More Than a Store
In reference to “Goodbye, Strawbridge’s” in the September 2006 issue: I thoroughly enjoyed the article about Strawbridge’s. I too am saddened by the passing of this great Philadelphia institution.
However, when I got to the point in the article where it stated that the Philadelphia and Ardmore locations were the only Strawbridge’s until 1961, I began to doubt the memories of my childhood. A regular back-to-school ritual was to shop for just the right shoes and clothing at the Strawbridge’s in Jenkintown—in a store that bore a striking resemblance to the Suburban Square building pictured in your article.
Thanks to the Internet, I was able to reassure myself that I’d not imagined it: The Jenkintown Strawbridge & Clothier opened in 1931, and I believe the Strawbridge’s seal still remains on the building. I had a memorable adventure or two at the downtown store as well.
Anne Moss Media
In Scott Pruden’s serenade to Strawbridge’s, he doesn’t mention that Del-aware County actually had another store located at Route 420 and Baltimore Pike in Springfield prior to the Springfield Mall location. One of my aunts worked in its children’s shoes department, which is where she met her future husband. Some friends of mine started their retail careers there, too.
Mary Kay Klara
Aldan
Smedley Butler: The Movie
I read and thoroughly enjoyed your piece on Smedley Butler (Retrospect, August 2006). It’s re-inspired me. For years, I’ve been looking for the right through-line for a screenplay about him. You caught the semantic for talking about, admiring and respecting the principles Butler finally came to about war. I am a Vietnam vet; I’ve seen war up close and personal. Butler might be the one to wake us up about what war is about, and you were able to talk about him in a way that the mainstream American voter might understand.
But there is one fascinating facet of Butler’s life you didn’t mention: The Plot to Seize the White House. I forget who wrote the book—it wasn’t that well written. But the story was intriguing. Butler foiled a plot to take Roosevelt out. I want to take the last day before Butler foiled the plan and stretch it out over the course of two hours, and intersperse it with the major episodes of his life—almost in a documentary style.
This is real history nobody seems to know much about.
Lanny Cotler, Cotler Brothers Productions
Willits, CA
Perfect Party
On Behalf of the CASA board, staff and our Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers, I would like to express our appreciation for the fantastic “Best of the Main Line and Western Suburbs” party. We’re honored to have been chosen as a beneficiary of this event.
CASA’s goal is ambitious—to provide an advocate for every child under the jurisdiction of Dependency Court in Delaware County. In order to achieve our mission, we rely on our volunteers and support from the community to make a difference in the lives of children who are abused or neglected.
Not only was the party itself amazing, but it was a pleasure to work with all the volunteers, sponsors and staff.
Peggy Futch, CASA/Youth Advocates
Media
