Odds and Ends From The MUSEUM!
By Trudy Wyman, Curator, Millinocket Society Museum
Part 2: The expanded J.J. Newberry store reopened in October of 1939 with an added “refreshment fountain” and an expanded sales staff. The Bangor Daily Commercial describes the new feature as having “a new artistic panel side-wall, beautifully lighted soda fountain, large mirrors and maize paneling metal that add charm and an attractive appearance.”
There were comfortable upholstered chairs (metal dinette type), a “just right” foot rest and a long lunch bar (27 ft.). Here “the patron on approaching the fountain, can partake with assurance of the flavorable and taste tempting foods, salads, ice creams, that only modern methods and equipment can produce.”
“Delectable sodas, deliciously flavored pastries, special dishes to tempt the jaded appetite, and as an intriguing special on occasions, that famous appetizer Chile con Carne with its Mexican background.” The menu description continues with the claim that the food “tastes just like mother makes.” There were many more appetizing and delicious choices available. The article continues stating “Millinocket folk and visitors within the Magic City gates will quickly appreciate the presentation of this new Newberry department of beauty and harmony, bright lights and tempting foods.”
Another portion of the write-up features the various employees. In addition to Howard Foley, manager (9 ½ yrs). At the time of the addition, there were 20 employees. With the addition, 30 more were added. Two came from the Houlton store and the remainder were hired from the Millinocket area. Stanley Short had duties as helper to Mr. Nichols in the stockroom.
Sales floor staff (some already on staff and new hires consisted of: Miss Antoinette Vernoval, cashier (9 yrs., a well-trained mathematician); Miss Lillian Dineen, assistant cashier (worked in every department from clerk to floor girl; Yvonne Violette, household needs (studied ovenware, glassware crockery & other important needs of the housewife). Cora Legere became employed while at SHS and greets the public at the counter where she is “a connoisseur in perfumes and cosmetics.” Edna Plourde (4th member of her family to work there) assisting the manager. Anna Souci was employed in the toy department where she “has studied to know the needs of children and to explain the points of each article from airplane model to toys of lesser interest.
Elizabeth Higgins was in charge of the soda fountain after serving 2 yrs, in the candy/confectionary department. Vivian Albert was at the notions counter and jewelry, sewing supplies and hair goods. New permanent staff, Bernice Klimas to head the stationery/novelty departments and Isabelle Ippoliti in the infant’s department. The men’s and boys’ departments were under the leadership of Katherine Jacobs who was up-to-date on the latest styles. Katherine Leet handled the confectionary department.
In addition, others were hired as “extras.” A total of 50 employees were on the payroll when the expanded Newberry’s reopened in October of 1935. A few readers will have memories of shopping at that Newberry’s store and more will remember the later store across the street.
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