Anyone remember getting ice cream at the Crystal Palace? It wasn't on the 7th floor with the other restaurants, but on 3.
Come to think of it, I remember getting ice cream at the Oakbrook Center Field's store, in a place they called "Strawberry Fields," which had an all-strawberry theme: strawberry ice cream, strawberry-decorated cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries. It didn't last long, but I was enchanted with the idea, and the strawberry-printed tiles on the walls.
Gosh! How well I remember the Crystal Palace indeed. I remember going there twice in 1974 and 1975 but I never thought I would work there. But as it turned out I worked there from 1975 until around 1980. I can't read the ad, but if it appeared in the New Yorker it was published in early 1976. Working for Field's (as it is true in working for anyone) is not quite the same as being served as a customer by them, but I usually enjoyed my job. Gosh, how much more I enjoy thinking about the old waning days of glorious Marshall Field's and the days of my youth. Things really WERE a lot better back then!
ReplyDeleteWas it on the top floor? I was a little boy when it closed.
DeleteDoes anyone remember the little butter cookies with the pink frosting that they used to bring around to the customers? My sister adored them & I would love to get the recipe for her to surprise her.
ReplyDeleteBefore it was the Crystal Palace, that third floor area was the waiting room in front of the returns and complaints counter. Too many people were spending time there, so they took out the chairs and put in an ice cream parlor.
ReplyDeleteI sure remember The Chrystal Palace. My Aunt and I would go there for Hot Fudge Sundaes. WHAT A TREAT!!! The Crystal Palace was like a true faerie tale dream! I loved it. Too bad it's gone now and too, too very bad Marshal Field's is gone. An iconic institution killed for the love of money...
ReplyDeleteThe Crystal Palace had delicious apple pie served with either ice cream or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. I was just telling someone about it last week. So sad it's gone.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to the Crystal Palace after the renovation? Where is it now? Did it get distroyed or is it in a museum somewhere? I remember it as a child and it was so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAs of the mid 90s it had shrunk to a small stand on the 7th floor by the other restaurants. Sometimes we'd get it at lunch and sit by the windows watching the ice skaters across the street. Not sure if any remnant of it still exists.
ReplyDeleteWow, cant believe I came across this article. This was a cool place. I worked here around 1976...seems like a long time ago. I have so many memories from working there in my teens.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember.....did the Crystal serve foof (sandwiches..chicken salad) or was it just ice cream...sodas...sundaes...pies etc?
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