We must be of the same generation......as I was talking about that meter just the other day.
I do remember going with my Mother when she purchased her fabric in a department store called Nevius Voorhees. The had, along with clothes, a material section and I so remember the meter....
and also recall the tubes that one could see taking off and then hear them returning with our change.....
that was before the PLASTIC DAYS !!!!!!!!!!!