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.
Finding Thalhimers 
Where’s Mike?
Is he still counting stubs at the kitchen table late Friday night to make sure Bill and Charles get all the day’s sales from Winston? Where’s Abbott? That smile was infectious! Where’s Evelyn Or Merriam Sachs? Those furs were always so soft! The candy counter in the basement on Broad, oh my those delicious barley candies!
Thanks for the memories,
My mom was the first Snow Bear! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz9ZNfuDM8U
This is fab, Mary! Thanks for sharing. May I use the link to your mom’s interview for a separate blog post? Happy holidays!
Yes, I would be honored! I guess you can imagine how both enchanted and confused my sister and I were about our Mommy/Snow Bear 🙂 It’s a fun story
My father was Irving Schiff, a long time VP at Thalhimers. I have a video tape of him singing and dancing at many of the big business meeting (one as the scarecrow in the wizard of oz). I also worked as a teenager at every branch in Richmond. My mother’s water broke in the men’s dept and I was brought to visit the buyers straight from the hospital. I grew up sitting in the laps of Mr. Charles and Mr. Billy eating with them at the Soup Bar downtown where women were not allowed. I loved the perfume fountain on the first floor entryway.
But back to the video, does anyone want me to upload it?
Tracy Schiff Mynhier
If you are speaking of the same Irving Schiff I remember, I always thought he was gay by his behavior when I worked with him and Mark turnage at south park in colonial heights. This surprises me that he has a daughter!
Yes, he was gay, but was married to my mother most of adult life. He came out in the 80s and lived his own life. He had THREE children including my brother Gordon and sister Dale. His last 10 years were spent volunteering to help AIDS patients. He died in February on 2001.
I adored Irving! He was a phenomenal man. I’m so glad to see you here on the blog! I haven’t been on here for about 5 years and just came back…I’ll try to post again soon. Let me know if you’d like to share anything from Irving’s collection!
One more thing about the cake: when I worked the branches, we looked forward to the bakery truck having a rough ride. Then all the messed up cakes would be put in the break room for the employees.
On a sad note, does anyone know what happened with the Asst. Manager of Cloverleaf who disappeared after her shift? I’ve been away from Richmond for 25 years and wonder if she was ever found?