the elevator still has the old information noting which departments are on which floors!!!! We remember riding the escalators to the 2nd floor. The Tea Room and the Mezzanine were for special times only! thanks for hosting this website!
Wow, Karen, thank you for sharing! I remember doing our Christmas shopping at Inwood’s—it was one of my family’s favorite stores!
Ann wrote:
Does anyone remember the radio commercial? “Semi-annual event days, remnant days at Robertson’s. Save a fourth, save a third, save a half. In every department. On every floor.â€
Check this out!
http://thorntoncommunications.net/Sound/Robertsons.wav
Hi Matt,
Just returned to this website tonight (11/9/12) to find your post. Thank you so much for providing the link to the ad! It really brought back great memories. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated hearing that tune again.
Hi Karen,
Inwood’s was a great place to shop. I think we still have some Inwood’s vases and plates in the family.
Someone asked about a stereo discount place…I remember Wolfie’s Tape Town, that was LOADED with new, used and unusual stereo equipment! You didn’t have a good system unless Wolfie helped you put it together! Tepe’s was a store that offered discount items…everything from luggage to small kitchen appliances. LOVED THAT STORE!
Hi all. Karen, did your family really own the Inwoods department store? I’ve recently moved to South Bend (after graduating from Notre Dame) to do something about revitalizing the State Theater. I’m really enjoying learning more about the area history and I’ve peeked into the front window of that building a time or two.
For those asking about the current state of things at Robertson’s, it has been converted into apartments for seniors and low income persons. As I look out the window of the theater there are 5 floors or fapartments so the top floors must be mechanicals or something. There is a downtown development agency on the south side as well as a downtown Notre Dame office. On the north side is a small convenience store. Google Maps has a pretty good street view of the place. I’ve heard from people that participate in the meals on wheels program that the elevators still reference the various departments that were in the building. As far as I know nothing goes on in the basement.
Drew
In the1960’s, I was a member of a revolving team of models from the South Bend Model Agency, who presented lunch time style shows in the Robertson’s tea room. Ginger Sarka owned the agency; not only did we model all over the Michiana area, we also taught for the school that in time would become a part of the Patricia Stevens organization, maybe out on Colfax. Pat Hartwick was the fashion coordinator at the store. We would go in for fittings with him for clothes, shoes, and accessories appropriate for the upcoming show. We dressed in an area a floor above the tea room, and because there were only four of us at a time, we would fly across the floor and up an escalator in order to change outfits — then scurry back to wait outside the tea room for our entrances. I believe each table had a program that described our outfits and gave prices. We modeled formal wear, “lady-like” lingerie, and business dress. We were kept busy doing live and photo work for companies such as Studebaker, Whirlpool, and mobile homes. Good friends, fun – but sometimes challenging – work.
Just today as I went to visit my 80 year old mother in the hospital, I remembered the Robertsons Tea room. My mother and I spent many hours shopping and having special mother- daughter lunches. I remember getting to pick a special prize out of the treasure chest. Robertsons was great!
I was just talking to my Dad about Robertson’s Department store a couple of weeks ago. His grandparents were the owners. I do not know much about the history but I do remember my parents and grandparents talking about how the store was doing when I was growing up. I loved reading everyone’s posts. I sent this link to my parents who I know will also enjoy all the memories written.
I have so many wonderful memories of Robertson’s. I was born in SB in 1940 and lived there until ’64. How could I get a copy of this article? I would love to share it with the younger members of my family. Thank you.
I believe that the skywalk was added when the parking garage was opened. This was back in ’71 I believe. I do think that they had a pneumatic tube system in operation when I was quite young. I am going back to the 50’s now. Recently I started to use a tablecloth that my late Wife purchased from Robertson’s in ’83. It was 50% off so I am guessing that she may have bought it as they were going out of business? Shopping downtown South Bend was fun back in the old days. 4 5 & 10 stores, Dainty Maid Bakery, 4 theatres, etc. The Malls were never as much fun in my opinion.
I’d love some memories of times spent there. I want to put a collection together for my Grandpa before he passes.
My Great, Great Grandfather started Robertson’s.
Hi Katie and all others. I presently live in SB and for a few years did work as a property manager. I’ve been involved in rehabbing a number of homes in the area and have come across many interesting items and antiques. One such item is an old scrapbook put together by a former Roberston employee. It is literally FILLED with photos, articles, and flyers from the store. There are company letters and memos typed by the owners with their signatures on them. I am willing to take photos of these items and send them to anyone seriously interested in this collection. curtiswtrent@aol.com
My Mother & I still have our Robertson’s charge cards. We never had the heart to throw them away.
Karen with Inwoods…Every spring, we always went there and bought our farm garden seeds. They had them in bulk and were much cheaper. I remember seeing all of the pottery items like the crocks that we used for making sauerkraut. My Dad always referred to the Inwood’s store as the old Sear’s & Roebuck store. I only remember Sears on Western Ave across from Gates Chevrolet, but Dad is 93 now and knows more than me.