The Eagle, Grand Court, John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, 1952

Subjects: Interiors Monuments & Memorials Stores & Shops
Card type: Real photo
Date: c. 1952 (Chrome)

Back of The Eagle, Grand Court, John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, 1952, c. 1952 real photo postcard — Back

About this postcard

The Wanamaker Eagle stands on a rectangular pedestal in the center of the Grand Court, with two American flags hanging behind it and a curved balcony above. The large sculpted bird anchors the department store's main interior. John Wanamaker brought the sculpture to his Philadelphia Main Store from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904. It became a city landmark and a common meeting place, giving rise to the byword "Meet me at the Eagle." Its inner plates, features, and surface parts were made separately, and each feather was finished by hand.

Postcard Details

Message

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THE EAGLE, The Grand Court, John Wanamaker, Philadelphia THE EAGLE—Located in the center of the Grand Court in the John Wanamaker Main Store, has been the meeting place of thousands of Philadel- phians since it was brought to the store from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis in 1904. All the parts—the heavy plates that form the inner structure, the features and other surface parts were made separately. Each individual feather was made by hand. This imposing monument has become a landmark in Philadelphia and "Meet me at the Eagle" has become a byword with its citizens.

Addressed to

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Postcard record

Series	1023—50M—1-52
Condition	Very good
Place depicted	John Wanamaker, Grand Court, Philadelphia, PA
Place mentioned	Philadelphia, PA
Place mentioned	St. Louis, MO
Notes	White border at bottom with printed caption; black-and-white photograph. No postmark. Divided-back chrome-era card; printed caption on back with card number 1023-50M-1-52 (1952). No handwritten message or address; only a pencil dealer mark "#59" at lower right. Light soiling/toning on back.

Cite this card

The Eagle, Grand Court, John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, 1952, postcard, c. 1952. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/the-eagle-grand-court-john-wanamaker-philadelphia-1952. Accessed November 2, 2026.