Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NY) (Images of America) [Paperback]

Robert M. Grippo (Author), Christopher Hoskins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2004

"Let's have a parade" is the phrase that begins a beloved American tradition, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 1924, employees of the R. H. Macy and Company store in Herald Square, many of whom were immigrants and first-generation Americans, chose to give thanks for their good fortune in a manner reminiscent of the festive parades held in their native countries. The excitement and praise from crowds lining the route that first year led Macy's to issue an immediate proclamation: the parade would become a tradition. Before the parade's first decade passed, Macy's welcomed the huge and spectacular helium character balloons that became its goodwill ambassadors.

Since then, the parade has become a world-famous treasure. Through rare and historic images, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade offers readers a chance to reminisce, explore, and delight in eighty years of this thoroughly American celebration.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A lively, remarkable and highly readable retrospective of this much loved American spectacle. -- Robin Hall Current Executive Producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, October 2004 Arcadia Publishing Press Release

Fascinating facts about all the favorite balloons. -- New York TImes Bookshelf: New York Illustrated, December 4, 2004

These photographs of the Macy's Parade will summon childhood memories and the Pavlovian sensation of turkey cooking in the kitchen. -- New York Times Bookshelf: New York Illustrated, December 4, 2004

This gloriously detailed book wonderfully reflects nine decades of confetti filled performances. Captures the excitement and magic of it all. -- Jean McFaddin, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Executive Producer-Director, 1977-2000. October 2004 Arcadia Publishing Press Release

About the Author

Robert M. Grippo, a frequent participant in the parade, has been researching the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for many years. Driven by his passion for the event, he compiled this work with the help of Christopher Hoskins, a professional photographer, and the special assistance of Macy's Annual Events, the New York Daily News, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and the University of Akron.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (October 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738535621
• ISBN-13: 978-0738535623
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,659 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Holidays

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Parade Of Magnificent Memories! - a lifetime Macy Parade, December 17, 2004

By 

Mr. Bill "Macy Parade Super-fan!" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NY) (Images of America) (Paperback)

This wonderful book reflects a magical history of the parade the whole world loves! Everyone's a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, and our earliest childhood memories include family, food and friends and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. While there are many parades held on Thanksgiving Day, the Macy's Parade is the grand-daddy of them all. Spectacular floats, magnificent marching bands and the biggest and best balloons in the world!

This book takes you back to the very first parade, "The Macy's Christmas Parade" as it was known in 1924. It follows the history of the parade and tells the story through newspaper accounts, fascinating memories from parade producers and participants and ads from every decade, including the three year period of World War II when the parade was not held.

The photographs are an amazing collection, many seen here for the very first time- dating back to the very first balloon, Felix The Cat. This is truly the "almanac" of the Macy Parade, and no parade lover should be without a copy! Written by 2 true Macy Parade fans, it is informative and entertaining. It is a "must have" keepsake of the greatest parade of all.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal archive of Macy's parade, October 20, 2005

By 

Red Wood "film producer" (Omaha, NE.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NY) (Images of America) (Paperback)

When I ordered this book, I thought it was another one, which I'd seen in a Barnes and Noble bookstore some years ago. That one had pictures of a number of the "hosts" of the parade-like Jackie Gleason, etc. It was closer to a coffee table size. However, I was surprised when this one arrived. This has many more pictures than that book, and mainly of the balloons(which is really the best part). Plus it documents the history of the parade and its high points. This is, by far, the best thing I've ever found on the parade, in any form of media, whatsoever. I'll keep my eyes open for the other book, but this is the ONE to definitely get.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MIRACLE OF A BOOK ABOUT THE MIRACLE ON 34th -, January 31, 2005

By 

M.J. (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (NY) (Images of America) (Paperback)

This book is a WOW! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the Miracle on 34th St and this book is a miracle too. That for the first time the glorious history of the Parade is presented in a fantastic mix of photos, ads, and a very enjoyable and readable text. The authors present their history in a conversational manner that encourages you to read the book from front to back and all over again! The images in black and white and color bring the parade to all, and year round too! Great for anyone planning on seeing the parade in person, or whom have seen it in person or watched on TV. A keepsake and collectible that does the Parade proud!