Here are a few excerpts from “Aida Austin’s 1881 Diary” which mention Ridley’s, which had advertised their fall opening in the 1880 “New York Times” News article at the end of this post.
Wednesday, January 19, 1881
I went out this afternoon. Called at Mrs. Braisted…She was just going out so she went with me to Ridley’s and Brumel’s. It was after five when I got home…
Tuesday, March 8, 1881
I took Little Archie out for a walk. Then I went to Ridley’s.
Tuesday, March 15, 1881
Lil and I went to Ridley’s this afternoon and changed her veil.
Monday, April 18
…This afternoon. I went to Ridley’s…and after tea I went over again to go out with Maria.
Wednesday, May 4, 1881
I went to Ridley’s this forenoon. Took the children and got their shoes.
Tuesday, May 10
I took Tommy out this afternoon. We got some ice cream first, then we went to Ridley’s and then to Mrs. Braisted’s. We stayed to tea.
Thursday, June 9
…It has rained all the afternoon. I went to Ridley’s. I got Net’s baby’s pictures for her.
