King of Prussia, Pennsylvania - circa late '60s
This is a section of the original King of Prussia Plaza, not the 1981 Court at King of Prussia addition that was added across the street, as a walkway-connected part of this two-building mall complex (similar to Somerset Mall, in Troy, Michigan).
There's a decent history overview of this mall at Wikipedia below, and also the aerial link I've provided is quite spectacular--especially the bird's eye view option! Be sure and take a gander at it.
Mall history: 1963 - present
Developer: Kravco Co. (now Kravco Simon)
Current website: here
Current aerial view
Info from Wikipedia
Previous entries: 1, 2
I kind of like the name because it isn't typical.
ReplyDeleteLived in Kop in 80 and 81 in a rooming house that was actually on the mall property. Being only 20 21 a mall was the. Place to meet others. I still have so many friends from there.
DeleteAnyone remember the sporting good clothing memorabilia store FANFARE? How about THIS END UP FURNITURE? Of course The Purple Cow ,Ground Round and The Newstannd There was a long gone unattached theater I would walk to from my rooming house on Mall property
DeleteIf you have pics of the Court at King of Prussia prior to the 1990s renovation, please do share.
ReplyDeleteI remember that fountain...prior to the 1990s expansion, the King of Prussia Plaza also had two fountains in front of Sears, one in front of Sterns (now JCPenney) and two in front of John Wanamaker (former Strawbridge's) in the one story section of the mall. While the renovations gave the mall a more upscale look, the prior interior design of the KOP Plaza was classic.
KOP wasn't chosen for the mall. It's the name of the town
ReplyDeleteThis picture is classic! Such retro style and trend.
ReplyDeleteYou have to admit, King of Prussia is an unusual name for a locality.
Scott
My eyes bugged out looking at this photo!! Just awesome. I'd loved to have been there when it was still cool like this. Sigh....
ReplyDeleteThe origin of the name King of Prussia stems from the American Revolution. It was a common practice to name small village after the leader of the country who's army was coming tyo occupy your area, in order to minimize damage done by their troops. Subsequently after the Prussian merceniaries left they never changed the name since it was deemed unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteIf you think those names are ODD. You should pay a visit to the little burgs of Blue Balls, Bird In Hand, or the town of Intercourse. All located in what is known as the Pa. Dutch country.
Aren't those names a bit risque for PN Dutch country?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know the restaurant that was located in Strawbridges (Court) up on the third floor throughout the 80's? I think it was a french restaurant.
ReplyDeleteI grew up going to this mall (still live just 5 minutes away) and it is so cool to see these old pictures...Thanks. I remember the old round news stand, the PSFS in the middle of the parking lot, the Kiddie City, the ground round, the ACME....
ReplyDeleteRegarding the restaurant question, there were two eateries at the top of of Bloomingdale's (glass front), one was Le Train Bleu (I worked there in the '80's) and the second was a juice bar named Forty Carrots. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteRegarding the restaurant question, there were two eateries at the top of of Bloomingdale's (glass front), one was Le Train Bleu (I worked there in the '80's) and the second was a juice bar named Forty Carrots. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteRegarding the restaurant question, there were two eateries at the top of of Bloomingdale's (glass front), one was Le Train Bleu (I worked there in the '80's) and the second was a juice bar named Forty Carrots. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteRegarding the restaurant question, there were two eateries at the top of of Bloomingdale's (glass front), one was Le Train Bleu (I worked there in the '80's) and the second was a juice bar named Forty Carrots. Great memories!
ReplyDeleteSheesh... Apologies for the multiple posts-- there were no confirmations of successful posting, just endless requests to type in more Captchas.
ReplyDeleteUp to about 1976 the Plaza featured TONS of small water fountains all over the place as well (most in some sort of octagonal configuration-- to match Wanamaker Store's unique shape): upstairs on either side of Gimbel's entrance (with built in high back wood benches facing the burbling fountains), between Korvette's and JCP gallery entrance (those odd mushroom shaped plumes of water), the clock tower fountain outside (clock up top, fountain below), outside Thrift Drug (this time stained glass canopy above and fountain below). Always had to stop and say HI to the tropical bird cage in the gallery as a kid. Wikipedia and other sites make a big deal about the amphitheater-- it was outside Woolworth's and only seated about 60 at most (it wasn't the size of Wanamakers). Oh the memories. All that water gave a uniquely musty ambiance, though.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with King of Prussia Plaza since before I was a teenager, and still miss the old, pre-renovated mall, with its beautiful fountains and high outdoor clock tower and the giant circular ramp up to the second floor, and the less snobby stores. I even still keep an old mall directory from the good old days.
ReplyDeleteOh, and you can't forget The Purple Cow!
I just left a message about the escalators and the parrot in the cage what was the name of that store I'm pretty old now so this was a long time ago I had such fun at the mall was there like every weekend when I was young and when I was old to thank you I now Lacey
DeleteYes I remember the ramp the old stores the Purple Cow and the parrot in the cage but I think he was only there oh about 8 years maybe what I was wondering is there was a store near the two big escalators that's sold seemed to me like gifts from Sweden I was about 8 to 10 years old this was about 1968 lots of knick knacks kids would like wooden toys thanks I didn't mean to say thanks I meant things does anyone know what the name of this store was
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to remember the name of the parrot. Every time we went to the mall I had to see the parrot and was very disappointed when he wasn’t there☹️
DeleteIt’s named after the town of King of Prussia
ReplyDelete