Worcester's first escalators

   Fifty years ago Denholms installed the first set of escalators in the city of Worcester.  Denholms was late on installing these and had plans to do so in the 1940's. With World War II going on, and plans for a facade change, the new mode of transportation would be put on hold until the 1960's.

Second floor

   In 1963 harry Wolf (President of Denholms) met with the Otis escalator company and came up with a plan to retrofit the 1880's building with two separate sets of escalators.  The plans called for a narrow glass enclosed escalator with hand screened baroque detailing on the side panels.  These escalators were custom designed for Denholms and are the only ones in existence in the United States to this day.  By the early 1960's, customers were still relying on the 8 banks of elevators of numerous staircases to access the upper floors.  The new escalators (or "Escal-Aires" as they were known for their light and airy design) would allow for up to 5,000 shoppers to reach floors 1-5 in an average of two and a half minutes.  The sixth floor and basement still required elevator or stairs to access.

Eric Hallback Display Director with Denholms shoppers

  As many people have commented, these were their first ride on an escalator and memories of gliding through the upper floors were memorable to this day.

  The escalators are still in use at the Denholm building and I encourage people to go in and have a ride.  It is one of the last things remaining of the glory days of shopping downtown.

Denholms animated windows

  I was sent this photo by one of the former display managers from Denholms.  It shows the animated windows all dressed up for the holidays.  He stated that he believed it was taken around 1965....
  So many people have memories of walking the store windows as a child and being mesmerized by the animated figures and twinkling lights in stores such as Denholms, Filene's, and Barnard's.  It is such a shame that more stores and building don't dress up their storefronts in downtown to rekindle the sparkle that it once had.

  I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season, and best wishes to you all.

1960's exterior shot

Here is a shot of the exterior of Denholms during the mid 1960's. I remember the large snowflake ornaments hanging from the lights down Main St.

I love the simplicity of the 3 small trees of lights on the facade.

Christmas Window Display

Here is a photo of a 1965 window display at Denholms. I love the scroll signage that is on the right hand side of the image.