The Greatest Department Store in Minneapolis Has Been a Dominant Factor in the Development of the Northwest.
Just as some men are born leaders in the world of politics, on the battlefield, and in the work of empire building, just so are men born to lead in the business world. It was this inherited genius that gave to the world its Marshall Field, John Wanamaker, Timothy Eaton and other merchant princes. It was the same inexplicable influence that produced Lawrence S. Donaldson, president of the famed L. S. Donaldson Company of Glass Block renown. Donaldson’s has be come a household word in the Northwest. The department store established by the late William Donaldson under trying circumstances in 1884, has “made good.” It has grown with growing Minneapolis and today stands as a monument to the endeavors of commercial captains who have lived close to the people. Recognition accorded Donaldson’s has grown by leaps and bounds under the guidance of trained men administering the policies of the veteran mercantile leader. In 32 years Donaldson’s has grown from a small establishment on Nicollet Avenue to one of the largest institutions of its kind in the Northwest, and on this, the Fiftieth Anniversary of the incorporation of Minneapolis, mutual congratulations are extended.
Just a bit of history discloses the foundation on which Donaldson’s is built and reveals methods in vogue under the direction of Lawrence S. Donald son, brother of the founder. L. S. Donaldson has won commercial leadership by grouping around himself men of foresight and vim, such men of tact and ability as make a city grow. In 1882, the late William Donaldson, the father of this daylight establishment, rented a small store at 309 Nicollet and installed a stock of furnishing goods. He bought his first show case on credit and paid for it within a few weeks. Mr. Donaldson was unable to renew his lease, accepted a position with the Colton Company and with grim determination set out anew. When the Colton firm failed, he took over the stock from Samuel Greucock and in April, 1884, tore down the old building and erected the splendid edifice that now houses the store that so largely helps to spread the fame of Minneapolis.
Since its erection on Nicollet and Sixth street, the Glass Block, which now covers nearly the entire block, has been an unending source of admiration. Its electrical illumination, its remarkable daylight lighting systems, its remarkable tea room s and foyer, the pronounced willingness of every employee to assist the patron, freshness of stock in every department, quick elevator service, its maze of mail orders from all parts of the Northwest these are some of the many features with which every Minneapolis resident and visitor is familiar.
Visitors feel that they have not seen Minneapolis if they have missed visiting Donaldson’s.The commercial romance of William Donaldson is no less interesting than the story of the rise to commercial supremacy of L. S. Donaldson, head of the firm. He and his able assistants have kept Donaldson’s ahead of the procession. They have anticipated the demands of the buying public. They scour European markets and style centers of America for fabrics and designs, clothing and furnishing goods that appeal particularly to people of Minneapolis and the Northwest.
During the 32 years the store has led the mercantile march it has never violated the confidence of the public. Donaldson’s word and guarantee have backed every assertion. Hence the policy “once a patron, always a patron,” has gathered an army of friends that extends not only through the Twin Cities but into the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana and to the far west.
Whether in the delicatessen, the meat department. the grocery department, in the dry goods, furnishings, women’s and children’s sections—in every nook of the Glass Block, behind each counter is a trained employee who exhales the spirit of courtesy and refinement that permeates every recess of the structure.
Donaldson’s employees work with rather than FOR their employers. They appreciate the inestimable value of public confidence. Donaldson’s has won a permanent place in the chimney corner of the hearts of its thousands of friends in the Northwest by “shooting square.”
-Minneapolis golden jubilee, 1867-1917
A History of Fifty Years of Civic and Commercial Progress
