Holmes interior, ca. 1900; photo at top of page was taken in mid-1960's. |
"I'll meet you under the clock" |
D. H. Holmes first opened the doors to its Canal Street store in 1849. From that time forward, for many generations of New Orleanians, it became a favorite place to shop; its restaurant, a favorite place to have lunch; its Christmas display a must-see during the holidays...and the clock which hung over its entrance, a favorite place for friends to arrange a meeting. All you had to say was"I'll meet you under the clock" and everyone knew what you meant. |
Holmes, decorated for Mardi Gras, 1906 |
Some of Holmes' cashiers, 1913 |
D. H. Holmes Restaurant, bet. 1900-1910 |
Interior of D. H. Holmes, above, 1900; below, 1930. |
The store promoting War Bonds during World War II. |
The link to this page is: http://old-new-orleans.com/NO_Holmes.html Related page: "I'll Meet You Under the Clock" - D. H. Holmes, Page 2 Back to Old New Orleans Whispers - Home |
D. H. Holmes Department Store: A New Orleans Tradition |
The store closed its doors for the last time in 1989, the year the Holmes stores were sold to Dillard's. Since 1995, the old Holmes building on Canal Street has housed a hotel. But once in awhile, when you pass by the windows, out of the corner of your eye, you may think that you catch a glimpse of a thousand twinkling lights, but when you look back, there's nothing there. Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. It's the lights of long ago, magical images of scores of holiday window displays, being forever reflected in the wonder of yesterday's children's eyes. |