Cox’s Photo Gallery

Cox’s, northeast corner Fifth Avenue at Walnut Street, Downtown McKeesport, circa 1990. The blue tiled portion is the original building, opened in 1955. The annex to the left, covered in black anodized steel, was opened in 1972. The awnings around the store were used for outdoor fashion shows into the 1960s. (© Jason Togyer photo)

Cox’s clock, circa 1993. (© Jason Togyer photo)

Cox’s annex, looking south along Fifth Avenue, circa 1993. (© Jason Togyer photo)

Detail, Cox’s sign, Fifth Avenue side, circa 1992. (© Jason Togyer photo. Done on Kodak Tri-X Pan black-and-white.)

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Vintage photos

A friend of Tube City Online who has asked to remain anonymous has contributed several photos she made while working at the Cox’s in the 1960s and ’70s. I don’t have any IDs on most of the people, and some of the old Kodacolor prints are starting to fade. Your indulgence is appreciated, as is any help in identifying the people in these snapshots!

Mr. and Mrs. William Cox, Christmas party, 1964.

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Shoe sale, Cox’s basement, circa 1968:

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Unidentified clerks, Cox’s basement, circa 1968. Note the medallion of William Shakespeare in the background; it was taken from the old White’s Opera House, which previously occupied the lot where Cox’s was. The medallion is currently located on the lawn of the McKeesport Heritage Center in Renzie Park.

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Unidentifed clerk, shoe department, Cox’s, circa 1971.

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This appears to have been taken before a sales meeting, on what looks like the second floor of the annex, circa 1972 or so. Corrections are appreciated.

Looks like the same department, in roughly the same time period. (There appear to be dresses or coats in the background. Unless I miss my guess, after the annex was opened, men’s wear was on the first floor at Cox’s, and ladies’ was on the second floor.)