Twenty-eight tenants opened for business in March 1959 (a Hecht Company department store and Grand Union grocery had been inaugurated in the fall of 1958). G.C. Murphy became one of the final charter tenants, when it opened its doors in August of 1959.

Advert from Eastern Shopping Centers   

A view of the original mall's Main Entrance. This was flanked by several flag poles, which created a "Court of Flags." This feature was used in other malls of the period, such as Boston's NORTHSHORE CENTER and Philly's KING OF PRUSSIA PLAZA.

Photo from Library of Congress 

Behind the Court of Flags was a large porte cochere.

Photo from Library of Congress

A high definition image shows the mall's open Center Court area. Hahn Shoes is seen on the left, along with Hecht's. Far in the distance is A.S. Beck Shoes.

Photo from https://www.shorpy.com / Shorpy The American Historical Photo Archive