Marshall Field's: The Store that Helped Build Chicago (Landmarks)

What a wonderful book, especially if you lived the dream initiated by Marshall Field. I worked part-time at Woolworth's during my summer vacation from high school and college. Fields was directly across the street from Woolworth in the late 1950's and early 1960's. . I would shop for birthday and Christmas gifts at Fields. It was such a magical store to shop. The book and record departments were my favorite haunts. There were sales personnel available in each department who knew their areas of interest. And they were always willing to help you. I lived in Oak Park throughout my high school and college years. I visited that store often and it became my store of first choice.The merchandising philosophy of Marshall Field along with his work ethic were what impressed me the greatest. The fact that he hired competent managers and allowed them to do their jobs was such an important factor towards the success of the company during his lifetime as well as his legacy after his death. His ability to survive two devastating fires that literally destroyed his business lends credit to this man's ability to weather the bad times as well as enjoy the good times.This biography is a great lesson in retail history as well as the economic development of one of the great cities in the world. If you lived in Chicago and ever shopped Fields, you will nurture the times you spent in this marvelous store. And if you never shopped a Fields, you will marvel at the fact that this Camelot ever existed at all. Such wonderful memories as well as personal pride that I knew Fields and now I can appreciate it even more through a better understanding of its founder and the history that followed. I never knew that it wasn't Mrs. O'Leary's cow accused of kicking over a lantern in the barn and initiating the great Chicago fire. Go figure!

Fascinating history, especially if you're not from the Chicago area. I'm an out of state fan (from Michigan) who appreciates the grand old store. It's always a stop on every visit to Chicago. Much of its magic is still there, especially at Christmas season, and the architecture is always magnificent. This book is a great introduction to why that magic still exists. I hope it can continue for many years to come. The name can change, but the Marshall Field legend remains.

The two most magnificent department stores buildings were Wanamaker's and Field's. Both were designed by the same architect and were extremely similar in feel. Yet without a doubt, of all major US department stores, Marshall Field's was the Grand Dame of them all. It not only was a beautiful; structure, but its' Buyers, its' merchandising, and its' service were on a level next to none. Even when it was purchased by Dayton Hudson Corporation, they still retained many of the trademarks which made this store unique. May Company started the downward spiral and Macy*s was the final knife. However, given the name change to Macy*s, upon a recent trip to Chicago, Macy*s has done an excellent job continue the final restoration of this magnificent landmark building. This book does an excellent job in its history of the store from its' beginnings to the present. No detail is left unmentioned. It is well written, exact and fascinating. The book contains many great photos, but could have used more, especially during its golden period of the 40's-70's. Still, by comparison to the Wanamaker's book (also offered by Amazon), this book is brimming with photos.A must for natives of Chicago, or any one interested in retail or the history of the great American Department Stores. Also, check out website, "The American Department Store Museum" for some great photos of Fields and other great retailers.

I enjoyed this meticulously well-researched book on my flight from Long Beach,CA to Chicago. What a wonderful tribute to the city's memorable icon, worldwide tourist attraction, and the man who gave so much to the world of retailing. It is an enjoyable read for anyone who values quality and tradition. Not being from the area, I was first introduced to and fell in love with Marshall Fields on my first trip to Chicago in 2003. Following two corporate takeovers (Target and the May Co) the grand store had lost some of the grandeur described in this wonderful nostalgic trip down memory lane, however, it remains the awesome attraction that Gayle Soucek describes so vividly. Now that we are recovering from the worst recession since the great depression there are plans in the works to restore areas that, due to lack of funds, fell into disrepair. As Gayle Soucek so vividly describes, Marshall Fields is in hearts of Chicagoans and many well beyond the borders of the windy city. May the traditions of the great man and all he stood for forever live on. "Give the lady (or gentleman) what she (he) wants."Twisted Webs

I’m a proud veteran employee of both the Springhill and Old Orchard stores. Some of my most prized possessions are my Field’s tote bag and several of the ornaments that were given to employees every Christmas. I didn’t go into a Macy’s anywhere for almost 10 years after they changed the name and I stopped watching the Thanksgiving parade altogether.This book is a wonderful history of the places that were so much more than stores. To this day I measure customer service by the standard of values that I learned working there.I also highly recommend the book, “Give the Lady What She Wants”, which goes deeper into the creation of what was once one of the world’s leading brands.The next time you return something to a store, remember that it was Marshall Field’s commitment to his customers that began the policy that we all take for granted. I so miss the company that defined what customer service should be.

Very interesting book on the history of Marshall Field and the history of Chicago, it is fast paced and well written with plenty of photos for reference.

Real life story of building a business on customer service

Excellent transaction - highly recommended.