Crescent, The

The Crescent department store, originally known as the Spokane Dry Goods Company, was established in Spokane, Washington, on August 5, 1889, just a day after the Great Fire devastated downtown Spokane. It quickly became the city’s leading department store, largely due to its unique circumstance as the only dry goods store to survive the fire, which allowed it to sell out its entire stock on the first day of business. Founders Robert B. Paterson and Captain James M. Comstock were committed to fairness, choosing not to raise prices during a time of crisis. The store expanded significantly over the years, eventually operating seven locations across Washington (three in Spokane) and Oregon. As a subsidiary of Marshall Field & Company, it was sold to BATUS Retail Group in 1982 and subsequently rebranded as Frederick & Nelson in 1988. However, the chain faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 1992. The Crescent Building, completed in 1919, remains a historic symbol of the store’s legacy, featuring large bay windows and an open, inviting design that encouraged window shopping and social gatherings.

Written by denisebrain