Interior of John A. Roberts' Store
2014.003.21
c. 1900
2014.003.21
c. 1900
In the late nineteenth-century, new manufacturing and transportation methods meant that goods were able to be mass produced and distributed at a lower price than ever before. Cities were growing in population and better transportation made travel into urban areas easier, providing a large client base to support bigger stores.
Department stores became a necessary part of any modern city. Given Utica's growing economy at the time, it was a natural place for these stores to thrive.
Department stores became a necessary part of any modern city. Given Utica's growing economy at the time, it was a natural place for these stores to thrive.