Under the Clock

Under the Clock documents the fascinating historical chain of department stores Miller & Rhoads through its many transformations.

Under the Clock tells the story of Miller & Rhoads, from its incarnation as a little dry goods store in 1885 through more than a century as a beloved Richmond landmark. Earle Dunford, longtime city editor for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and George Bryson, a Miller & Rhoads veteran for thirty-nine years, usher us behind the scenes at the famous department store, sharing anecdotes they have collected from the many devoted shoppers and loyal employees who remember the good old days at Miller & Rhoads. Meet them ""under the clock"" to read about the famous Tea Room, Book and Author Dinners, fashion shows, Sara Sue hats, Christmastime with Santa Claus and countless other memories of a bygone era in shopping.

Earle Dunford is a World War II veteran and a graduate of the University of Richmond. He joined the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 1952 and covered a variety of beats. He became city editor in 1969 and held that post for almost twenty years until retirement. He was an adjunct instructor in journalism at the University of Richmond for a quarter-century and was Virginia correspondent for the former National Observer. He is the author of Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Story of a Newspaper.

Following his graduation from Hampden-Sydney College, George Bryson joined Miller & Rhoads in 1950. His store management experience included Roanoke, Lynchburg, Virginia Beach and downtown Richmond. He was vice-president of fashion and accessories and later vice-president of store management and operations. He "retired" in 1989 as vice-president for public relations. For sixteen years he enjoyed a career with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation.