3-D map shows three downtown department stores — and Central Park

Multilingual pedestrian swears at motor cop, gets tossed in the pokey

Long before the time announced for the beginning of the reception given by Bullock’s big department store, . . . Broadway and Seventh Street were filled for a block in every direction by people eager to be the first to enter. . . .

It was the general conclusion that the big sign on the roof had fulfilled its mission as the beacon that lights the way to Bullock’s, for, although it was utterly impossible to state the correct number of visitors, a conservative estimate is that 50,000 people attempted entrance.

[Los Angeles was claiming about 250,000 residents at this time.]

Preparations had not been made for such a large crowd, and the management offers an

Every one was appreciative of the goods on display and of the music and vaudeville with which the throng was entertained.

Many persons liked the souvenirs that they took several, thus forcing others to abstain and causing exhaustion of the supply by 9 o’clock.

A corps of 12 city policemen were on hand, and they gave splendid service. Many of the employes were organized into a company to assist the policemen.

The elevators [probably escalators] and the stairways on the right were used by persons going up and those on the left for the downward trip.

In spite of the rain this morning, long before 9 o’clock, when the doors were opened, the crowds were there eager to buy, and [the people] amused themselves by admiring the displays in the show windows.

When the big store was opened, the center of attention at first was the embroidery section, of which a mob of bargain-hunting women took possession.

Edward Nittinger, who has lived in Los Angeles since 1874, was the first to make a purchase.

It soon was evident that the system of lettering the sections was a fine one. Every floor is arranged in the same manner so that it is easy for one to find his way to any desired department.

Los Angeles Express, March 13, 1907

Next Monday morning at 10 o’clock, to the accompaniment of music . . ., the doors of Los Angeles’ latest department store, the Central, 609-619 S. Broadway, will be thrown open. . . .

Four floors and a basement, each 125 by 185 feet, provide space for displays. . . . More than 300 employes will sell the goods.

A Prenzlauer and B. Desenberg, the proprietors, are men who have passed their whole lives in the business world.

Mr. Prenzlauer formerly was a member of the firm of Prenzlauer Bros., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., but for the past eight years has lived in Los Angeles . . . . He is the office member of the firm.

Mr. Desenberg is the merchandise member. He formerly was managing partner with Mr. Prenslauer in Michigan. . . .

. . . They will conduct 45 departments, selling everything except groceries. . . .

The show windows are large and handsome. They are finished in mahogany and leaded glass equipped with mirrors. The trade mark, a red star, is a central figure in the decorations. . . .

[On the third floor] will be found also an emergency hospital with a trained nurse in attendance.

An elegant lunch room is provided for the women employed in the store, and a recreation room filled with standard and classic books, music and games is here for their use; so they will be afforded an opportunity to pass the lunch hour pleasantly and to become acquainted with one another.

J.C. Shafer is the superintendent of the store. He

has been associated with the Siegel-Cooper company of New York and Chicago, the Simpson-Crawford company of New York, the Hub of Chicago and the Prager company of San Francisco.

L.J. Dusenberg is the advertising manager.

“We have arranged this store so that beauty and utility will combine to give us an ideal establishment,” said Mr. Dusenberg.

“. . . The supporting columns have been given a French effect . . . and have been decorated . . . with artificial fireproof flowers.

“One of our unique arrangements is a nursery where mothers who are tired can check their children free of charge and feel certain that they are being cared for. . . .

“If any article bought here proves unsatisfactory, the money will be refunded. . . .”