I lived in Des Moines in 1968 and recall going to the mall a few times to see movies, buy records or eat at Bishop's. Since I didn't drive, I depended on friends so did most of my shopping downtown. Used to eat lunch at Kresge's and get my hair cut at Younkers salon. Fond memories of that time.
@corntastrophy I was just making the point that it was the FIRST enclosed mall in the city of Des Moines. Also, for many years, it had stores throughout the building on the north and south sides and on both levels. I went there often as a kid in the late 1960's through the 1970's.
I saw my first color TV at Sears. It drew a crowd. Dad also took our 58 Chevy station wagon to Sears to have seat belts installed. There was a great toy store where I could by Varney HO freight car kits for $1.
I haven't lived here long but have visited this mall quite a bit. I appreciate this history... I am sorry I missed its heyday. I think I heard just recently the the Buccaneers plan has been scrapped.
the buccaneer arena at merle hay mall has not been completed yet. I was there Saturday and earlier today, I haven't seen anything happen yet. but yes kohls moved where sears used to be.
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I lived in Des Moines in 1968 and recall going to the mall a few times to see movies, buy records or eat at Bishop's. Since I didn't drive, I depended on friends so did most of my shopping downtown. Used to eat lunch at Kresge's and get my hair cut at Younkers salon. Fond memories of that time.
My dad thoroughly enjoyed Bishops Cafeteria. I remember overloading on French fries when I was a kid.
A great place to eat. I was a busboy in the downtown cafeteria when I was sixteen.
Park Fair Shopping Center on Euclid Ave. In Des Moines, Iowa, was the first indoor Malll opened in 1956.
Keyword being was. It's just a strip mall with a bunch of offices downstairs. Merle Hay is still at least a mall
@corntastrophy I was just making the point that it was the FIRST enclosed mall in the city of Des Moines. Also, for many years, it had stores throughout the building on the north and south sides and on both levels. I went there often as a kid in the late 1960's through the 1970's.
@@davidfleming8688 I know. Merle Hay was an outlet mall. Altoona Mall replaced that niche, but I don't like the stores there as much.
We used to go to this mall all of the time. It's really changed alot. But this brings back a ton of great memories ❤
I saw my first color TV at Sears. It drew a crowd. Dad also took our 58 Chevy station wagon to Sears to have seat belts installed. There was a great toy store where I could by Varney HO freight car kits for $1.
Thank you Eric,for this upload!.😎
I haven't lived here long but have visited this mall quite a bit. I appreciate this history... I am sorry I missed its heyday. I think I heard just recently the the Buccaneers plan has been scrapped.
this is correct
the buccaneer arena at merle hay mall has not been completed yet. I was there Saturday and earlier today, I haven't seen anything happen yet. but yes kohls moved where sears used to be.
I remember David's Bazaar. I used to get fancy cigarettes and look at the pipes and statutes and the chess sets.
I remember the early days.
I still go to this mall because of Jay's CD and hobby and gamestop
Those arena plans for the Buccaneers fell through.
Many facts in this video are wrong!
We all know why this mall failed.
online shopping and apathy
It was good til it wrecked Sears and Younkers.
sears and younkers wrecked themselves
@orangepower1975 You got a point. Kohl's is a survivor to Merle Hay. It is hanging on by The Grace of God. May it last