Cheltenham High School’s Class of 1900 held its graduation exercises at the Ashbourne Presbyterian Church in Elkins Park on June 14, 1900.
According to local historian Chuck Langerman, the commencement address was delivered by merchant, philanthropist, and former U.S. Postmaster General Mr. John Wanamaker. Diplomas were conferred by superintendent Charles Wagner to 11 graduates: Six boys and five girls.
On Sunday, March 23, Macy’s closed in the John Wanamaker Building at 13th and Market Streets in Center City. Wanamaker’s store closed in 1995 and has since been a Hecht’s, Strawbridge’s, Lord & Taylor, and most recently, a Macy’s.
The Wanamaker Building, which opened in 1911, was where the price tag was invented, where the 1987 movie “Mannequin” was filmed, and where countless generations of Philadelphia-area residents worked, shopped, met at the iconic “Eagle”, listened to the Grand Court Organ, and gathered to get in the holiday spirit.
In 1958, Wanamaker opened his second suburban branch department store in what is now Cheltenham Township. It sold in 1978 for $60 million and the Township was provided with a giant eagle statue in its honor.
Today, the Wanamaker building is called the Noble Town Center and is occupied by PetSmart, Ross Dress for Less, Bed Bath & Beyond, and AFC Fitness.
Fun Fact: Wanamaker helped found Grace Presbyterian Church (444 York Road in Jenkintown) in 1881.
LUMS Restaurant in Glenside
According to Langerman, LUMS restaurant was located at 900 Easton Road in Glenside in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The chain was known for ice cold apple juice in a frosted mug, roast beef sandwiches and hot dogs. At its peak, over 350 LUMS restaurants spanned across all U.S. states.
Check out LUMS’ 1970s-era TV commercials:
Fun Fact: LUMS founder Clifford Perlman was also CEO of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
Today, a Burger King exists at the location. If you have memories of LUMS, Chuck invites you to leave your thoughts in the comments.
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Photo: Goodman Properties