Wearing Lost Westfield Area Businesses is Fun History

Mr Local History loves history with a social twist. It’s our motto! So we thought: How fun would it be to share some of the most loved Westfield, New Jersey businesses that have disappeared? (Two of our Trustees grew up in Westfield, in case you’re wondering why us.) We call it the “Wear Lost Local History” collection, actual businesses that once operated in Westfield, pulled from real ads including real addresses and real phone numbers!

We started researching and then put our artist team to work to recreate an offering of vintage retro clothing and accessories that honor the history of these great businesses that we all remember. We call it our “Wear Local History Collection.” All proceeds go towards funding research and education programs for the non-profit Mr. Local History Project, a 501c3 charity IRS registered non-profit organization.

Vintage Businesses In the Westfield Area Collection

Arnold’s Restaurant, Auster’s Appliances, Betz & Bischoff Realtors, Clark Lanes, Clement Brothers Fuel, Drug Fair, Dukes Subs, Echo Lanes, Elm Deli, Elm Radio, Excellent Diner, Fotomat, Friendlys, Geigers, Gino Burgers and Chicken, Greco Roman Restaurant, Greco Steam Carpet Cleaning, Hahnes, Hills Ice Cream, Jane Smith, Jarvis Pharmacy, Jolly Trolley, Lancasters Ltd., The Leader Store, The Music Staff, Oakland House, Play Fair and Tiny Tots, Ralph’s Amoco, Rialto Theater, Robert Treat Deli, Roots Sweet Shop, Ted’s Smoke Shop, The Cheese Shop, White Diamond, and Woolworth’s 5 & 10.

Here are just a few memories of real advertisements MLH used to digitally recreate each iconic store for you to “Wear Local History” – ENJOY!

The non-profit Mr. Local History Project has partnered with online retailer Redbubble, an internet-based company that prepares our artwork into several styles and products. They process and ship directly to you. We’ll continue to grow the collection based on your thoughts and feedback. So, if you miss a place, let us know, and we’ll see what we can do. MLH is a non-profit 501c3 organization with a mission to preserve and promote Jersey History with a social twist. Honesty, we only make $1 or 2 on each sale, so it’s more about fostering history and less about making money.

Each item is from advertisements we’ve researched back when they were in business. The addresses and telephone numbers are original from their time.

Want to Recommend a Lost Iconic Westfield Area Business?

Maybe we’re missing a business chain, and you want to add it to the collection. Post your feedback in the comments section below, and we’ll see what we can do.

Check back often for new additions to the collection. If you place an order, please post a comment below once you receive your item(s). This is our first time using this vendor, so we’d love your thoughts.

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