^firmffr^ i"i"Ti-- . The front of Zellers in 1962 during their 25 After becoming manager Oliphant had to check the store before closing at night and liked to have someone with her for security. Usually her husband came to escort her at closing, but if he couldnt make it, she recruited a police officer from the street. "The were very nice, even ; they did like our candy, jokes Oliphant. Crago and other staff members came to know many < their customers and some patrons even asked for specific sales clerks. But although the sales women might know a customer's first name, the clerks were supposed to be more font terborough, Lmfsay and "It was policy to call them Belleville. In the fall there was Miss or Mr," says Oliphant. a company dance, hosted by a The rule also applied when en different Zellers store each ployees were speaking among year For a short time there themselves. was'also a Zellers bowling "We weren't allowed to call team. Although Crago enjoyed her them by their first name when time with the company, she we were working with them in left Zellers in 1951 to take a the store." job with Simpson-Sears in Dress for work varied with their order house. She is now the season. In summer Oliph- retired. ant and Crago were expected Oliphant continued at to wear pastel colored clothing but nothing flowery. In tne Zellers and held every position Ster they wore black or navy before becoming manager. In blue until later years when 1971 she received a gold watch the store abandoned its dress from the company for 25 years service. When the store closed code. Crago believes the number in 1977 she took over the Trenof sales clerks made for better ton branch. She retired service because^ "you could 1982 A'Zellers store has since work one-on-one." been opened in the former As well, the department Towers building on Dundas stores worked closely with Street West, just outside each other. If -J^ Belleville's city limits. Of her 36 years with the s c k often recom- company, Oliphant says j mended another store that had loved every minute of it. 1 working with the people and it. Company functions included liked meeting the people who came in the store." a summer picnic iri Cobourg Good people make good with employees from the memories. Zellers stores in Oshawa,