“Henrietta’s” Ghost Sign Revealed On 9th Street

The 9st Laundrette Cleaners recently closed at 334 9th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, after nearly 20 years in business, and now that the awning has been removed, it’s revealed an old ghost sign for a long-gone business.

The outline of the letters are for Henrietta’s, a bridal gown boutique, which we know was there, but we’re not entirely sure when or for how long. A certificate of occupancy from 1971 notes this space was a store then, though it doesn’t specify the name, and we were able to find a few ads for the shop in 1950 and 1953 editions of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

Adjusted for inflation, that gown advertised on sale for $89.95 in 1953 would be approximately $800 today. It’s also fun to see that it’s advertised as being near the RKO Prospect Theater, which is now Steve’s C-Town.

A couple of women recalled buying their wedding gowns there in the comments thread of a Daily Slope post from 2006, but don’t share details (or pictures — how we’d love to see some of those dresses!) about the shop.

UPDATE: Neighbor Regina Gaeta-Iovine shares some photos of her Henrietta’s gown! The beautiful bride was married on January 15, 1978, at St. John’s on 21st Street.

Additionally, another neighbor confirmed on Facebook that he shop was open until at least 1981 — she got a bridesmaids dress there that year.

Anyone remember more details about Henrietta’s? Please share your memories in the comments below, or email us at editor@bklyner.com.