Life Inside Joplin’s Grandest Shopping Destination
When the Newman Brothers Department Store opened its doors on November 21, 1910, it immediately became the crown jewel of downtown Joplin. The steel-framed, seven-story building at the corner of 6th and Main was more than a place to shop. It was a showpiece of modern architecture and retail design, a symbol of the city’s booming economy, and a gathering place for residents from across the Tri-State Mining District. From the grocery counters in the basement to the rooftop garden above the city streets, the store offered a complete shopping experience in a single location.
The basement level was home to the grocery department, where shoppers could purchase everything from fresh produce to imported goods. Clerks weighed and wrapped items by hand, offering personal service that encouraged customers to return regularly. Cases displayed fresh cuts of meat and cheeses, while bins overflowed with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Shelves were stocked with teas, spices, canned goods, and household staples. This was the part of the store where families came not only to shop but to chat with clerks who knew them by name.
The first floor was the realm of dry goods, silks, and fine clothing. Sunlight poured in through the large plate-glass display windows, illuminating rich fabrics and the latest fashions. Elegant mannequins modeled dresses, coats, and accessories while clerks moved efficiently behind polished counters. A pneumatic tube system carried sales slips and payments to a central office, returning change and receipts in seconds, a marvel that fascinated customers.
The second floor catered to men’s needs, offering suits, overcoats, hats, shirts, and shoes. Glass cases displayed fine cufflinks, tie pins, and pocket watches. Tailors were always available for fittings and alterations. It was here that many businessmen purchased their wardrobes, trusting the Newman name for quality.
The third floor was dedicated to women’s wear and accessories. Racks held dresses for every occasion, and tables offered gloves, scarves, and handbags. A women’s rest lounge provided upholstered seating, a quiet atmosphere, and attendants ready to assist. The space gave shoppers a place to relax between purchases, adding a sense of refinement to the experience.
The fourth floor showcased furniture and home furnishings. Customers could stroll through room displays arranged like actual parlors, dining rooms, and bedrooms. From rugs and draperies to lamps and mirrors, the selection appealed to those furnishing new homes or updating old ones. Staff could arrange for delivery, a valuable service when few families owned automobiles.
The fifth floor housed offices and storage space. Store management, bookkeepers, and clerical staff worked here, ensuring that the massive operation ran smoothly. The pneumatic tube system linked these offices with the sales floors, streamlining communication and transactions.
Above it all, the rooftop garden offered something truly unique. Reserved for employees, it provided shaded seating and open-air views of downtown Joplin. It was also the site of special gatherings, including a 1911 reception for Gabriel Newburger and Sol Newman following their business trip to the Orient.
The Newman Brothers Department Store was busy year-round, but nothing matched the atmosphere of the Christmas season. The large display windows became works of art, decorated with elaborate holiday scenes that drew crowds to the sidewalks. Inside, garlands hung from the ceilings, music filled the air, and counters overflowed with toys, gift sets, and seasonal treats. Families brought their children to admire the windows before stepping inside to shop. Gift wrapping was available, allowing customers to leave with packages ready to place under the tree.
Daily life in the store was a carefully choreographed balance of service and spectacle. Clerks knew their regular customers by name, and the store’s departments were arranged to make shopping efficient yet pleasurable. Special events such as fashion shows, seasonal sales, and community gatherings kept the store in the public eye. Whether someone came in for groceries, a new suit, a fine dress, or the latest furniture, they were greeted with the same attention to detail that defined the Newman Brothers brand.
For decades, the Newman Brothers Department Store stood not only as a commercial center but also as a cornerstone of community life in Joplin. Its departments, amenities, and events reflected the optimism of the early twentieth century and the pride of a city at the height of its growth. It was a place where business, elegance, and community spirit met under one roof, leaving an enduring mark on the city’s history.