Finding Thalhimers

The book launch and Thalhimers reunion last Saturday has already etched itself in my memory as one of the best days of my life. More than 400 people showed up to buy a book, tell me their stories, eat a slice of 6-layer chocolate cake, hug Snow Bear, enjoy old photographs and memorabilia, and simply be together. It felt like a big family reunion.

Thalhimers alumni came from as far as New York City to join their former colleagues, and many of them wore their old Thalhimers nametags. A 96-year old woman named Lillian arrived in a wheelchair, and her son told me that Lillian had worked at the store for more than 40 years. Although she had trouble speaking, she managed to voice the words, “Thalhimers was the greatest,” and we posed together for a photo.

The book-signing line extended beyond the front doors and all the way through the lobby, which kept me busy for the entire two hours! At 2pm, I took a break to show an 8-minute video presentation about Thalhimers, including a couple great ads. Then Paul Levengood, CEO of the Virginia Historical Society, gave a lovely introductory speech before I spoke for a few minutes to thank all of the wonderful people who have helped me along this journey.

The best part of the day? When, fighting back tears, I thanked my Dad for making this project a reality…he came forward to give me a hug and whispered, “I love you. I’m so proud of you.” When I looked back out at the audience, several folks were wiping away tears. I only wish Gram and Grandpa could have been there.

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I’ve been waiting for this day for a LONG time. But after five generations of my family put their lives into building their business, twelve years working on a book about Thalhimers seems somehow inadequate. Regardless, I hope it will be a lasting tribute to my family, their business, and the era of the hometown department store. Enjoy, and do let me know what you think!

Buy your copy today! 

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When Dad came home from work with a black and white checkered box with a white string tied around it, we knew it was gonna be good. Sometimes it was a six-layer chocolate cake with a cherry on top. Other times the box contained flaky, cream-filled chocolate eclairs (still my favorite). Occasionally it would be filled with buttery rainbow cookies. Just the sight of black and white checkers made our mouths water!

In 1975 (the year I was born!), teen-ager Michael Hatcher started his career in Thalhimers bakery. Post-Thalhimers, Michael has owned his own bakery, now called Michaela’s Quality Bakeshop on Richmond’s Northside at 207 W. Brookland Park Blvd. Not only does he still use the exact same recipe for six-layer chocolate cakes and eclairs, but he also bakes strawberry shortcake, pies, Sally Lunn rolls, Boston cream pie, custom wedding and “special occasion” cakes, and all kinds of cookies and muffins.

Lyla and I arrived at Michaela’s just before closing time today, but there were still two six-layer cakes in the bakery case! I was overjoyed to see the eclairs, just like the ones Dad used to bring home, so we picked up one of those too. Seeing how excited Lyla was about the cake, Mr. Hatcher reached into the case and pulled out an extra piece of cake for her. “This one’s on me,” he said. Lyla’s eyes lit up as she took the piece of cake into her little hands. Not only did he give us a free piece of cake, but Mr. Hatcher walked us to the car and carried our bakery box. Talk about quality AND service…just like Thalhimers!

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I still remember Mr. Joe Cotton ringing the bell and setting a package on the front stoop, tapping on the glass and waving to me through the window before hopping back into his blue Thalhimers delivery truck. It was always fun to get a package, even if it was simply ten pairs of hose for Mom or a case of toilet paper. (Yes, Dad ordered toilet paper by the case. Sometimes we went to the basement to “do inventory” and count how many rolls were left.) Over the years, from horse-drawn wagons to a fleet of angular navy blue trucks, Thalhimers deliverymen maintained a reputation for being safe on the road, courteous to their regular customers, and fiercely loyal employees. In one of the photos scrolling above, Hezekiah Jackson receives a special award from William B. Thalhimer Jr. (my grandpa) for 50 years of service at Thalhimers.

After Walter Johnson had driven a Thalhimers truck for 25 years without a single accident or speeding ticket, Grandpa presented him with a safe driving award in front of his cheering associates. Grandpa asked, “Let me ask you, Walter: How is it that you’ve gone 25 years without having an accident?” To this, Mr. Johnson replied, “Well, to tell you the truth, Mr. Thalhimer, I look in my rear view mirror to see if you’re coming. If I see you, I pull over and let you pass!” Everyone laughed, knowing that Grandpa usually drove like a bat out of hell in his navy blue Cadillac. He had places to go, of course.

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Here’s what I do know: this photograph was taken at a Thalhimers “Old Timers” party in 1959. Old Timers was an employee recognition group that recognized Thalhimers associates with careers of 10+ years. Can you imagine that today? How many people work for 10+ years at a single company? Even more unbelievable, some Thalhimers associates worked at the store for 50, 60 and even 70 years! Almost unfathomable today.

The gentleman in the photo is my great-grandfather, William B. Thalhimer Sr. Do you recognize any of the ladies?

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