1970s - Chicago - Marshall Field's - Marklin layout? Anyone else recall this?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I was reading a book that was talking about different electrification methods for track, and Marklin was mentioned. This reminded me of a layout I saw when I was a kid growing up in Chicago during the 1970s.

The State Street department stores were always part of the Christmas shopping trip, specifically Marshall Field’s and Carson Pirie Scott. And the toy departments were always a favorite stop. (Field’s also had, and still has, a room with a huge tree in it at Christmastime, but it takes forever to get seated.)

In the 1970s, the toy department occupied a couple of large rooms; today, it is a small corner with rather uninspiring items. But back in the day, they had a large HO layout of European style, I distinctly recall the catenary lines, but I don’t know if they had the studded track as well. I remember staring at that layout every time we went to visit, since it was so rich with detail.

Does anyone know if there are any pictures of that layout anywhere? Or even if it was Marklin?

2

I worked at MF in the 60’s & 70’s. THey did carry Marklin trains. I don;t remember how large the HO scale layout was. THey also had a display with the new Zscale trains. THe colorful Euro style streamliners or bullet trains looked like snakes compared to the big HO.

Sadly, the only thing that remains of the store today is the name on the door & Frangos. The mints may continue after the name on the door changes.