J. C. Penney Company, known as “Penney’s,” moved from the corner of West Fourth Street and Trade Street to the corner of West Fourth Street and Marshall Street in 1954.
Previously, the Twin City Club (shown above) occupied this lot, but it was demolished and the new Penney’s was built.
Part of the agreement with Penney’s and the Twin City Club was that the Twin City Club would have the top floor of the Penney’s building for their club space, with a separate entrance on Marshall Street. This is the side of the building, on Marshall Street. Notice the building adjacent to Penney’s. This is the Hilton Apartment Building at 300 N. Marshall Street. It housed 11 apartment units.Penney’s Department Store had multiple floors, including a basement. The store carried clothing for men, women, and children, including work clothing, such as overalls. There was a home furnishings department, plus a toy department. Large display windows brought attention to some of the stores’ offerings.The streets were wide enough to offer on-street parking, with two lanes of traffic. In 1954, traffic was one-way on West Fourth Street.This photo view of the Penney’s block was taken from Bocock Stroud, across the street from Thalhimers (the Loewy Building).
The J. C. Penney Building was redesigned and today is called the Twin City Lofts.
Photos courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
Stay tuned for the next delicious post on January 29th: Ginger Snaps!
