The Glory of Gable's - by Robert Jeschonek (Hardcover)

About the Book

Once upon a department store, Gable's was the place to shop, eat, meet, and be seen in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania. Now, the classic store has come back to life in the pages of this one-of-a-kind book. For the first time, the whole true story of Gable's, its leaders, its employees, and the shoppers who loved it has been told.

Book Synopsis

Once upon a department store, Gable's was the place to shop, eat, meet, and be seen in downtown Altoona, Pennsylvania. Now, the classic store has come back to life in the pages of this one-of-a-kind book. For the first time, the whole true story of Gable's, its leaders, its employees, and the shoppers who loved it has been told, complete with secrets and inside stories from those who knew it best. You'll never forget this trip through a century of retail history, from the store's humble beginnings to its glory days to the thrilling fight to save it from going out of business. Hundreds of rare photos and images, never before gathered in one place, will take you back to the people and moments that made Gable's great, and carry you forward to a modern-day reunion of Gable's employees and a VIP tour inside the Gable's buildings as they stand today, complete with yesterday's treasures. Discover mysteries and surprises that have never been revealed to the general public until now. Relive the story of a lifetime on a magical journey straight out of your favorite memories and dreams. If you've ever longed to return to the department store where you always felt at home, or you just crave a simpler, sweeter place where the malteds are always delicious and the customer is always right, step inside. You're invited to the grand reopening of the store that comes to life every time we remember...The Glory of Gable's!

*This edition features hundreds of black-and-white photos and images throughout. Also available in a deluxe full-color edition.

Review Quotes

"A big treat is in store for everybody who has any level of interest in Gable's Department Store. I finished reading the manuscript and have a newfound appreciation of the store and business. Robert Jeschonek has crafted an intimate view of Gable's from beginning to end. Along the way he gives glimpses into the lives of the store's key figures, mixed with assorted recollections from former employees, executives, and shoppers. A must-read for all who knew and loved Gable's."--George Rowles, Gable's Shopper and Altoona Reviewer "Trains chugged and belched through downtown Altoona, but shoppers at Gable's on the city's storied Eleventh Avenue could only see the sparkle and glamour that let them believe for a while that they were in a big city department store. THE GLORY OF GABLE'S takes the reader back to those days when every clerk and worker--from management to night watchman--treated everyone like royalty. It was the philosophy of founder William F. Gable and it filtered down through his entire staff. The glory of the store goes beyond customer service to innovations in retail that were copied by bigger retailers as well as throughout the community where the Gable family started up local radio and television stations. The history of Blair County's retail giant is laced artfully with personal, present-day accounts from those who worked and shopped there, leaving a powerful sense of nostalgia. If that's not enough, the book is loaded with photographs, almost guaranteed to send this season's holiday shoppers on a trip down Eleventh Avenue, just for old times' sake."--Linda Hudkins, Gable's Shopper and Ashville Reviewer