Famous Saloon Becomes Men's Clothing Store

1920

Don't Cry, Little Saloon, Don't Cry; You'll be a Clothes Shop By'n By!

OAKLAND, Cal. — The patrons of this former saloon still have the privilege of putting their feet on the deadly third rail, leaning upon the bar and ordering a "short one," but what they'll get won't be beer. It will be shirts or neckties or collars. For a progressive dealer of Oakland has turned a famous bar into a men's wear store, and is making as much money as the saloon ever did.

Wives don't mind it in the least when their mates patronize this bar — they are often customers themselves.

Very few changes were made in transforming the place into an attractive haberdashery shop and the proprietor has made advertising capital out of this very fact. The bar has not been removed, the only familiar foot rail is still there, and even the big silver cheese and cracker receptacle is in evidence.

Practically the only change required was the installation of some shelving. On the opening day, January 2, 1920, several thousand people visited the new establishment. According to the proprietor, some doubt had been expressed as to whether women would enter a former bar room. He invited their patronage and on the opening day started to give a box of candy to every lady visitor.

He gave away 200 boxes up to 2 p.m., and then decided to stop playing Santa Claus for fear his candy purchases would consume the month's profits.