The June 25, 1983 closing of Bullock’s Downtown (at 7th and Broadway) was, for some, the end of an era. From its opening in March 1907, Bullock’s denoted a certain style; its more expensive merchandise sold better than its lower priced goods. There was even a dress code for the sales staff as late as 1941: Men were to wear hats to work and women were to wear black, navy, or gray dresses with sleeves. [Los Angeles Times, June 24, 1983]. As early as 1969, the flagship store was showing its age which only worsened as the Spring Street financial center began moving west.

“…for old-time Angelenos, Bullock’s was a landmark, a way of life, from the fifth-floor children’s department—kids climbed into an oversize clown face and took the ‘big slide’ toward the barber shop to sit on a tiger and get a haircut—to the Collegienne section, fourth floor, Hill side, a pioneer in junior fashions for young women,” Los Angeles Times.

For some a mystery remains as Bullock’s gift boxes noted “One O’Clock Saturdays.” We have long wondered what happened at Bullock’s Downtown at one o’clock on Saturdays. 

This photo comes from Patricksmercy’s great collection of Bullock’s ephemera on Flickr.