110 Years Ago, 1915 transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

“C. Livingston and Sons open in the morning. Modern stock of newness and style ready for inspection. Members bring experience and insight to enterprise. Opening with fascinating display of fall wear will be held Saturday at 225 West Federal Street.”

“Equipped with a modern store setting that is complete in appointment and stocked with a merchandise of women’s fashionable specialties taken from style’s van, Charles Livingston & Sons will open to the critical gaze of the women of Youngstown tomorrow a new establishment at 225 West Federal Street where it is planned to show henceforth female wear in preeminent variety and quality.

“No member of the firm is a novice in the selection and proper display and sale of women’s apparel…. Charles Livingston brings to the new establishment years spent as the proprietor of the Woman’s Store, which was at the corner of Walnut and East Federal Street between 1898 and 1908. He was also identified most successfully with the Central Stores for an extended period! He will manage the new venture in women’s haberdashery, and will be assisted by his sons Lester C. Livingston and George F. Livingston….

“One of the most powerful factors for producing those specialties which women desire lies in the connection with the New York channels of style and feminine fabrics. This is secured and is now embodied in a complete organization wherein the latest cry in metropolitan fashions are reflected, or deflected, into the local store.

“J.J. Roder, 303 Fifth Avenue, is the Gotham representative secured by the Livingstons. In New York his name in women’s specialties is synonymous with the most select. His discriminating ability, which contains beside full information of current vogues a vision of styles coming in that is almost prophetic, will be exerted continually in the interest of local patrons of the Livingston store.

“Already he has shipped of the best that a trained buyer can secure in the metropolitan marts. Fall fashions in fascinating variety are already on display in the new store with the crisp touch of newness impressed by the loom and with the most delicious formations in mode….

“In order that the very exacting may secure their needs the firm has not stopped with the New York markets, but have searched out patterns with the Paris print upon them, also. Creations by Paquin, Cheruit and other French masters will be shown for all whose tastes are exotic in wearables of super distinction.

“And in order that these goods with the touch of newness and grace of style may find room for graceful display the new store which has been provided for their sale has been enlarged and widened. Forty feet have been added to the rear on two floors and all who attend the opening are assured that the displays will greet them.

“The interior decoration and finish of the showroom is French Grey carried consistently throughout. Nothing has been left undone to make the effect attractive. As the stocks are new and comprehensive so also are the appointments. The windows have been given a background of cherry-mahogany, while on the second floor among the millinery the utmost styles in headwear effects blend gracefully into attractive contrast.

“The preliminary displays of the fashion world will be ready when the store opens for the first time Saturday morning. Salespeople of ability have been retained by the firm, and patrons are assured that their desires and whim will be interpreted correctly.”

• Compiled by Dante Bernard, museum educator at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society