Was it just a department store? No, Jordan South was more than that. It was a Boston institution. Let’s journey back to a time when Jordan Marsh, later known as Jordan South here in Boston, reigned supreme. It stood as a beacon in Downtown Crossing.
Jordan Marsh began in 1841. Eben Dyer Jordan partnered with Benjamin L. Marsh. They started by selling European dry goods. The store quickly evolved. It became the nation’s first departmentalized store.
Imagine the elegance of Jordan Marsh. It combined personal service with diverse merchandise. Shoppers flocked from the city and suburbs. They came for fashion shows and blueberry muffins. Art exhibitions and afternoon concerts also drew crowds. Jordan South was a destination.
Jordan Marsh pioneered new services. They offered credit and money-back guarantees. The customer was always right there. Jordan Marsh embraced technology. Electrical lights and telephones were among the first. Elevators whisked shoppers between floors. Pneumatic tubes zipped cash around.
After World War II, Jordan Marsh expanded. A new building covered a full city block. It was larger than Harvard Stadium. This new Jordan South featured the latest technology. Air conditioning kept shoppers cool. Automatic doors welcomed them inside. Radiant-heated sidewalks melted snow.
The store expanded into the suburbs. Shopper’s World in Framingham featured a Jordan Marsh. Its large white dome was iconic. Pilots used it as a visual landmark.
But times changed. Jordan Marsh was absorbed by Macy’s in 1996. The old building was torn down in 1975. A modern structure replaced it. Some customers protested the demolition.
Jordan Marsh also had the Enchanted Village. This Christmas display captivated generations. Animated figures and Lionel trains delighted children. It was a Boston holiday tradition. Jordan’s Furniture now displays the Enchanted Village in Avon.
Jordan South wasn’t just a store. It was a pioneer of department shopping. It offered credit and embraced new technology. It created memories for countless Bostonians. Though the name is gone its legacy lives on.