To this day, I never pass up a chance to visit Oakbrook
Center, the famed open-air mall in the west suburbs. Opened in 1962, it has
retained a high degree of elegance and charm, despite numerous expansions and
the normal coming-and-going of tenants.
Most early photos of Oakbrook depict the majestic Marshall
Field’s there (now Macy’s), or the superb modernist Sears (now- still - Sears),
or perhaps the beautiful landscaping and fountains.
But here, from an original slide, is a rarely seen view
of the “back side” of the mall, showing three stores and the Oakbrook
Professional Building, tastefully decorated for Christmas, after hours and
against the night sky, looking peaceful.
Left to right are Maurice L. Rothschild, part of a (now
defunct) Chicago-based clothier, Lane Bryant, the still popular women’s apparel
store (still at Oakbrook but in a different location) and a Jewel Food Store.
The Jewel, like its fellow mall-based counterpart at Randhurst, moved offsite to
larger quarters fairly early on.
Whether you celebrate Christmas Day or not, I hope the
day finds you well, and that you were able to spend it with people special to
you. And may 2015 be filled with joy, peace and health for you and your loved
ones.
And whether you’ve been following Pleasant Family
Shopping for years or just found us recently, whether you stop by frequently or
just once in a while, I want you to know it is deeply appreciated. Your readership,
comments, photo contributions and friendship make it all worthwhile, and provide
the best possible reason to continue doing this. I can honestly say when it
comes to uncovering great old photos of retail stores and the stories and
personal memories behind them, we’ve just begun to scratch the surface. From
the bottom of my heart, thanks again.
Dave
