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Only those who have lived in Tustin for 30 or
40 years remember that once there were shops
within walking distance of the middle of Old
Town for almost anything you'd want to buy.
There were dozens of clothing shops, yardage
shops, men’s shops and shoe shops as well as
several jewelers.
Mention Claire McNair’s Sax of Tustin to a woman
who has lived in the Tustin area for many years
and you’ll elicit memories of its elegant decor,
sophisticated atmosphere and clothes that
were-to-die-for, even after you’d peeked at the
price tag. No other store in town came close to
it for elegance and chic.
Women who were in their teens in the ‘70s and
‘80s often sigh as they remember the prom
dresses and school clothes that their mothers
purchased for them at The Jabberwocky, that
quaint little red building in Old Town. Some are
alumnae of its fashion board and recall the
great fashion shows Margaret Pottenger organized
before school started each year. Dorri’s also
specialized in clothes for teens.
Today there’s one shoe store in Tustin, but once
the town had a handful, or should I say foot
full, of shoe stores. Sellers, Miller’s,
Kelly’s, Reeves, Wayne's Bootery, House of Van
and The Athlete’s Foot were scattered across
Tustin Heights, Tustin Square, Larwin Square and
The Courtyard shopping centers. You could buy
everything from Stride Rite for the kids to
athletic shoes or evening slippers.
Naha’s in the Tustin Heights shopping center was
Tustin’s first department store, with Kresge’s
over in Larwin Square its first mass
merchandiser. Shops for women’s clothes
abounded. The ladies could choose from
Mildred’s, Suburban Shop, Sallies Shop, The
Village Shoppe, Cinnamon & Co Boutique,
Serendipity, Tiki Togs and Janette’s.
Men and children, too, were well provided for.
Steven’s Men’s Shop, Charles Edwards,
Henderson’s and Sunny Smith all served Tustin’s
males. Bergstrom’s, Kids Mart, Wizard of Togs
and Baby News catered to the younger set.
Patterson’s Jewelry, which traces its heritage
back to the 1930s when it was owned by A. H.
Hibbet who later sold out to Albert Farnsworth,
had competition including Larwin Square Jewelry,
Crest Jewelry and the Diamond Exchange.
Building was thriving at that time and there was
a choice of home furnishings and gift shops in
downtown Tustin. Lee’s Lamp’s, Bennett Carpet
Co., Red Hill Carpets, RoseMarie Draperies,
Hamilton House, Kitchen Things, Pretty Potty,
Erma’s Gift Box and Carl’s Party House were
among those offering a wide variety of household
items.
During that era, most women sewed, making
clothes for themselves as well as their
children. Tustin High School’s evening sewing
classes were popular. C & D yardage, D’s Yardage
and Carriage Trade Fabrics sold yardage,
patterns and sewing supplies. Hand knits were
fashionable and The Village Knit Shop helped
many women to become proficient knitters.
Regardless of what you wanted to buy, from an
engagement ring to yummy breads and desserts,
you could probably find it in Tustin during
those years. There was even a Tustin Cab in case
you needed transportation. Today, for some
mysterious reason, with the exception of Tustin
Market Place and now The District, both of which
are miles from downtown Tustin, there are very
few stores which cater to a shopper.
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