History, Holidays & Nostalgia

With the holidays on the horizon, Thornes is prepping for another joyful and bustling season of shopping, merriment, and memory-making. It’s also a time to wax nostalgic and reflect back upon holidays of yesteryear and the rich history of the building. From the vibrantly decorated hallways, staircases, and storefronts to the captivating window displays, holiday shopping at Thornes is not just an errand—it’s an experience.

In 1873, the building began as McCallum’s Dry Goods, built by Canadian-born businessman Alexander McCallum, a big player in the silk industry, for his employees. Similar to mining towns, the company store offered a range of goods for the convenience of his staff. McCallum’s silk mill in Northampton, with the motto “You just know she wears them”, became one of the largest producers of full fashion hosiery in the world. After McCallum’s death, the building became a bustling department store, offering a wide array of items, from furniture to home goods to toys. It flourished on Main Street as McCallum’s until larger malls began popping up in the area, forcing out the smaller department stores.

In 1975, Floyd Andrus, a local contractor, bought the building. Envisioning a hub for independent shops, Floyd Andrus  invested in a beautification of the building, including refinishing the mahogany staircases, polishing the oak floors, and stripping the walls back to their beautiful original brick.  In 1976, he replaced frosted window glass with clear glass and mounted a century-old wrought-iron facade.

In 1977, Brinkley and Gordon Thorne, along with their spouses Mazie Cox and Anne Woodhull, purchased the building from Andrus. With their keen interest in the arts, philanthropy, and Brinkley and Mazie’s experience as architects, they were motivated to create a marketplace that was inspired by markets they’d experienced in the Middle East. They also added A.P.E., a creative space on the top floor that served as a hub for visual art and performance.

Thornes Marketplace has become not just a place to shop, but a meeting place for the community and visitors alike. Cedar Chest, which had been on Main Street since 1947, was purchased by the Thornes and moved into its current location, occupying space on the first and second floors. Offering everything from clothing to housewares to bath & body products, it has been beloved since the beginning.

Herrell’s opened in 1980, offering handmade ice cream in a range of creative flavors, innumerable toppings, and their own special hot fudge sauce. With the arrival of Paul & Elizabeth’s restaurant to the building came an opportunity for visitors to the building to take a break and linger over a meal composed of natural foods, made with care and intention.

Since 2006, Thornes has been co-owned by Rich Madowitz, Jody Doele, Russell Jopson, and Doug Kohl (now deceased) who are committed to maintaining the building’s historic beauty, increasing accessibility, and championing its diverse merchants.

If you’ve ever been to Thornes during the holidays, you know it’s a magical time to visit, shop, dine, and meet up with friends and family. From the captivating holiday windows, designed by Carrie Lenard of Lenard Design Group, to the vibrant decorations, buzzy energy, and welcoming vibes, it’s truly an enchanting destination.

As you explore Thornes on your holiday adventure, stop to admire the details—from the stained glass windows to the gleaming floors and staircases. The rich history of the building is truly unique and brings an element of distinctiveness you won’t find anywhere else.