Finding Thalhimers

In October of 1964, Thalhimers held a storewide, 12-day celebration of Italy. It was a dramatic event of epic proportions that was 2 years in the planning. The downtown Thalhimers store featured a large re-creation of the Ponte Vecchio, Italian hairstylists and designers held court, an Italian glassblower, ceramist and wood carver were flown in from Italy to demonstrate and sell their crafts, exhibitions included everything from manuscripts from the Middle Ages to a Vatican stamp collection to photographs of Michelangelo, a Pinocchio puppet show and “Casa Bambino” shop catered to children, Fiat cars were on display in the Men’s Department, Italian films were shown in the auditorium, each department sold Italian fashions and imports from Florentine stationary to leather gloves, every day the local paper featured full-page ads and editorials with Italian art, the Fine Foods Shop was turned into an Italian Bottega with espresso, pastries, and gelato, one of the window displays was turned into a pizzeria, and even the Richmond Symphony brought in an Italian conductor to perform classical Italian music from Rossini to Respighi. To top it off, one lucky winner (Mrs. Margaret Poindexter – anyone know her?) received a trip to Italy!

In honor of what Thalhimers did to celebrate Italy, my grandfather was presented the “Cavaliere Ufficiale” order of merit medal from the Italian Republic. He was always very proud of this honor.

Here’s the coolest part of this story…as part of the celebration, Thalhimers sponsored the “Ambassador’s Ball” (held to honor the visiting Italian ambassador and his wife) and all proceeds went to the Crippled Children’s Hospital, now known as the Children’s Hospital. Tonight is the 50th anniversary of that ball, and 730 people are expected to attend in support of the Children’s Hospital. Over the years, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hospital.

In honor of the magnificent work of the Children’s Hospital and in loving memory of my grandparents, I have donated copies of Finding Thalhimers as favors for the guests of tonight’s ball. Bravissima Italia…AGAIN!