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Images: #TBT Gallery: Woodfield Mall through the years

This week's #TBT Gallery looks back at the early days of Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg. Some highlights include the groundbreaking in October of 1969, the grand-opening on Sept. 9, 1971, and the five-day "Great Kiss Off" in June of 1974.

Woodfield Mall initially opened with 59 stores in 1971, growing to 189 stores by 1973, making it the largest mall in the United States at that time. It is currently the largest mall in the Chicago area, with over 285 stores and restaurants.

Woodfield Mall is named for former Sears board chairman General Robert E. Wood and Marshall Field and Company founder Marshall Field.

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Schaumburg mayor Bob Atcher, center, and dignitaries break ground for the new Woodfield Mall in October of 1969. Daily Herald File Photo
Dignitaries hop aboard an earth mover during groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Woodfield Mall in October of 1969. Daily Herald File Photo
Earth movers hard at work in January of 1970 to shape the land that will be Woodfield Mall. Daily Herald File Photo
Steel framing takes shape in January of 1970 for Woodfield Mall. Daily Herald File Photo
Steel workers brave the cold in January of 1970 while constructing Woodfield Mall. Daily Herald File Photo
Workers hustle to prepare Woodfield Mall for its grand opening on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Workers hustle to prepare Woodfield Mall for its grand opening on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Schaumburg mayor Bob Atcher, center, and dignitaries break ground for the new Woodfield Mall in October of 1969. Daily Herald File Photo
Marching bands parade through Woodfield Mall on it's grand opening on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Schaumburg mayor Bob Atcher addresses the crowd during grand opening ceremonies at Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Singer Carol Lawrence and actor Vincent Price were on hand to do the ribbon cutting for the new Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Actor Vincent Price and singer Carol Lawrence were on hand for the ribbon cutting of the new Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Actor Vincent Price and singer Carol Lawrence were on hand for the ribbon cutting for the new Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Singer Carol Lawrence and actor Vincent Price, center, help with the ribbon cutting for the new Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Crowds watch the ribbon cutting ceremony at center court of Woodfield Mall on September 9.1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Crowds watch the ribbon cutting ceremony at center court of Woodfield Mall on September 9.1971. Daily Herald File Photo
People watch form the upper level the ribbon cutting festivities at center court of Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Boys ride the new escalators during the grand opening of Woodfield Mall on September 9, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
B. Dalton Bookseller was open for business at the grand opening of Woodfield Mall, 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
"The Great Kiss-Off" at Woodfield Mall June 6-8, 1974, as part of a nationwide promotion for the first album by rock band KISS. Daily Herald File Photo
Couples smooch during "The Great Kiss-Off" at Woodfield Mall June 6-8, 1974, as part of a nationwide promotion for the first album by KISS. Daily Herald File Photo
Woodfield Mall held an auto show the first month it was open in September of 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Woodfield Mall held an auto show the first month it was open in September of 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
Workers paint the water tower at Woodfield Mall in August of 1971. Daily Herald File Photo
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