Emporium Department Store (Images of America)

Of course I’m somewhat biased since I am an alum of this fine organization. A fascinating history of not only the store but also that of early San Francisco.

This was a nostalgic look back at the Big E. I was born in the early 50s in Palo Alto, CA, and the author used a picture of me with Santa at the Emporium when I was two, so it was guaranteed I'd like it (just a personal plug here). Very interesting history of the Emporium stores from their beginning until they finally closed their doors. If you grew up in the 50s, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area, the Emporium was the store to go to, especially at Christmas. The one closest to me, near Stanford University, had a window display with squirrel monkeys in it. It was a must-see for my brother and me whenever we went to the Stanford Shopping Center (they didn't call them malls back then, I don't think).If you are interested in the history of this upper-level department store chain, and/or remember shopping there and wondering what happened to them, this is definitely worth purchasing.

Great history of a bay area icon of my childhood that's long gone.

While there were many facts that I did not know, it seemed to just scratch the surface. The pictures were wonderful. I remember the Emporium. I was a child in the 1950’s and my mother took me to the Emporium and we ate in the restaurant. In the last years I was working in San Francisco and often spent my lunchtime in the Emporium. All in all, it was a nice read allowing me to explore some wonderful memories.

Made me nostalgic for the big "E."

I learned a lot of the history of The Emporium. Sure miss that store on Market Street.

Love it. As a former employee, reading this and looking at the pictures brings back many memories.

This book is part of a series and the recipient was delighted with it.