Remodeled is an understatement, though. This would be the same building shown here about a year earlier, when it was for rent. I wonder if the painless dentist was still upstairs.

I used to live in an apartment above an old storefront that had an ancient rotary switch in the same relative location, one day in conversation with the landlord I asked him what it was for.

The switch was wired to the overhead lights in the display windows. Back in the old days a "merchant policeman," what we'd call a security guard, would turn the lights off during his late-evening rounds.

Note the pushbutton switchplates next to the door. What an odd location for such a thing.

It would appear that this was indeed an early branch of today's jingle spouting
Kay Jewelers. Also note the aptly named store manager.

---

Washington Post, Nov 21, 1919

Kay Jewelry Store to Open

Premises at 407 Seventh Street Are
Remodeled for New Business

The Kay Jewelry store, 407 Seventh street northwest, of of a chain of 26 stores operating in as many big cities, has remodeled the premises formerly occupied by the Columbia Shoe Company, and will open Monday, November 24, with a complete line of fine diamonds, watches and jewelry.

M.S. Goldnamer, secretary and treasurer, who will manage the Washington store, was for many years the manager of the National Furniture Company and late sales manager of the Hub Furniture Company.

ready to become a story. World War I is over, there is snow on the ground and a Christmas tree in each window, igniting a festive and holiday spirit among the bling and sparkle. Perhaps it is a minute to closing time on Christmas Eve. Use your imagination and create a tale. Shorpy writers have great literary ability as seen in former wonderful inspirational photos. I love this picture.

run around photographing old stores at night!

The fact that you can recite it tells me that this "slogan" is working quite nicely!

Symmetry, nighttime exposure. Great photograph. These old pros certainly knew what they were doing.

Is this the forerunner of the retail giant that we know today? The 900 store Kay Jewelers, according to the company's website, was founded in 1916 in Pennsylvania. Was this part of its expansion or just another K?

I wonder if this is the same "Kay Jewelers" that uses that horrible slogan "Every kiss begins with Kay..." That little jingle is the worst. If I had to buy jewelery every time I wanted a kiss or gave a kiss than I am both dating the wrong girl and going broke!

[I think it's a rather clever slogan. "Kiss" begins with K. Get it? - Dave]