john t. shayne & company, a chicago-based hatter, haberdasher and furrier was founded on november 6, 1884, by john thomas shayne (born august 26, 1852) an importer/manufacturer, civic leader and democratic politician. the firm was formally incorporated on may 23, 1899, and held the distinction of being "the largest business of its kind outside of new york city." the store was first located at 187-189 south state street in the chicago loop (the city of chicago's central business and shopping district) and later moved to the john crerar library building at 150 north michigan avenue where it remained until the department store ceased operations in 1979. at the time of its closing, shayne's was a department store specializing in women's ready-to-wear, couture and furs.