As a grand opening attraction, Dayton, Ohio's Richard "Dixie" Blandy attempted a world's record pole sitting. He was perched 50 feet above the parking lot for 18 days. Spectacles such as this were a common feature of mid-20th century shopping center dedications.
Graphic from Froedtert Enterprises, Incorporated
SOUTHGATE CENTER TENANTS 1951:
KRAMBO FOODS / S.S. KRESGE 5 & 10 (with luncheonette) / W.T. GRANT / WALGREEN DRUG (with luncheonette) / Badger Paint & Hardware / Bitker Gerner ladies' wear / Friedman's men's wear / G.R. Kinney Shoes / H.T. Grossman Carpeting / Joseph, Your Hair Stylist / Luber's Super Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market / Mrs. Steven's Candies / Nu-Way Shoe Service / Ritz Hat Shop / Roderick's Card & Gift Shop / Royal Bakery / Samsons Home Appliances / Singer Sewing Center / Spic & Span Dry Cleaners / Three Sisters ladies' wear
A circa-'52 view of SOUTHGATE CENTER. Looking southward, we see Samsons Home Appliances and the original Krambo Foods supermarket. In the background is a pylon promoting the W. T. Grant ("Grants") variety store.
Photo https://collections.lib.uwm.edu / University of Wisconsin Milwaukee / Harold Mayer
Grants opened their SOUTHGATE store in September 1951. It was among the first Grants built as part of a suburban shopping center.
Drawing from W. T. Grant Company Annual Report 1951
