Rich’s Dept. Store - Most respected business in Atlanta during the Depression
November 2, 1936 - Atlanta is in the midst of the Depression.
Instead of being paid in cash, Atlanta city employees were being paid in scripts. A script was basically an IOU from the government. Workers could get their scripts cashed by various downtown Atlanta businesses. However, the businesses took their cut of the payment. A script worth say $100 would get $80. Very similar to how current day check cashing offices works.
However, the one business in Atlanta that was cashing employees scripts at 100% was Rich’s department store. This built alot of loyalty to the store after the Depression. Many Atlantans opened Rich’s credit cards after the Depression.
Here’s an image of what people were making in Atlanta back in 1936. White teachers salaries were $30 a week. A black teacher made about 2/3 that amount.
Maybe some transients to Atlanta or younger folk aren’t familiar with Rich’s. It was bought out by Macy’s back in 2003.
Interesting Fact: Founder of Rich’s Department Store - Morris Rich - is buried in Atlanta at the famous, Oakland Cemetary
For another look back in Atlanta history - check out my entry on when Atlanta was burned down: http://www.about-atlantaga.com/what-would-i-be-doing-today-in-atlanta-back-in-1864/
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