1950s Lit Brothers Straw Turban Hat | Velvet Trim & Illusion Veil

Lit Brothers began in 1891 as a millinery shop run by Rachel P. Lit at 8th and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Her offer of free hat trimming quickly drew crowds, and with the help of her brothers, the store expanded into a full-block department store by 1907. 

The flagship location eventually incorporated 33 separate buildings behind a unified Renaissance Revival facade, creating a distinctive cast-iron landmark. Lit Brothers built its reputation as a moderately priced alternative to more upscale competitors like Wanamaker’s and Gimbels, drawing shoppers with its millinery salon, bustling bargain basement, and festive holiday windows. 

Despite its success, the store closed in 1977 following the collapse of its parent company, City Stores. The historic building remained vacant until the late 1980s, when developers transformed it into the Mellon Independence Center, now known as Market Place East. Today, the ornate facade still anchors the block, preserving the legacy of one of Philadelphia’s most iconic department stores.