Frederick & Nelson

I enjoyed Ann's book on Frederick and Nelson very much. In the book she took me back to a place which was one of shopping and fashion shows with my mother. The playroom where I made my share of straw and paper necklaces and best of all, my trips to Santa each year where I received my candycane from Mrs.Claus,gave Santa my list with careful instructions and always hugged Aunt Holly and Uncle Misletoe. What a gift Ann has given us with this most interesting historical chronicle of one of Seattle's most beloved stores.

To explain my phobia of small chocolate objects I have to back to the summer of 1966. Seventeen years old, I stepped off the elevator on the Tenth floor of Frederick and Nelson and into the candy kitchen -- the fragrant and chaotic home of the Frango Mint. The next three months were a whirl of penuche half-dips, walnut topped butter creams and, of course, the ever present Frango. I will never forget the cooling belt, (my first assignment), where gleaming brown rectangles emerged from a stainless steel tunnel, like small chocolate bats from hell, flying towards me and the other white-hatted staff waiting to transfer them to the wrapping trays. Soon, not sugarplums, but visions of lemon, mocha, and dark chocolate Frangos began to dance in my head. After a week of Frango grappling I had a sort of a frantic Frango fit and was discreetly moved from the belt to assist the hand dippers -- lining up nougat centers and checking the chocolate temps. It was, however, too late. The damage had been done. Ever since that day, over 40 years ago, even a slightly salty-sweet mint smell would put my heart into an arrhythmic state. I told my husband that when I used to scream in the night, monsters were after me, but really it was the Frangos -- glossy -- malevolent -- swooping towards me in a never-ending flow. You can imagine my delight when browsing through Ann Wendell's new Images of America, Frederick and Nelson Book, that I was finally able to view the picture of the frighting Frango belt on page ninety-three with equanimity. I believe this is because her well researched and entertaining introduction followed by the nostalgic photos and pithy captions in the succeeding pages did such an excellent job of reminding me of all the reasons I have to love that old store. Ms. Wendell's smooth prose style and her selection of both amusing and poignant photographic memories will transport you back to an age of elegance that is sorely missed in todays, "wadda ya want", school of retailing. From the cool formality of the Tea Room to the hilarious Christmas reindeer debacle, you too can read and view your way very pleasantly through decades of F & N quality, integrity, and service. As a true child of the Frederick and Nelson tradition Ms. Wendell combines attention to detail with a discerning style to provide both a satisfying journey into the past and a good read. This book will put a smile on the face anyone who finds magic in times gone by; anyone who can remember dropping off parcels with the doorman, leaving a note for their Aunt Millie in the message book at the top of the sixth street entrance staircase or the delicious, melting taste of their first Frango. Even me -- smiling and a Frango-phobic no more, I am quite sure that through the clever use of literary therapy, I am now cured of the curse of the demon mint.