J.C. Penney: The Story of the Very First Store That Started It All

Описание: Discover the origins of J.C. Penney at its very first store, located in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Known as the "mother store," this historic location opened in 1902 and laid the foundation for one of America's most iconic retail empires. Explore the story of James Cash Penney and how his vision started here, shaping the future of retail.

0:00 First JC Penney Store
Chase Pipes, host of Chasing History, reveals an incredible discovery in Kimmer, Wyoming – the very first J.C. Penney store ever created, known as the mother store of the national brand. Excitement builds as they go inside to explore this historic site, asking if this truly is the original location.

0:48 History of JC Penney Store
Opened in 1929, J.C. Penney's first store emerged after Mr. Penney purchased his partnership stake in the Golden Rule Store, which he had co-founded in 1902 with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Callahan. His move was motivated by a desire to leave his hometown of Hamilton, Missouri.

1:13 Golden Rule Store Partnership
After relocating, he sought a job and was given the opportunity to open stores, initially succeeding in Evon where he attracted customers away from a more expensive local mine store. He established his shop in the bank's back parking lot, living above the wooden building with his wife, until it tragically burned down. Following this setback, he purchased another house in the area.

2:00 Relocation of Golden Rule Store
In the 1970s, the Golden Rule store was relocated to a small white house down the street, where it remains near the opera house in a historic sandstone building. Although it is not owned by its current operators, a sign in the window highlights its former connection as the second location of J.C. Penney. This site serves as a reminder of the store's storied past.

2:23 Establishment of JC Penney
J.C. Penney got his name from his first and middle name, James Cash Penny. He transitioned from being a partner at the Golden Rule store to owning his own venture, initially titled the Penny's Roll Store, after buying out his partners when they faced bankruptcy. Despite the economic downturn in 1929, taking a loan to facilitate this move proved successful for him.

3:13 Moral Values in Business
The success of the original J.C. Penney store, opened in 1929, is attributed to the owner's strong moral values, including the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated, along with a commitment to cash-only transactions, which he maintained throughout his life. His dedication to excellent customer service and personal connections, remembering faces and names, contributed to the store's reputation. The building has been preserved to retain its original features, including hardwood flooring and wooden countertops.

04:06 Original Artifacts in Store
The discussion recalls the evolution of store aesthetics from bright orange shag carpeting in the '80s to current decor, sparking nostalgia among employees like Penny. The conversation highlights some original artifacts from the store, including bronzed shoes that belonged to its founder, his hat, a bust, and a commemorative photograph, many of which are donations reflecting the store's long history.

04:53 Cash Register and Pricing
The discussion highlights the historical significance of various artifacts found in the first J.C. Penney store, including an ornate cash register with limited slots to avoid being a typical five-and-dime store. Other notable items include a manager's red jacket, children's pricing signs, and original shelving, reflecting the store's rich past and unique operational methods. Additionally, personal belongings of the founder's first wife are preserved, alongside vintage tools and decorations from the store's earlier days.

10:48 Historical Significance of Store
The first J.C. Penney store, largely intact since its opening, features original elements such as shelves and a unique money transfer system from the Wild West era designed for safety against theft. The building houses numerous artifacts including old postcards, credit cards, and items related to the founder, showcasing its historical significance within the local community. Visitors are drawn to the store not only for its rich history but also for events celebrating J.C. Penney’s legacy.

21:31 Ghost Stories and Activity
During construction at the J.C. Penney store, an old shoe was discovered in the crawl spaces beneath the building, igniting significant ghost activity. Staff members have reported encounters with three ghosts, including a little girl and a mischievous entity named Bob, who plays pranks like moving shopping carts and turning on radios. The speaker believes in a spiritual world similar to our understanding of bacteria and germs, suggesting that in the future, ghost studies may become an academic pursuit.