The Woolworth Building is an architectural delight. I used to treasure my set of Woolworth dominoes, that had the image of the Woolworth Building embossed on every piece.

Woolworth's was gone from most places in Wisconsin by the time I left Wisconsin in 1970. I was stationed in Berlin 1972-73, and the Woolworth (no apostrophe-s) stores there seemed to be very prosperous. No lunch counters in the Berlin stores, though.

There was still a Woolworth's in Sacramento when I moved there in 1973. I think it closed in the 1980's. I remember the U.S. stores as being a little seedy, while the German Woolworth stores were shiny and clean. Since I was born in Detroit, I always thought Kresge was the best five-and-dime store.

Reminds me of one of my favorite songs:

LOVE AT THE FIVE AND DIME
(Nanci Griffith)

Rita was sixteen years... hazel eyes and chestnut hair
she made the Woolworth counter shine
Eddie was a sweet romancer, and a darn good dancer
they'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime

(chorus)
They'd sing, "Dance a little closer to me... dance a little closer now
Dance a little closer tonight
Dance a little closer to me... it's closing time
And love's on sale tonight at this five and dime
Eddie played the steel guitar and his mama cried 'cuz he played in the bars
And kept young Rita out late at night
So, they married up in Abilene... lost a child in Tennessee
still, that love survived

(repeat chorus)

One of the boys in Eddie's band... took a shine to Rita's hands
so, Eddie ran off with the bass man's wife
Oh' but he was back by June... singin' a different tune
And sportin' Miss Rita back by his side

(repeat chorus){He sang}

Eddie travelled with the barroom bands... till arthritis took his hands
now he sells insurance on the side
Rita's got a house to keep... dimestore novels and a love so sweet
they dance to the radio late at night

(repeat chorus)
(repeat 1st verse)

they'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime
they'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime



Source: http://www.nancigriffith.com/lyrics.php?track=324


Here's the Wikipedia article on the company. All that's left of Woolworth's in the U.S., is the Foot Locker chain of sporting goods stores. www.woolworth.com leads to Foot Locker.
-Joe-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeU4KJJPpqU