On this date in 1940, Winston-Salem shoppers were treated to a sneak preview of the new Mother and Daughter store at 310-312 North Liberty Street. The public was invited to tour the store and admire the departments and the merchandise, and to return the next day to make their purchases. According to the center photo above, there was musical entertainment at the opening as well.
The Mother and Daughter store was founded by Charles and Harry Coplon, the owners and founders of the Charles Department Stores. The Charles Stores were founded in New Bern, but the headquarters was later moved to New York.
The Coplon brothers were enticed to consider Winston-Salem for a new store by Thomas O. Moore. His father-in-law owned a building in the 300 block of North Liberty Street, and Moore thought it would be a good location for a department store.
Mother and Daughter store carried clothing and accessory merchandise for women and girls.
The store on North Liberty Street was located near a pool room and a beer joint. Coplon was dismayed to learn that Salem College students were not allowed to go to this block of businesses because of the pool room and beer joint. So he began the process of purchasing the surrounding businesses when they came on the market. Eventually he owned all of the building in the 300 block of North Liberty Street up to the Pepper Building. The purchases made expansion and renovation possible, and one renovation took place in 1947. So, the way was cleared for Salem College students to shop at Mother and Daughter.
Harry Coplon lived in Winston-Salem and oversaw the Mother and Daughter store, while his brother, Charles, opened the second Mother and Daughter store in Raleigh.
The Mother and Daughter store moved from Liberty Street to West Fourth Street in 1978. They also opened branch locations in several shopping centers.
The above photos were taken at the opening of the store in 1940. Photos courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
