The 70’s were so crazy, I think the only thing that saved us was no social media, you could hide & thank god, 99.9% has NOT been recorded for posterity….could you imagine. All we have is our oral history told by great storytellers like you Jill😊by the I was laughing the whole way through, but the stoned elves…classic 😂😂😂
I lived in NYC in the 80’s and your stories take me back. As a naturalized Brit, I love your theater stories! With admiration for your pluck! Wonderful reminiscences! Thank you!
Jill. I look forward to your videos every week. You have a knack for storytelling and have a wonderful personality. I think you would be a great friend to go shopping with or have lunch. Lots of laughs and good times. All I ever aspired to do when I was young was travel. I've been all over the Country except the place I always wanted to go, NYC. Now, in my disabled 60's, I go there all the time through RUclips. I'm subbed up to a stock broker who gives nightly tours of Midtown. A hippy couple who live and give tours of the Village. Also, Cash Jordan, who gives updates of the happenings in the city, and of course, YOU!!! You take us on your personal journeys and make us feel like we are right there with you. A wonderful gift. I do have a question. I've seen many photos of Macy's and have always wondered, is that huge entire building all Macy's? How many floors of merchandise are there? Also, have you ever done one of the Law and Order shows? Would love to watch you in one of them. Thank You Jill. See you next week!
Yes, Macy's takes up an entire block. 1.1 Million square feet and 11 floors. It's the largest department store in the the US and one of the largest in the world. I've done a few Law & Orders. I played two grieving mothers on the original one. the episodes were Bodies and Slaughter. I was also a regular in the Squad Room on Criminal Intent for several seasons. Sadly, my lines were cut because the episode was running long. Ah, showbiz. I also did a guest star on FBI. Dick Wolf. has been very very good to me. See you next week and thanks for watching.
Wow I remember dangerous New York Ooo lol. Great story as always. What a voice. You can tell a story. Love it. Macys was always packed to the rafters and it was exciting too. I remember having to leave because it’s getting too late and where we lived it was a no no to walk after 6pm. Memories are flowing. Thanks again.
Jill, you are a wonderful story teller, and your editing is excellent. As much as I have enjoyed your other content, this story is screaming screen play. Yes, I know this theme has been covered many times, but bringing the "White Flower Girl" perspective is a new twist! My family lived in New Jersey in the early 1970s, my dad commuted by train to a job in Manhattan. Every Christmas season was a wonderous opportunity to ride into Penn Station with our mother, go to a Radio City Music Hall matinee, at the very least walk by the Macy's window displays, then meet dad who would ride home with us.
I worked in “the Land,” as they call it, for several years as one of the Men in Red (another Macy’s euphemism). A lot of things improved from the 70s and 80s, but still not a job for the faint of heart! I had and have undying respect for the White Flowers, they were expected to perform miracles on a daily basis. All in all, I have some fond memories and made some friends, but I couldn’t do it again, the grind was a tough one.
Jill, I feel myself really rooting for you. You are such a model for how to move through life as an artist with dignity and humor. It's just so great. Really happy for your success on this platform.
Thank you so much. Friends have told me for years to start a RUclips channel, and I had no idea what they were talking about. I'm glad I started, too. I'm learning as I go.
Another great story, Jill! Thanks! I was probably taken to Macy's Santaland on 34th St. as a child, and years ago visited it once as an adult with a coworker who was from Taiwan and who wanted to see it ( it was her first holiday season in NYC). We both had a great time and took photos with Santa but I lost them along the way somehow. I never worked in Santaland, but I did work as extra holiday help on the sales floor at Macys a couple of holiday seasons ( not the 34th St store, another location) and frankly it was fairly nightmarish. Those couple of stints of a few months each made me realize I was truly not cut out for retail work.
Jill! Santaland. Oh yes, I first worked there in 2000, fresh back to New York, ( I had moved to AZ for a year and a half, mountains and cactus were calling me) . I worked there 2 seasons initially, and volunteered at the Thanksgiving Day Parade twice! First time I was a balloon handler for one of the Macys Stars. What an honor I thought. Macys Santaland, Christmas. Yes, Christmas in New York had arrived in my life. Another Year alongside working at Santaland, I also volunteered at the Parade in what was called "7th Avenue Coordinator". You know those huge orange gloves that may have appeared while watching the parade on TV? Yep that was me one year, which I cant remember, but I do know it was the year fresh off of The First American Idol, I remember because Justin and Kelly were on one of the floats. My job as both marchers and floats were heading down 34th street heading to 7th avenue. My job with those flashy orange gloves was to direct floats and balloons to the left onto 7th avenue and direct the marching bands, marchers, etc down towards 8th avenue. Exhilarating! What a fantastic part of the parade! Now about Santaland .... I worked their 4-5 seasons total ( worked 2 seasons, then had a 12-13 year gap and came back for 2 more) . "Stan you were extraordinary! " from the Manager of Santaland. Well that 4th or 5th year I worked, the management team had changed, I call them Corporate Manager Jargin machines. Yeah, I didn't last. you know those managers- high heals, tapping their foot while having their arms crossed as I was literally scolded to hurry up!!! Thus my Santaland Story. While the magic diminished for me towards the end of my Santaland Career- (by design not circumstance ) The magic that was their in those first two years had all the magic I needed to have with Santaland. 🙃
Wow, you made quite a little career out of Santaland and the parade. I had a friend who used to work the parade every year. I'm not sure what her exact job was. I'm sorry the corporate Managers were so horrible. They weren't around when I was managing. At least, not that I know of, unless that was me, but I don't think so. I was part of Santaland, in the trenches with everyone else. I loved it, too.
I was just about to say this is the perfect epilogue to the Santaland Diaries - then you said it! Luckily I've never worked anywhere like that. I believe 1977 was the last year my parents took me to FAO Schwartz at Christmas time. For better or worse we never hit Macy's! Love "Macy's is the biggest show on Broadway"! That's funny
FAO Schwartz--iconic New York. And she was serious as a dead man when she said that Macy's was the biggest show on Broadway. I could tell she'd be a nightmare to work with. lol
Not living in NYC and visiting mostly around 9/11..... but with your stories, it is easy to picture the whole context of your amazing journey... Until next time 😘
And Thank You for all the interesting stories! Although I was born and lived in NY (the Bronx), I never visited Macy's as a child or adult. But you certainly make it come alive for me! Thanks again.
Another fun story. In fact in 1976 I did work at Macy's during the Christmas season but in the glove dept. There were some interesting things about working there as I too saw Miracle on 34th street. To be honest I couldn't wait to get the hell out.
glad to hear these well thought out and very amusing posts are doing well. i look forward to more. i applied to santaland at around the same time , i think it was 78. they wanted to hire me as an elf but the guy who interviewed me saw i was a singer from my resume and said , " dont take this job, you have to scream alot at kids to stay in the lines and you could do damage to your voice" . i was grateful he told me and i didnt take the job. great work jill !
He saved you. The elves have the a tough job for sure. And there's no let up to the mayhem. I'm glad you didn't take. the job. Although I was there in 78, so we would have worked together. How funny is that.
"Welcome to Fear City" - this is when my 18 year old brother moved there and my Dad and I started coming to New York almost twice a month. I never even realized it was supposed to be dangerous - and I was 9.
I got to NYC in 1981. My first job, while in graduate school at Lord & Taylor in the Boy's Wear department. The most memorable part of the job was the employee cafeteria. When ever I watch Are You Being Served? I am reminded of that job, and my boss there was just like Captain Peacock! And yes, I made all of $2.65 an hour! And they expected me to wear clothes from the store!
I love hearing your stories and I love David Sedaris' SantaLand Diaries. I first heard his stories on This American Life. I have been an elf on photo shoots in the #pnw and a drag variety show.
You have a very beautiful and individual appearance especially when you were a young woman. I’m so surprised a smart agent didn’t know how to catapult you into film making superstardom. You def have the Diane Keaton vibe, perhaps she vacuumed up all that quirky girl next door energy. Love to hear about your acting experiences especially from NYC. ✌🏽
Jill, what a fabulous expression when you were offered a full time job at Macys in the events department....The Thanksgiving parade!! 😮 I've mentioned before that my favorite David Sedaris book is The Santaland Diaries where he calls the lines the OMG lines. I did tell him that's how i felt when i stood in line for three hours to meet him in Charleston, SC!! Thank you for another exciting story; one i truly felt!!! You are so charming. ❤
Now you tell me.LOL.However, the woman woh ran that department retired not too long ago, so I doubt there would have been much opportunity for me to advance there, but who knows.
But how'd you really feel when he said you were? LOL. If it were me, if he told me I was 'management material', outwardly i would’ve smiled proudly smiled and said "oh wow,thank you'. Inside my head i'd be thinking, "friggin' swell, i'm screwed, somebody hit me with a rock, please". Great story.
13k square feet! Macy’s Santaland. An intoxicated Santa! 🎅 Elf mutiny! I LOVE Betsey Johnson. Still. You have some ovaries, Jill. Zany. Articulate. We appreciate you. Ho ho ho.
You draw us in and hold us captive from beginning to end.
Thank you so much.
Jill: You are a great storyteller. Thank you for putting together another incredible episode with lot’s of colorful detail.
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
How fun Jill. I don't mean working at Macy's but the way you tell it is too funny! Thank you,
You are so welcome! Glad you liked it.
I love your stories your exuberance your excellence and your commitment to ongoing fulfillment. Thank you, Mrs. Jill.🫡🌈🥓💥🍄👏👏☺️
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you being here.
🧙🧙♀️ elf mutiny🧙♀️🧙🤣
Too funny, Jill❣️
Hi Magpie💚🌸🐱
Thanks so much. MP says, Hi!
The 70’s were so crazy, I think the only thing that saved us was no social media, you could hide & thank god, 99.9% has NOT been recorded for posterity….could you imagine. All we have is our oral history told by great storytellers like you Jill😊by the I was laughing the whole way through, but the stoned elves…classic 😂😂😂
Can you imagine if we all had cellphones with cameras!!! Yikes I'm glad we didn't. Thanks for being here.
I lived in NYC in the 80’s and your stories take me back. As a naturalized Brit, I love your theater stories! With admiration for your pluck! Wonderful reminiscences! Thank you!
I'm so glad you like my stories. I appreciate you being here.
Sunday night is “ Chill with Jill “ night 😎
Chill with Jill. I love that. Thank you.
...thanks so much for your storytelling....funny, interesting, real, relatable......
Thanks for listening. I really appreciate it.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 You can tell us stories about your acting life, or from your regular life. We can relate and be entertained by either one.
Jill. I look forward to your videos every week. You have a knack for storytelling and have a wonderful personality. I think you would be a great friend to go shopping with or have lunch. Lots of laughs and good times. All I ever aspired to do when I was young was travel. I've been all over the Country except the place I always wanted to go, NYC. Now, in my disabled 60's, I go there all the time through RUclips. I'm subbed up to a stock broker who gives nightly tours of Midtown. A hippy couple who live and give tours of the Village. Also, Cash Jordan, who gives updates of the happenings in the city, and of course, YOU!!! You take us on your personal journeys and make us feel like we are right there with you. A wonderful gift. I do have a question. I've seen many photos of Macy's and have always wondered, is that huge entire building all Macy's? How many floors of merchandise are there? Also, have you ever done one of the Law and Order shows? Would love to watch you in one of them. Thank You Jill. See you next week!
Yes, Macy's takes up an entire block. 1.1 Million square feet and 11 floors. It's the largest department store in the the US and one of the largest in the world. I've done a few Law & Orders. I played two grieving mothers on the original one. the episodes were Bodies and Slaughter. I was also a regular in the Squad Room on Criminal Intent for several seasons. Sadly, my lines were cut because the episode was running long. Ah, showbiz. I also did a guest star on FBI. Dick Wolf. has been very very good to me. See you next week and thanks for watching.
Wow I remember dangerous New York Ooo lol. Great story as always. What a voice. You can tell a story. Love it. Macys was always packed to the rafters and it was exciting too. I remember having to leave because it’s getting too late and where we lived it was a no no to walk after 6pm. Memories are flowing. Thanks again.
Thanks. I'm so glad you like it.It was exciting. A new adventure every day.
“doesn’t install confidence in the elf community…” Excellent.
Glad you liked that one.
Jill, you are a wonderful story teller, and your editing is excellent. As much as I have enjoyed your other content, this story is screaming screen play. Yes, I know this theme has been covered many times, but bringing the "White Flower Girl" perspective is a new twist!
My family lived in New Jersey in the early 1970s, my dad commuted by train to a job in Manhattan. Every Christmas season was a wonderous opportunity to ride into Penn Station with our mother, go to a Radio City Music Hall matinee, at the very least walk by the Macy's window displays, then meet dad who would ride home with us.
agree…great idea❣️
I love your idea. It would make a great Christmas movie. Radio City Music Hall at Christmas is so iconic New York.
I worked in “the Land,” as they call it, for several years as one of the Men in Red (another Macy’s euphemism). A lot of things improved from the 70s and 80s, but still not a job for the faint of heart! I had and have undying respect for the White Flowers, they were expected to perform miracles on a daily basis. All in all, I have some fond memories and made some friends, but I couldn’t do it again, the grind was a tough one.
Yes, being a Santa is hard work. I can't imagine. Like you said, I couldn't imagine ever doing it again but it was a great experience.
Thank you for heartwarming tale of a 1978 Christmas. Makes one feel warm and tingly all over, even in October! x
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much.
Jill, I feel myself really rooting for you. You are such a model for how to move through life as an artist with dignity and humor. It's just so great. Really happy for your success on this platform.
Thank you so much. Friends have told me for years to start a RUclips channel, and I had no idea what they were talking about. I'm glad I started, too. I'm learning as I go.
Fantastic and hilarious storytelling, Jill. I so look forward to your next video; your style is very comforting to me. Thank you again!❤😊
Thank you. I'm so glad you're here.
Another great story, Jill! Thanks! I was probably taken to Macy's Santaland on 34th St. as a child, and years ago visited it once as an adult with a coworker who was from Taiwan and who wanted to see it ( it was her first holiday season in NYC). We both had a great time and took photos with Santa but I lost them along the way somehow. I never worked in Santaland, but I did work as extra holiday help on the sales floor at Macys a couple of holiday seasons ( not the 34th St store, another location) and frankly it was fairly nightmarish. Those couple of stints of a few months each made me realize I was truly not cut out for retail work.
Working retail is horrible any time of year but Christmas!!! Forgetaboutit. This makes me want to go revisit the village.
YOU are definitely in your element…a great story teller 💕. thank your 💃🏼
Thank you! 😊 I love telling stories. So grateful you're enjoying them.
Jill! Santaland. Oh yes, I first worked there in 2000, fresh back to New York, ( I had moved to AZ for a year and a half, mountains and cactus were calling me) . I worked there 2 seasons initially, and volunteered at the Thanksgiving Day Parade twice! First time I was a balloon handler for one of the Macys Stars. What an honor I thought. Macys Santaland, Christmas. Yes, Christmas in New York had arrived in my life. Another Year alongside working at Santaland, I also volunteered at the Parade in what was called "7th Avenue Coordinator". You know those huge orange gloves that may have appeared while watching the parade on TV? Yep that was me one year, which I cant remember, but I do know it was the year fresh off of The First American Idol, I remember because Justin and Kelly were on one of the floats. My job as both marchers and floats were heading down 34th street heading to 7th avenue. My job with those flashy orange gloves was to direct floats and balloons to the left onto 7th avenue and direct the marching bands, marchers, etc down towards 8th avenue. Exhilarating! What a fantastic part of the parade! Now about Santaland .... I worked their 4-5 seasons total ( worked 2 seasons, then had a 12-13 year gap and came back for 2 more) . "Stan you were extraordinary! " from the Manager of Santaland. Well that 4th or 5th year I worked, the management team had changed, I call them Corporate Manager Jargin machines. Yeah, I didn't last. you know those managers- high heals, tapping their foot while having their arms crossed as I was literally scolded to hurry up!!! Thus my Santaland Story. While the magic diminished for me towards the end of my Santaland Career- (by design not circumstance ) The magic that was their in those first two years had all the magic I needed to have with Santaland. 🙃
Wow, you made quite a little career out of Santaland and the parade. I had a friend who used to work the parade every year. I'm not sure what her exact job was. I'm sorry the corporate Managers were so horrible. They weren't around when I was managing. At least, not that I know of, unless that was me, but I don't think so. I was part of Santaland, in the trenches with everyone else. I loved it, too.
@@jilldaltonnyc7545 Only 5 seasons total, but they were wonderful except of course those corporate darlings at the end of my 5 season run.. 🙂
I was just about to say this is the perfect epilogue to the Santaland Diaries - then you said it! Luckily I've never worked anywhere like that. I believe 1977 was the last year my parents took me to FAO Schwartz at Christmas time. For better or worse we never hit Macy's! Love "Macy's is the biggest show on Broadway"! That's funny
FAO Schwartz--iconic New York. And she was serious as a dead man when she said that Macy's was the biggest show on Broadway. I could tell she'd be a nightmare to work with. lol
Not living in NYC and visiting mostly around 9/11..... but with your stories, it is easy to picture the whole context of your amazing journey... Until next time 😘
Thank you so much. Until next time.
And Thank You for all the interesting stories! Although I was born and lived in NY (the Bronx), I never visited Macy's as a child or adult. But you certainly make it come alive for me! Thanks again.
Thank you and thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
Another fun story. In fact in 1976 I did work at Macy's during the Christmas season but in the glove dept. There were some interesting things about working there as I too saw Miracle on 34th street. To be honest I couldn't wait to get the hell out.
OMG! The glove department at Christmas time must have been a nightmare. Glad you survived.
Thank you for sharing stories from your life. I’ve enjoyed each one!
I'm so glad you like them! Thank you.
glad to hear these well thought out and very amusing posts are doing well. i look forward to more. i applied to santaland at around the same time , i think it was 78. they wanted to hire me as an elf but the guy who interviewed me saw i was a singer from my resume and said , " dont take this job, you have to scream alot at kids to stay in the lines and you could do damage to your voice" . i was grateful he told me and i didnt take the job. great work jill !
He saved you. The elves have the a tough job for sure. And there's no let up to the mayhem. I'm glad you didn't take. the job. Although I was there in 78, so we would have worked together. How funny is that.
"Welcome to Fear City" - this is when my 18 year old brother moved there and my Dad and I started coming to New York almost twice a month. I never even realized it was supposed to be dangerous - and I was 9.
You see, I didn't realize at the time that I was supposed to be afraid either, and that lack of knowledge saved me and enabled me to live here.
I got to NYC in 1981. My first job, while in graduate school at Lord & Taylor in the Boy's Wear department. The most memorable part of the job was the employee cafeteria. When ever I watch Are You Being Served? I am reminded of that job, and my boss there was just like Captain Peacock! And yes, I made all of $2.65 an hour! And they expected me to wear clothes from the store!
I also ushered at Town Hall for several years, $15 a show. And spent a year in retail at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Don't you love how they expect you to wear their clothes when you're scraping by on $2.65 per hour. Retail is hard work.
Delightful! ❤
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for sharing, Jill! I appreciate it!
And I appreciate you being here.
you’re a wonderful storyteller 😊
Thank you iso much. Thanks for watching.
Another wonderful story!
Thanks so much. Thanks for being here.
I love hearing your stories and I love David Sedaris' SantaLand Diaries. I first heard his stories on This American Life.
I have been an elf on photo shoots in the #pnw and a drag variety show.
You could have a future in Macy's Santaland! Hard job.
I lived in NYC in the 80s as a teen. That would've been the time, but I had other goals. 😊
You have a very beautiful and individual appearance especially when you were a young woman. I’m so surprised a smart agent didn’t know how to catapult you into film making superstardom. You def have the Diane Keaton vibe, perhaps she vacuumed up all that quirky girl next door energy. Love to hear about your acting experiences especially from NYC. ✌🏽
Nah, she's better than Diane Keaton.
Thank you so much. I had lots of close calls but no cigar as they say. But that's okay. I play the hand I'm dealt and enjoy the ride.
Wow. Thanks. I take it.
Jill, what a fabulous expression when you were offered a full time job at Macys in the events department....The Thanksgiving parade!! 😮 I've mentioned before that my favorite David Sedaris book is The Santaland Diaries where he calls the lines the OMG lines. I did tell him that's how i felt when i stood in line for three hours to meet him in Charleston, SC!! Thank you for another exciting story; one i truly felt!!! You are so charming. ❤
Thank you so much. I love Charleston. My brother lived in Mount Pleasant for years and years. I'm glad you got to meet David and I'm glad you're here.
Just a job demonstrating a little duck toy at a trade show and I couldn't stay focused. 🐤
I would have fallen asleep too.
You had the proper upbringing for this life. And you probably should've taken that job.
Now you tell me.LOL.However, the woman woh ran that department retired not too long ago, so I doubt there would have been much opportunity for me to advance there, but who knows.
But how'd you really feel when he said you were? LOL. If it were me, if he told me I was 'management material', outwardly i would’ve smiled proudly smiled and said "oh wow,thank you'. Inside my head i'd be thinking, "friggin' swell, i'm screwed, somebody hit me with a rock, please".
Great story.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for being here.
13k square feet! Macy’s Santaland. An intoxicated Santa! 🎅 Elf mutiny! I LOVE Betsey Johnson. Still.
You have some ovaries, Jill. Zany. Articulate. We appreciate you.
Ho ho ho.
Thank you so much. I appreciate you too.
Love your vids Jill...hi from Miami Florida. Great story but more important, I'm here for your beauty.
Thank you so much!! You're very kind.