The Great Depression of the 1870s Hits Snohomish
Facing a glut of goods and a collapsing market, local merchants slash prices and scramble to entice struggling settlers.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Owing to the great depression and the extremely low price of goods in the Eastern and California markets, we have bought beyond all reason, and are determined to reduce our stock at prices guaranteed against all competition. Dress Goods in all the new and choice shades. The best, cheapest, and most fashionable stock ever offered for sale on Puget Sound. 50 pieces of dress goods, values at 25 cents per yard, now 15 cents. A reduction of full 25 per cent will be noted in our Clothing Department. A genuine Cassimere suit for $12.50, former price $16.50. Brown duck overalls 50 cents per pair. Our clothing for durability, beauty in pattern, and elegance in style is seldom excelled anywhere, and has never been equalled in this market. An immense assortment of rubber goods, umbrellas, blankets, etc. Send for samples of dress goods. Orders will receive prompt and special attention. Send your orders direct to us. The Arcade, Front Street, Seattle, W.T.
“Owing to the great depression and the extremely low price of goods... we are determined to reduce our stock at prices guaranteed against all competition.”
In 1878, 'The Arcade' faced a nationwide economic depression that forced a desperate, clearance-sale strategy to move inventory. Today, Snohomish small businesses still face similar pressures from global supply chain volatility and shifting consumer habits, showing that the retail struggle is a perennial feature of the town's history.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.