Tour of Bullock's Pasadena, 1940s Department Store

Learn about the history of Bullocks Pasadena as we walk around and appreciate its exterior and interior! This store opened in the 1940s, it's now home to Macy's.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro to Bullock's Pasadena
3:27 Cosmetics Department
5:05 Men's Department
6:12 Historic Artifacts
6:55 Wooden Elevators
7:40 Upper Floor and Tea Room
8:23 Children's Barbershop
10:20 Lower Floor
12:48 Back to the Middle Floor
13:42 Strolling Along Lake Ave

[leslienafie]

My grandfather, an executive with Bullock's was given the responsibility of overseeing this project, which was extremely innovative, both in the concept of a suburban store, but also in architectural detail. My father, now 98 and living in Pasadena, is a wealth of information and he has given talks to civic groups about this project, and Bullock's history. If you are interested, I can connect you.

[donaldwarriner]

Touching to hear a young person so interested in a place that represents so much to those of us from Old Pasadena.

[barbarathomas]

I still remember Bullock's and shopping at this location. In the tea room I saw my first fashion show as we sat at tables sipping our beverages they had created a small runway.

[ztutorials]

My Dad, who grew up in Pasadena, told me they weren't sure a department store would work in that location, so they designed it so that it could be converted to apartments if needed. Fortunately, it was a success and still is fabulous. Great video.

[tonyvargas]

I worked on Lake Avenue for over 15 years. I know the store very well as I would shop there often.

When Macy’s took over that building, they removed the original furnishings. The Pasadena historical society immediately sued to have them returned, which they were. The Pasadena historical society is vigilant in protecting local landmarks. We have them to thank for the preservation of Bullocks and numerous other buildings, and landmarks in Pasadena.

As a sidenote, that elevator on the right is always broken. It was broken 15 years ago when I worked on that street, and it’s still broken now. 🤣🤷🏽

[MarltonMom]

Boy you really hit it out of the park with this video! I can tell you really did your homework before taking this tour so that you could capture photographs that would show the differences and similarities between then and now. I especially enjoyed the background music that you chose for this video. It really helps to set the mood and transport the viewer back in time. The information that you shared was spectacular as well. The viewer can tell that this is a topic that is near and dear to your heart. Thank you so much for taking the time to make and share your video and your passion for this design period with us. I look forward to all of your future projects.

[windowtrimmer]

The fact that this store exists, even in partial preservation, is too good to be true. The original design and execution was utterly dignified, formal, deluxe, and respectful to its customers. Seeing this video induces a profound type of nostalgia.

[laurab]

Thank you for documenting this landmark. So glad there’s still people that appreciate history. Very Interesting and fun to watch!

[rossrreyes]

Im very thankful for Pasadenas preservation rules; I lived there as a college student in the 90s and would walk through Bullocks, City Hall, Main Library, The Playhouse, St. Andrews, Gamble House, The Castle Green and Old Town just to be around the timeless, elegant architecture

[lisar]

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to take us on a fabulous virtual tour of this brilliant building. It's so commendable that the building and its interiors have been so respectfully protected and celebrated. So rare these days. It all looks so calm and majestic in all its sweeping horizontatallity. The attention to detail, the craftsmanship, it is just glorious. I would travel all the way from Australia to Pasadena just to visit this design masterpiece. Thank you for the insight and flare. Looking forward to seeing more wonderful content like this on your YouTube channel. Such a treat 🥰

[billpotts]

I'm a former employee who worked at the Pasadena store from 1977 through 1979 in the merchandise display department, and then quit while I tried another job. I was rehired and was offered different jobs until I passed schooling at a trade school. It was a beautiful store, especially at Christmas. The display department has a large budget. A huge tree in the lower level that came in three separate pieces two trees ( decorated on Lake St. We spend five months refurbishing decorations before Christmas. The store was beautiful, had excellent staff, quality merchandise, and wonderful management. I have visited recently and I appreciate the store's historical appearance and history preserved. My son got his first haircut from Saul the children's barber. To me it will ALWAYS be Bullocks. A glimpse into a bygone era. I must say the present staff try hard though. Working there was like being a part of the family. Thanks for the video, many good memories.

[saratea]

5:47 I’m def thinking telephone booth too! Gorgeous job, thank you so much for sharing.

[JohnDoe-xuvx]

It's a beautiful store. I am about 70 years old and remember they had a "tea room" where mostly women would meet for lunch. For many decades I did all my shopping there. Store even has beautiful bathrooms discreetly around the store....nice video

[colleenallen]

Thank you for your tour. When I came to visit relatives in California, Bullocks was the first big department store that I visited. It was at Christmas time in 1959 and the decorations were so beautiful, inside and out. Lake street looked like a winter wonderland. My family soon moved to the Pasadena area, and I had many occasions to shop at Bullocks. Your video tour has brought back many lovely memories. Thank you so much.

[melaniefaught]

Great video! I grew up in Pasadena and have fond memories of Bullocks. The Tea Room had a runway and live models who would walk around the tables wearing clothing from the store. As a young girl in the 70’s I remember taking “etiquette” classes there - we got to walk the runway and model as well. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in such a beautiful city.

[paullewis]

I can remember when this store was Bullocks in the 1980’s. It was great and though Macy’s is not in the same class it’s good to see that the store remains.

[johndelamontaigne]

I grew up in Pasadena in the 60's . My mom brought us to Bullocks many times. Us kids loved playing on the escalators. Mom loved that store. Miss you mom! RIP!

[MarilynsRoomVideo]

Wow this was wonderful!! What a love place. ❤

[aitch]

I feel lucky enough to have visited this store about 10 years ago!
All of South Pasadena is beautiful and tranquil. The Bullocks certainly reminded me of old Dept. stores of my youth in other parts of the country. Nothing this elegant though!. Superb reporting.

[SRLang]

Wow, the kid's barbershop really brings back memories. When I was a small child in the early 70's, Mr. Saul cut my hair regularly in that brightly-colored space. It looks EXACTLY as it did 50 years ago! In the clip, you can see the walls are full mirrors on opposite sides of the room, which always fascinated me because when you sit in those chairs the mirrors make it look like that tiny space goes on forever....