Joplin City Hall decorations celebrate past as Newman's Department Store

(From the City of Joplin)

“Tis the Season at Newman’s Department Store” features past images of the City Hall building when it was a flagship department store drawing many to downtown Joplin.

The three-pane painted vinyl panels resemble a stained-glass effect, and compliment last year’s windows, “Santa’s Stop in Joplin” Both were painted by local muralist Sandra Pemberton.

This year’s windows highlight:

• Newman’s Toyland with several memorable toys from days gone day. Look closely to find an old friend – Boomer the Groundhog! Boomer, a former Visit Joplin mascot, wishes everyone a happy holiday!

• Newspaper ads showing what the best dressed were wearing for the holiday season when being dapper meant everything.

Nostalgia is in the details:

• A “Toyland 2nd Floor” sign paying tribute to the work of Robert O. Isaac, Newman’s window decorator from 1946-1956, whose signs and advertisements were done freehand.

• Newman’s brand proudly displayed on hat boxes and seasonal gift boxes.

• “The Stars Are Out for the Holidays”, a past Newman’s holiday advertisement.