55-405: Allsteel was founded in 1912 as Allsteelequip Company and started out manufacturing custom metal objects, especially electrical equipment. The name was changed in 1929 to All-Steel-Equip Company. In the 1920s, the company began to branch out and started producing kitchen cabinets and refrigerated food lockers. Requests for metal file cabinets were becoming common, so the company bought out a supplier,
110-516: A mental institution . Meanwhile, Susan shows Kris a magazine photo of her dream house and tells him she wants it for Christmas. Kris promises to do his best. In the company cafeteria, young employee Alfred tells Kris that Sawyer convinced him that he is unstable simply because he enjoys dressing as Santa Claus. Kris immediately confronts Sawyer, eventually striking him on the head with an umbrella. Sawyer, outraged, brings Kris to Bellevue Hospital . Tricked into cooperating and believing Doris to be in on
165-522: A New York Post Office mail sorter sees Susan's letter, addressed to Kris at the New York courthouse, he suggests delivering all of the dead letters addressed to Santa Claus to Kris and freeing up storage space. As court resumes, Fred is informed of the mail delivery; he argues that the Post Office , a branch of the U.S. federal government, has acknowledged that Kris is the one and only Santa Claus by delivering
220-563: A New York-based firm, was the overall master plan architect of the project, with Kevin Kennon Architects providing the exterior and entryway designs. The renovations completed in November 2015 but Macy's continues to modify the store to suit changing customer tastes and maximize return on the real estate. In 2016, the company explored adding one or two towers to the building to house hotel or office space. The next year, it considered turning
275-448: A TV spot. In November 2006, it was re-released as a two-disc "Special Edition" DVD, with disc one containing an "all new colorized version" carried out by Legend Films . The second disc had the original version and numerous extras, including The 20th Century Fox Hour ' s 1955 TV remake . Both discs also included a full-length audio commentary by Maureen O'Hara. The B&W disc has since been re-released several times, including in
330-460: A cane Kris owns. They both begin to ponder whether Kris really is Santa Claus. Throughout the process of getting this script accepted by the PCA , the movie underwent multiple different title changes, starting as My Heart Tells Me and then progressing into The Big Heart , It's Only Human , Meet Me at Dawn , and finally ended with the name Miracle on 34th Street . These title changes all happened within
385-467: A cousin. Macy died just two years later in 1877 from Bright's disease . La Forge died in 1878 and Valentine died in 1879. Ownership of the company was passed down through the Macy family until 1895, when the company, now called "R. H. Macy & Co.", was acquired by Isidor Straus and his brother Nathan Straus , who had previously held a license to sell china and other goods in the Macy's store. In 1902,
440-515: A four-month time period. These title changes occurred while the filmmakers were fixing any other discrepancies that the PCA required them to fix before the production of the film could begin. O'Hara was initially reluctant to take the role, having recently moved back to post-war Ireland. She immediately changed her mind after reading the script and came back to the United States for the film. John Payne
495-527: A new store named "R.H Macy Dry Goods" at Sixth Avenue on the corner of 14th Street . On the company's first day of business on October 28, 1858, sales totaled $ 11.08, equivalent to $ 389.48 today. From the very beginning, Macy's logo has included a star in one form or another, echoing a red star-shaped tattoo that Macy got as a teenager when he worked on a Nantucket whaling ship. As the business grew, Macy's expanded into neighboring buildings, opening more department stores, and used publicity devices such as
550-455: A one-hour adaptation of the movie on three occasions: on December 22, 1947, which starred the original cast including Natalie Wood; on December 20, 1948, without Natalie Wood's participation; and on December 21, 1954. There were also two broadcasts on Screen Directors Playhouse : as a half-hour play on December 23, 1949; and then as a one-hour play on December 21, 1950. All of these adaptations had Edmund Gwenn reprising his screen role. It
605-562: A pairing with the 1994 remake. In October 2009, 20th Century Fox released the B&;W version on Blu-ray with all previous extras, bar the TV remake. In 2017, the film was restored in 4K resolution ; so far this version is only available via DCP . A 1994 feature film starred Richard Attenborough , Elizabeth Perkins , Dylan McDermott , J. T. Walsh , Timothy Shea, James Remar , Jane Leeves , Simon Jones , William Windom and Mara Wilson . It
SECTION 10
#1733105895458660-412: A store Santa Claus , themed exhibits, and illuminated window displays to draw in customers. The store later moved to 18th Street and Broadway , on the " Ladies' Mile ", the elite shopping district of the time, where it remained for nearly forty years. In 1875, Macy took on two partners, Robert M. Valentine (1850–1879), a nephew; and Abiel T. La Forge (1842–1878) of Wisconsin , who was the husband of
715-445: A witness and gets him to admit that he believes Santa Claus exists. Macy then fires Sawyer. Next, Fred calls Mara's own young son, who testifies that his father told him that Santa is real. Mara concedes the point, but goes on to demand that Fred prove that Kris is "the one and only" Santa Claus on the basis of a competent authority by the following day. Meanwhile, Susan writes Kris a letter to cheer him up, which Doris also signs. When
770-514: A woman to another store to fulfill her son's Christmas request. Impressed, the woman informs Shellhammer that she will become a loyal Macy's customer. Attorney Fred Gailey, Doris's neighbor, takes Doris's daughter, Susan, to see Santa. After hearing Kris speak Dutch to an orphan girl from the Netherlands , Susan is amazed. Doris, who has raised Susan to not believe in fairy tales , asks Kris to tell Susan "the truth", but Kris insists that he really
825-519: A wonderful film, Miracle on 34th Street delivers a warm holiday message without resorting to treacle." The Catholic Legion of Decency gave the movie a "B", "morally objectionable in part" rating. This was mainly due to the fact that O'Hara portrayed a divorcée in the film. Gwenn won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role , Valentine Davies for Best Writing, Original Story and George Seaton for Best Writing, Screenplay . The film
880-417: Is Santa Claus. Worried, Doris decides to fire Kris, but R. H. Macy , the store's owner, promises bonuses to Doris and Shellhammer because of the positive publicity Kris has given the store. To alleviate Doris's misgivings, Shellhammer suggests Granville Sawyer administer a "psychological evaluation". After doing so, Sawyer is convinced Kris has a grandiose delusion and insists for Kris to be fired and put in
935-496: Is changed to Karen in this version. This would prove to be the final version in which the department store was actually Macy's. David Doyle, who played R. H. Macy in this version, had played Mr. Sawyer in the original Broadway cast of Here's Love 10 years earlier. In 2012, the flagship Macy's Department Store at Herald Square in New York City featured a 30-minute puppet version of the story within its Santaland display, featuring
990-502: Is served by the New York City Subway 's 34th Street–Herald Square station . Macy's was founded by Rowland Hussey Macy , who between 1843 and 1855 opened four retail dry goods stores, including the original Macy's store in downtown Haverhill, Massachusetts , established in 1851 to serve the mill industry employees of the area. They all failed, but he learned from his mistakes. He moved to New York City in 1858 and established
1045-488: The George Floyd protests in New York City , 17 people attempted to loot Macy's Herald Square as part of a series of looting incidents around Midtown Manhattan but were thwarted by NYPD. The store had been boarded up on May 31 in advance of the protests, but looters took the boards apart. Though physical damage was limited, The New York Times reported that it was symbolic of Macy's financial troubles, which had resulted after
1100-666: The lateral file in 1967, with production beginning in 1969, and it became a huge commercial success. The company restructured after the merger with B.K. Johl, and in 1973 renamed its furniture divisions All-Steel Inc. and All-Steel Canada Ltd., both of which reduced to Allsteel in 1986. Allsteel was bought and sold by a number of different holding companies and finally merged into HNI Corporation in 1998. Its archives are held by Past Present Future (a furniture restoration store) in Minneapolis. Miracle on 34th Street Miracle on 34th Street (initially released as The Big Heart in
1155-813: The movie posters prominently featured O'Hara and Payne, with Gwenn's character kept in the background. The film opened in New York City at the Roxy Theatre on June 4, 1947. By contrast, modern home video packaging has Gwenn and Wood dominating the imagery, with the DVD release having Kringle in his Santa Claus costume. Miracle on 34th Street mostly received positive reviews from critics. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times said: "For all those blasé skeptics who do not believe in Santa Claus—and likewise for all those natives who have grown cynical about New York—but most especially for all those patrons who have grown weary of
SECTION 20
#17331058954581210-678: The Aurora Metal Cabinet Company, in 1936 to enter this market. After World War II, All-Steel-Equip began manufacturing desks, starting in 1947. It introduced bookcases, telephone stands and credenzas soon afterward. Also in 1947, the company's Los Angeles showroom appeared in Miracle on 34th Street . To complete its line of office furniture, All-Steel-Equip bought the Shepherd Chair Company of Melrose Park, Illinois and redesigned their products. All-Steel's line of office furniture
1265-546: The December 2005 issue of Classic Images . A 1973 television version featured Jane Alexander , David Hartman , Roddy McDowall , Sebastian Cabot as Kris (without his natural beard; he was forced to shave and wear a false beard for the role), Suzanne Davidson, Jim Backus , David Doyle and Tom Bosley . It was adapted by Jeb Rosebrook from the George Seaton screenplay, and directed by Fielder Cook . Mrs. Walker's first name
1320-537: The United Kingdom) is a 1947 American Christmas comedy-drama film released by 20th Century-Fox , written and directed by George Seaton and based on a story by Valentine Davies . It stars Maureen O'Hara , John Payne , Natalie Wood , and Edmund Gwenn . The story takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City , and focuses on the effect of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be
1375-577: The United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". The Academy Film Archive preserved Miracle on 34th Street in 2009. Davies also wrote a short novelization of the tale, which was published by Harcourt Brace simultaneously with the film's release. On the morning of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ,
1430-561: The deception, Kris deliberately fails his examination and is recommended for permanent commitment. However, Fred persuades Kris not to give up and represents him in court. At a hearing before Judge Henry X. Harper, District Attorney Thomas Mara gets Kris to assert that he is Santa Claus and rests his case, asking Harper to rule that Santa does not exist. In private, Harper's political adviser, Charlie Halloran, warns him that doing so would be disastrous for his upcoming reelection bid. Harper buys time by hearing further evidence. Fred calls Macy as
1485-486: The department store cafeteria line during a weekday lunch-rush". When Maureen O'Hara requested a special police escort for a Christmas shopping spree through Macy's he said "I know New Yorkers. They aren't going to pay any attention to you. And don't wear a bandanna around your head or dark glasses. Just be normal." Although the film is set during the Christmas season, studio head Darryl F. Zanuck , who apparently didn't like
1540-466: The film, insisted that it be released in May, arguing that more people go to the movies in warmer weather. The studio rushed to promote it while keeping its Christmas setting a secret. Fox's promotional trailer depicted a fictional producer roaming the studio backlot and encountering such stars as Rex Harrison , Anne Baxter , Peggy Ann Garner , and Dick Haymes extolling the virtues of the film. In addition,
1595-476: The first full-length black and white films to be colorized . The 4½-month process was carried out by Color Systems Technology, Inc. In 1993, this version was released on VHS and LaserDisc , and was followed four years later by a "50th Anniversary Edition" on both formats, remastered by THX . The first DVD release was in October 1999, featuring the original version alongside the original theatrical trailer and
1650-471: The flagship store moved uptown to Herald Square at 34th Street and Broadway, so far north of the other main dry-goods emporia that it had to offer a steam wagonette to transport customers from 14th Street to 34th Street. Although the Herald Square store initially consisted of just one building, it expanded through new construction, eventually occupying almost the entire block bounded by Seventh Avenue on
1705-500: The largest department store in the United States and among the largest in the world. The store has an in-store jail, Room 140, where customers suspected of shoplifting are detained. The Macy's building was completed in 1902 after the store had occupied several previous locations in New York City. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was made a National Historic Landmark in 1978. The building
All-Steel Equipment Company - Misplaced Pages Continue
1760-406: The largest store in the world: it is largely supposed that Smith, who was a neighbor of the Macy's store on 14th Street, was acting on behalf of Siegel-Cooper , which had built what they thought was the world's largest store on Sixth Avenue in 1896. Macy's ignored the tactic, and simply built around the building, which now carries Macy's "shopping bag" sign by lease arrangement. That building earned
1815-561: The letters. When the judge insists on seeing the letters, postal employees bring multiple heavy bags of letters to Harper's desk. Harper dismisses the case. Kris invites Fred, Doris and Susan to a Christmas Day celebration at the facility where he resides, the Brooks’ Memorial Home for the Aged. Susan is sad because what she asked for is not under the tree and loses faith in Kris when he admits he
1870-548: The location was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City . Macy's is noted for its elaborate animated holiday and Christmas window displays in many of its U.S. stores, but most notably at the Herald Square location. Each year presents a different theme shown in six windows on the Broadway side of the building. Each window includes animated displays with complex scenery, attracting thousands of viewers. Since 2012,
1925-489: The man playing Santa Claus is drunk. An old man named Kris Kringle discovers this and indignantly complains to event director Doris Walker. Noticing that Kris resembles Santa Claus, Doris persuades Kris to play Santa in the parade himself. Kris is well received and is subsequently hired to play Santa at Macy's New York City store on 34th Street . The toy department head, Mr. Shellhammer, instructs Kris to recommend overstocked items to undecided shoppers. Instead, Kris directs
1980-539: The monotonies of the screen, let us heartily recommend the Roxy's new picture, Miracle on 34th Street . As a matter of fact, let's go further: let's catch its spirit and heartily proclaim that it is the freshest little picture in a long time, and maybe even the best comedy of this year." A critic for the BBC called it "a clever and deeply original story, that remains true and confident in direction, while delivering considerable charm all
2035-483: The name Million Dollar Corner when it was finally sold for a then record $ 1 million on December 6, 1911. The original Broadway store was designed in 1901 and 1902 by architects Theodore de Lemos and A. W. Cordes under their architecture firm De Lemos & Cordes, and was erected by the Fuller Construction Company . It has a Palladian facade , but has been updated in many details. Other additions to
2090-620: The nearby area. In August 2014, Macy's agreed to a $ 650,000 penalty proposed by the New York Attorney General to settle a number of claims of racial profiling and false detention involving nearly two dozen African-American, Latino and other customers at the Herald Square store who had lodged complaints in February 2013. As part of the deal, the retail group agreed to introduce policies to ensure all customers were treated equally regardless of race or ethnicity. On June 1–2, 2020, during
2145-446: The novella, and the stage setting is distinctly late 1940s. Production rights are held by Samuel French, Inc. A 1955 one-hour television adaptation of the movie starred Thomas Mitchell as Kris, Macdonald Carey as Fred, Teresa Wright as Doris, and Sandy Descher as Susan. This version did not show the drunken Santa at all. Titled The Miracle on 34th Street , it originally aired as an episode of The 20th Century Fox Hour . It
2200-432: The original version) played a doorman. The 1994 remake of the film had a more serious tone than the original 1947 film had and a large portion of the plot was rewritten, although the majority of both the plot and the characters remained intact. The 1994 film also added a subtext which described concerns about religious faith. There are numerous remakes of the movie, as well as a Broadway musical. Lux Radio Theatre aired
2255-401: The real Santa. The film has become a perennial Christmas favorite. Miracle on 34th Street won three Academy Awards : Gwenn for Best Actor in a Supporting Role , Valentine Davies for Best Writing, Original Story , and George Seaton for Best Writing, Screenplay . The film was nominated for Best Picture , losing to Gentleman's Agreement . In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in
All-Steel Equipment Company - Misplaced Pages Continue
2310-416: The shots we needed, and we got to do each scene only once," Maureen O'Hara recalled in her memoir. "It was bitterly cold that day, and Edmund and I envied Natalie (Wood) and John Payne, who were watching the parade from a window." Arthur Jacobson , assistant director, filmed the Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving morning with nine cameras simultaneously. He said he "plunked actors Edmund Gwenn and Natalie Wood in
2365-415: The structure's roof into a park. Macy's unveiled plans in 2019 to build a 1.2-million-square-foot (110,000 m ) office building atop the existing store. The following February, the plans were updated: the tower would be over 900 feet (270 m) tall and consist of 1.5 million square feet (140,000 m ) of space, including a sky lobby. The tower's construction would also include improvements to
2420-562: The voices of Broadway stars Brian Stokes Mitchell and Victoria Clark . Streaming audio Macy%27s Herald Square Macy's Herald Square (originally named the R. H. Macy and Company Store ) is the flagship of Macy's department store, as well as the Macy's, Inc. corporate headquarters, on Herald Square in Manhattan , New York City. The building's 2.5 million square feet (230,000 m ), which includes 1.25 million square feet (116,000 m ) of retail space, makes it
2475-475: The west were completed in 1924 and 1928, and the Seventh Avenue building in 1931, all designed by architect Robert D. Kohn , the newer buildings becoming increasingly Art Deco in style. The store boasts several wooden escalators still in operation. In 2012, Macy's began the first full renovation of the flagship store at a reported cost of $ 400 million (~$ 525 million in 2023). Studio V Architecture ,
2530-414: The west, Broadway on the east, 34th Street on the south and 35th Street on the north, with the exception of a small pre-existing building on the corner of 35th Street and Seventh Avenue and another on the corner of 34th Street and Broadway. Robert H. Smith purchased this latter 5-story building in 1900 for $ 375,000 (equivalent to $ 11,293,411 in 2023) with the idea of getting in the way of Macy's becoming
2585-404: The while." The film is considered by many to be one of the best films of 1947, and it has been dubbed a "Christmas classic" by several publications. On Rotten Tomatoes , the film holds an approval rating of 96% based on reviews from 52 critics, with an average rating of 8.5/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "Irrefutable proof that gentle sentimentalism can be the chief ingredient in
2640-492: The windows have been designed, fabricated and animated by Standard Transmission Productions, based in Red Hook, Brooklyn . In summer 2007, Macy's mounted a public art exhibition at the Herald Square flagship, using its windows to display pieces from fashion designers Misaki Kawai , Anna Sui , and John F. Simon Jr. Art Under Glass was viewable to the public through that year's fashion week . Other events include: Through
2695-540: Was adapted by John Hughes from the Seaton script, and directed by Les Mayfield . Due to Macy's refusal to give permission to use its name, it was replaced by the fictitious "Cole's". "We feel the original stands on its own and could not be improved upon," said Laura Melillo, a spokeswoman for Macy's. Gimbels no longer existed by 1994 so its name was replaced by the name of the fictional "Shopper's Express". Alvin Greenman (Alfred in
2750-440: Was adapted for Australian radio in 1954 as There is a Santa Claus with a script by Morris West . A 1963 Broadway musical version, entitled Here's Love , was written by Meredith Willson . The novella was adapted into a stage play by Will Severin, Patricia Di Benedetto Snyder and John Vreeke in 2000. It is a favorite in many community and regional theaters during the Christmas season. The characters' names are those used in
2805-531: Was later re-run as "Meet Mr. Kringle". Ed Wynn played Kris in a 1959 television adaptation of the movie. Also featured was Orson Bean . It was broadcast live and in color on NBC the day after Thanksgiving. NBC made a kinescope of the program, probably for broadcasting opening night on the West Coast. The copy was in a large collection of kinescopes donated by NBC to the Library of Congress and later unearthed by Richard Finegan, who reported his experiences in
SECTION 50
#17331058954582860-425: Was nominated for Best Picture , losing to Gentleman's Agreement . American Film Institute lists: In 2005, Miracle on 34th Street was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Miracle on 34th Street was first released on VHS and LaserDisc in 1987. In 1985, it became one of
2915-475: Was on suspension at the studio and took the role to get back into work however it was his last film for Fox. Cecil Kellaway turned down the role of Kris Kringle, which eventually went to his cousin Edmund Gwenn. Miracle on 34th Street was shot on location in New York City, with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade sequences filmed live while the 1946 parade was happening. "It was a mad scramble to get all
2970-403: Was unable to get her the house she wanted. However, after Kris offers Fred and Doris a route home that avoids traffic, Susan sees her dream house with a "For Sale" sign out front; Susan becomes ecstatic and runs through the house. Fred learns that Doris had encouraged Susan to have faith and suggests they get married and purchase the house. Fred and Doris then see a cane in the house that looks like
3025-410: Was wildly successful and by 1966 it was the third-largest producer of steel office furniture worldwide. Its products are known for durability, and many are still in use while others have been restored by antique furniture dealers. The company was acquired in 1966 by C.I.T. Financial , a holding group, and was merged with B.K. Johl , a Canadian manufacturer of office furniture. All-Steel-Equip pioneered
#457542