Despite the fact, things have been bought and sold for centuries or even longer,

the way it happened in this country, which led to the great American pastime of shopping,

really developed during the 19th century.

And in one district of New York, you can still see the shells of the pavilions and palaces of Gilded Age retail, a strip, but more

like a collection of blocks once known as Ladies Mile.

And to take us on a very special journey into this world, not only to see what it was like,

but to help our modern sensibilities understand what it all meant, is my guest today,

Emma Gess Consolos, who knows this world very well.

So, put on your hat, grab your walking stick, call the carriage, and let's go shopping. Hello, I'm Carl Raymond, the host of the Gilded Gentleman History podcast, which every two weeks takes a look well beyond the glitter in the gold of Gilded Age America, the bellipuck of France, and of late Victorian and Edwardian London.

I'm glad you've joined me today for a look beyond not just the velvet ropes, but beyond the

swinging and revolving doors into the world of Gilded Age shopping.

Shopping in these grand palaces gave women, and not just those with unlimited purses,

but even those with more modest incomes, a new sense of freedom and choice,

and most importantly, power that they never had before.

It's a fascinating story of just how we got there,

and most importantly, how shopping in Gilded

Age New York influenced what we all do even today. And you might be surprised. And so joining me

today is a dear friend and colleague Emma Gess Consolis. Emma is a PhD art historian and one of the best licensed

professional New York City tour guides there is. In fact, she's president of the Guides

Association of New York and like me, a guide for Bowery Boys walks. And a number of you,

who knows, may have been already with us out on the streets.

One of Emma's most popular tours is her exploration of Ladies Mile, that famed

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