Narrator: There are several miniature shows throughout the country each year. Pat Arnell use to attend these conventions regularly. At one of the shows she came across a dealer selling this Department Store. Farrow’s is a company that makes miniature accessories. The building is furnished with all the items the company sold. The exact history of why this miniature department store was created is not clear. Pat heard two different stories. 

Pat Arnell: At one point I heard that the Farrow’s employees made the department store as a gift for Mr. Farrow when the company celebrated an anniversary.  Later I heard that Mr. Farrow built it and then the employees filled it to showcase Farrow’s products. Either way it caught my eye because I had never seen a miniature department store before and I thought it was a great subject for a miniature. 

Another reason I found this piece interesting is that is an example of how department stores used to be before the arrival of big box stores.  

Narrator: Department stores like this one would typically have large display windows on the ground floor where products were beautifully displayed to tempt folks passing by to come in and shop.  During the holiday season people came from all around to view the windows decorated for Christmas with charming animated displays. Once inside you could spend an entire day in one of these stores. 

Pat Arnell: When I was young, department stores were often five or six stories tall. I remember the toy department was usually on the top floor just like this one. Many of these stores had a soda fountain or lunch counter. Farrow’s has one of those too.