Untitled (McLellan's store interior) c. 1920s

Curator: This evocative image, captured by John Deusing, is an untitled view of a McLellan's store interior. The crisp lines create a striking composition. Editor: It has a ghostly feel to it, like stepping back into a forgotten memory of mid-century consumerism. The high contrast emphasizes the geometry. Curator: Precisely. The image, roughly 8 by 10 inches, invites us to consider the social context of these department stores. McLellan's was a staple of the working class, selling affordable goods. The materiality of everyday life, on display. Editor: And the repeated rectangles—the shelves, the windows, even the "OVEN" sign—create a formal visual rhythm. The photographer uses light to guide your eye. Curator: These spaces shaped communities. This photograph becomes more than just a record; it's a document of labor and trade, reflecting the complex systems that underpinned everyday life. Editor: The simplicity of composition emphasizes Deusing's mastery, transforming the mundane into a study of light and form. I see beauty in how the store is arranged.