marshall fields

Marshall Field & Company Porcelain Enamel Channel Letters

Porcelain enamel channel letters originally read, “Marshall Field and Company.” Museum chose to install “Marshall  Field” due to space limitations. Circa 1955.

Object Number : 2019.0002.0051
Type : signs/displays
Decade : 1950 - 1959
Object History :

Letters originally identified the Marshall Field  flagship store on State Street in Chicago, IL.  Letters were removed when Macy’s bought the iconic Chicago department store, and chose to not continue the name.  Because Marshall Field was so beloved by Chicago natives, Macy’s decided to have the letters removed in the early morning hours, to escape the possibility of protest. However, an angry crowd gathered around the storefront and as the donor remembers, one protester tried to grab  the “M” and flee the scene.  Fortunately,  the “M” was recovered before it disappeared.

 

City of Origin : Chicago
State of Origin : Illinois
Status : Exhibit
Location : Main Street
Donor Name : Bill Pyter
Company : Olympic Signs Inc.
Condition :

Excellent

 

Deed of Gift Form Received : 12/15/2007
Object Cataloged Date : 6/20/2019
Fair Market Value : 3500
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