FROM 1878 to 1961 MARSTON'S was one of Southern California's finest emporiums and a genteel social hub for all ages. During the early 20th century, it was the region's exclusive source of Gustav Stickley's prestigious Arts & Crafts oak furniture. With the building of the fifth store in 1912, the store soon grew to 500 employees, in a progressive environment where women held senior positions and salaries provided a living wage.

Unique to the Marston store was the feeling that it belonged to San Diego. For 83 years it shared the ups and downs of the city. When flood and earthquake relief efforts were needed, Marston's always stepped up, providing clothing, shoes, and other essentials. Whether one visited the store or not, many San Diegans still know the name and proudly claim it as their own. In 1961, the Marstons sold the business to the Broadway chain, which Federated Department Stores acquired and reorganized under the Macy's name.

"Marstons is the product of the community…You want 'goods,' a word that means all the best things in the world. So we have for you not only merchandise but music and flowers, history and art, things useful and things beautiful." George W. Marston, Marston's 50th Anniversary, 1928