This image was part of a California State Library photographic history project documenting the daily lives and historical, political, and cultural contributions of California's diverse communities. On June 12, 1999, Long Beach residents donated to the Long Beach Public Library 398 family and personal photographs as part of this ongoing statewide project. The S. A. Schilling Company Department Store was a family business located in Long Beach on the southeast corner of west First Street and Pacific Avenue. Wrap around display windows shaded by flat fold-out awnings occupy the street level of this three-story building. The upper roof edge is embellished with double rows of dentil moulding. The upper two floors are occupied by the Kennebec Apartments (134 W. First Street), and they have residential style windows with similar awnings, as well as a modern fire escape. Assorted dry goods are visible in the store windows. A man pushing a child seated in a buggy is walking past the windows. A few other pedestrians are also visible. The Schilling Mercantile was opened by the donor's great grandfather. He had eleven sons and five daughters. Seven of them worked at the store. The donor states that this image was originally a photograph postcard, dated as noted above, and addressed to the donor's father, Robert Schilling. DATE NOTES: Noted on image back. ORIG. IMAGE: 6.5" x 9.5" B&W glossy print. NEGATIVE: No. KEYWORDS: Families, fashion.
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