From the NYC Municipal Archives, here’s a look at 71-66 Austin Street in Forest Hills which then housed a Womrath’s library. Since I remember Womrath’s in Bay Ridge as a bookstore, I researched the firm founded by Pennsylvanian Arthur R. Womrath (1871-1945). As you can see from the 1922 Brooklyn Eagle ad at left, the chain was founded as early as that year and already had several branches in Brooklyn. (Sorry, I can’t show it larger without losing resolution.)
From the beginning Womrath’s had a unique business model. Books were for sale, but could also be rented for a few cents a week, which made Womrath’s a library as well as a bookstore. this was reflected in early signage for the chain.
At one time Womrath’s had 50 locations in New York and New Jersey. I remember it in Bay Ridge though I do not recall if it was on 86th Street or 4th Avenue. I don’t think it survived the 1970s. In New Jersey, a Womrath’s in Hackensack lasted until 2001 and in Tenafly until 2016. Today the only surviving Womrath’s is in Bronxville in Westchester County.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop, and as always, “comment…as you see fit.”
2/4/21