Sears Crosstown Power Point
Content
Modern Marvel, Glorified Allegory
The Birth of the Memphis Sears Crosstown Building
About the Author
Jeffrey Knowles
Rhodes College ’06
Research conducted in 2003-04 as part of the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies
For the full paper, contact: jeffknowles1[at]gmail.com
Growth & Order
MEMPHIS Rise of Civic-Elite Election of Rowlet Paine Bartholomew’s Comprehensive City Plan SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO. Expansion of mail-order empire General Wood and the initiation of retail trade GEORGE C. NIMMONS Architectural reconciliation of form and function Inspiration and functionality
Selection E.O. Bailey Site typical of Wood’s vision Economics more than advantageous location
Groundbreaking & Construction
Ground broke February 22, 1927 Completed 180 work days later Force of 700-2,000 men, working shifts around the clock, except Sunday. “Record time” Full of modern devices such as pneumatic tubes, conveyor belts, and gravity slides.
Opening Ceremony
Streetcar ride and its “Highest Paid Motorman” Passengers on the No.7 Speeches Memphis tours the building
Symbolic Sears Crosstown
What attitudes were invested in this structure from both the city of Memphis and Sears, Roebuck and Company?
Will a new chapter be written?
The Birth of the Memphis Sears Crosstown Building
About the Author
Jeffrey Knowles
Rhodes College ’06
Research conducted in 2003-04 as part of the Rhodes Institute for Regional Studies
For the full paper, contact: jeffknowles1[at]gmail.com
Growth & Order
MEMPHIS Rise of Civic-Elite Election of Rowlet Paine Bartholomew’s Comprehensive City Plan SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO. Expansion of mail-order empire General Wood and the initiation of retail trade GEORGE C. NIMMONS Architectural reconciliation of form and function Inspiration and functionality
Selection E.O. Bailey Site typical of Wood’s vision Economics more than advantageous location
Groundbreaking & Construction
Ground broke February 22, 1927 Completed 180 work days later Force of 700-2,000 men, working shifts around the clock, except Sunday. “Record time” Full of modern devices such as pneumatic tubes, conveyor belts, and gravity slides.
Opening Ceremony
Streetcar ride and its “Highest Paid Motorman” Passengers on the No.7 Speeches Memphis tours the building
Symbolic Sears Crosstown
What attitudes were invested in this structure from both the city of Memphis and Sears, Roebuck and Company?
Will a new chapter be written?
