In 1903 Murphy & McGarry was a shop at 207 Main Street, Norwich, CT. It was a no muss and no fuss shop that advertised “only what we have and exactly as it is.” This was from a July 3, 1903 Norwich Bulletin advertisement.
The City of Norwich, CT Old Home Week festival was important to residents but also to the retailers. After all “To thoroughly enjoy yourselves during Old Home Week, You must be comfortably and well dressed. All through this week we wish you to make yourselves quite at home here, make our store your headquarters; have your parcels checked here, free; meet your friends here, and feel that you are heartily welcome.”
Can you even imagine a store saying something like that today? Not in 2021 Norwich. While it would not be hard, to organize a few shelves beyond the reach of the public and perhaps multiple sizes of storage bags that could be closed with a matching ticket. I can imagine the shops being taken advantage of by a few of our local residents.
But Murphy and McGarry were sly fox businessmen because they knew that “at the same time you will have the opportunity of posting ourselves on clothing – good clothing – and by personal inspection convince yourselves that we carry in stock, not only the best clothing, hats and furnishings, but that our prices are the lowest.
To know and provide whatever you may need to help your enjoyment and comfort, take this list, then check off what you have, and let us supply you with the rest.
OK I received a great kick out of the listing of what was needed then as compared to today so change up these items for what you or your family might need today.
Business Suit……………$10.00 to $20.00 Straw Hats ………. $0.50 to $3.00
Outing Suit…………… ..$5.00 to $ 6.00 Negligee Shirts … $0.49 to $1.50
Outing Trousers……… .$2.00 to $ 3.50 Belts ………………. $0.25 to $0.50
Dress Trousers…… $3.00 to $5.00 Fancy Vests …….. $1.00 to $3.50
Rain Coats…………… $10.00 to $18.00 Balbriggan Underwear $0.48
Boys Sailors Norfolks$2.50 to $5.00 Fancy Hosiery …………….. $0.15 to $0.25
Boys’ two-piece Suits $1.98 to $5.00 Neckwear, any style …….. $0.25 to $0.50
“Any of these articles, you’ll find here all ready for you. The quality and prices will please you.”
Hope you enjoyed this trip in time as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.
Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs