150 Years Under the Clock

Marshall Field's, the Chicago department store institution, began a celebration yesterday to commemorate its 150th year in business.

The celebration officially began with Mayor Daley's proclamation of Marshall Field's Week in Chicago. On Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, a special dedication of “Marshall Field's Way” on Washington Street between State and Wabash will take place.

Running through mid-October will be a series of events and special offers including the unveiling of one-of-a-kind interactive window displays, offering of Marshall Field's keepsakes and guest tours of the Daniel Burnham-designed flagship State Street store.

The Field's TV and print ad campaign will be themed “As Chicago as It Gets,” featuring the work of photographer Victor Skrebneski.

Opened in 1852, Marshall Field's has served over 2 billion shoppers at its State Street store alone. The retailer is perhaps most noted for its holiday traditions such as the world-famous window displays and the 45- foot Great Tree in the Walnut Room at the State Street store.

Marshall Field's is now the corporate name of the department store division of Target Corp. (Minneapolis), and its nameplate is now on all 64 stores in that division, many of which were formerly Dayton's and Hudson's stores.