This is the first in a series exploring the things America has slowly lost over the decades—pieces of our identity that once defined who we are as a nation.
This past week in Philadelphia, we learned of yet another loss: the grand department store that John Wanamaker built on the site of the original Pennsylvania Railroad station. The Grand Depot opened in time for the Centennial Exposition of 1876, marking America’s 100th birthday, and was later expanded into a retail and architectural marvel unlike anything we’ve seen since.
The Disappearance of Retail Icons
Wanamaker’s isn’t the only one. Philadelphia alone has bid farewell to legendary stores like Lit Brothers, Gimbels, and Strawbridge & Clothier.
These weren’t just retailers. They were massive employers, cultural landmarks, and philanthropists. Their buildings were architectural masterpieces—America’s answer to the pyramids, cathedrals, castles, and the Taj Mahal. These spaces didn’t just house commerce; they embodied grandeur, ambition, and community.
John Wanamaker, for instance, revolutionized retail with innovations that still influence how businesses operate today. Yet, as we celebrate fleeting traditions like the Wanamaker Light Show, we often miss the broader picture: the slow erosion of these cultural treasures.
More Than a Shopping Trip
Visiting these department stores wasn’t just about buying things—it was an event. You didn’t roll in wearing pajamas; you dressed up. The experience was immersive, engaging all your senses: the feel of fine fabrics, the awe of opulent displays, the hum of live music echoing through grand halls.
For children, these outings were magical, leaving lifelong memories of wonder shared with their families. For adults, it was a chance to feel respected, valued, and even a little regal—whether you bought a new dress or simply enjoyed lunch in the tearoom.
Contrast that with today’s shopping experience: flat, impersonal, and disconnected. Families often shop separately, each glued to their own screen or wandering their own aisle. The tactile, communal joy of the past has given way to the convenience of two-day shipping and click-to-buy transactions.
Rediscovering Connection
Here’s the truth: people need real-world connection. We’re not meant to live in isolation, staring at screens. We thrive on shared experiences, engaging all our senses, and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
So step out of your house, your tiny box. Meet people, feel the world around you, and rediscover the joy of being truly present. Because, as the good book says, “For God so loved the world”—and maybe we should, too.
