What was Christmas shopping like in the early-mid 1900's in downtown Belleville?

Let’s take a nostalgic stroll back to a cherished Christmas season on Belleville’s Front Street, where the magic of the Five-and-Dime Stores lit up the hearts of all who ventured downtown.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ON FRONT STREET

The scene is set just weeks before Christmas. Snow blankets the streets, and shop windows twinkle with festive decorations. Shoppers bustle about, arms laden with packages, while the inviting scent of freshly baked cookies and hot chocolate fill the crisp winter air. From Woolworth’s double doors, Santa waves joyfully, his laughter mingling with the cheerful melodies of Mrs. Dawson playing Christmas carols on the organ at Zellers. Inside the Metropolitan store, a toy train circles endlessly, mesmerizing children as their parents browse for the perfect gifts. The Santa Claus parade has just made it way along these iconic stores from years past. Kresge’s, Woolworth’s, Zellers, and the Metropolitan—were more than places to shop; they were community hubs, especially during the holiday season.

Kresge’s

At Kresge’s, which opened its doors in 1930, the aroma of pies under glass domes mixed with the creak of wooden floors as children eyed bubblegum machines and coin-operated horses. At the lunch counter, red vinyl stools swiveled in circles while diners enjoyed a nickel coffee and fresh apple pie a la mode.

Woolworth’s

Woolworth’s, established in 1914, was another downtown gem, its long aisles stocked with everything from sewing supplies to camping gear. Renovations in the 1960s brought modern touches like air conditioning and a food counter, making it a prime stop for shoppers needing a warm meal or a quick bite between gift hunts. The store’s charm extended to its customers, like the elderly lady who filled her cart with light bulbs simply because, as she said, “They’re so cheap, I couldn’t resist!”

Zellers

Zellers, which opened before World War II, was a bustling store that catered to everything from fashion to holiday spirit. It was the site of infamous moments, like the chaos that erupted when nylons, rationed during the war, finally hit the shelves in 1945. Shoppers grabbed at stockings like treasure, hiding them in coats and rushing back for more. Yet, Zellers also exemplified kindness, with a local policeman slipping cookies from the counter during his rounds and later leaving generous donations to Santa.

The Metropolitan

And then there was the Metropolitan, lovingly nicknamed “The Met.” Known for its variety, it offered everything from goldfish to pitchforks under one roof. Its motto, “You can always find it at the Met,” rang true for generations of shoppers, whether they were picking out tools or holiday gifts for loved ones.

Though these stores are long gone, their legacy lives on in the hearts of those who recall their warmth, camaraderie, and the simple joy of shopping downtown during a Belleville Christmas. Thank you for walking through these memories of the five-and-dime stores, where the spirit of the season was alive in every creak of the oiled wooden floors and every sparkle of a festive holiday window.

Submitted by Connie Carson

Connie is a well-known local storyteller and professional who has a passion for the history of the City of Belleville.