Ribbon, Gift Wrap
Object number2019.40.13
OriginChina
MediumPaperboard; Satin (Polyester); Paper; Ink; Adhesive
Credit LineGiven in honor of the McGinnis Family
DescriptionRoll of black, satin ribbon with store name repeated in gold text on one side of ribbon. Ribbon size is 5-8-inch wide. White paperboard spool with white plastic central core.DimensionsHeight x Diameter: 0.75 × 6.063 in. (1.9 × 15.4 cm)InscriptionsRibbon has repeated gold text on one side "McGinnis Sisters".
MarksOne side of spool has rectangular white adhesive-backed label with black printed text "5100 510 EMERALD / DYNA SATIN / 5/8" X 100 YDS / 100% POLYESTER / MADE IN CHINA / [barcode] / 0 10333 15127 0".
Historical NotesRoll of McGinnis Sisters Special Food Stores gift wrap ribbon. As the McGinnis Sisters stores moved into the realm of gourmet and special foods, they also developed a widely known focus on creating specialty gift baskets in a variety of themes and configurations, such as a Pittsburgh-themed gift basket, or baskets filled with specialty meats and cheeses. Part of the McGinnis Family Food Stores collection that encompasses materials related to the operation of a chain of family-run food markets that started in Pittsburgh’s South Hills Baldwin neighborhood in 1946. The first McGinnis market (variously referred to as “McGinnis Supermarket” or “McGinnis Food Market”) was started by family patriarch James Elwood McGinnis when he could not find a job after WWII. Beginning with a fruit cart, he eventually opened a grocery and deli at 2872 Custer Avenue in Baldwin that proved so successful it expanded to multiple stores, including one in Carrick/Castle Shannon and later Monroeville. The stores were operated by different family members. In 1985, three McGinnis sisters – Sharon McGinnis Young, Bonnie McGinnis Vello, and Noreen McGinnis Campbell – assumed operation of the main set of McGinnis Stores, rebranding them “McGinnis Sisters” markets. (Two brothers split off and started other stores not considered part of the chain.) With the three women serving as active spokespersons, the stores garnered more media attention during this period. For most of its operation, the chain was largely connected with stores that operated in the South Hills and Monroeville. Between 2008 and 2017, a McGinnis Sisters market also operated north of Pittsburgh in a shopping center in Adams Township/Mars, Pennsylvania. A series of events between 2017 and 2019 eventually brought about the closure of the chain. Objects in the collection were gathered from throughout the stores and consolidated at the final property, the McGinnis Sisters Special Food Store at 3825 Saw Mill Run Boulevard.
Related institution
McGinnis Family Food Stores
(1946 - 2019)
Related person
James Elwood McGinnis
Related person
Sharon McGinnis Young
Related person
Bonnie McGinnis Vello
Related person
Noreen McGinnis Campbell
On View
Not on view
American Safety Table Company
