These 8 Photos Show Cleveland's Department Stores At The Height Of The Downtown Shopping Scene
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Nikki Rhoades
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Do you remember the good old days, when you’d go into Downtown Cleveland to go to the department stores? Do you remember the window displays, and seeing local icons like Mr. Jingeling? The glory days of shopping downtown may be gone, but the Cleveland department stores have come to be cemented in our local identity. Longing for a bit of nostalgia? You’ll feel like you’re back in the good old days through these photos:
In 1860, Higbee & Hower Dry Goods was founded in Cleveland. When the Van Sweringen brothers, local railroad barons famous for laying out Shaker Heights, acquired the company in 1929, the company was moved to Public Square. This location is one fondly remembered by locals, and it's a landmark immortalized in A Christmas Story. Pictured here in 1956, Higbee's President John P. Murphy and Cleveland Mayor Anthony J. Celebrezze unveil an escalator that they hail as the "most modern in the world."
The old William Taylor & Son building still stands in Downtown Cleveland, looking every bit as regal as it did when construction was completed in the early 1900s. It was originally only five stories, but the department store grew, so it was expanded to nine floors in 1913. All that space necessitated elevators. Pictured here in 1961, two local elevator operators wait to assist shoppers.
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The May Company become a Cleveland icon when the first store under that umbrella was opened here in 1899. With higher end fashion, the most stylish local icons adored the May Company. It was the first local department store to offer locals their own charge cards! However, it flourished in the decades even before that announcement, as this 1931 capture of the old shoe department shows.
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When you got to dine downtown after shopping with mom, you felt important. The service at Halle's was always one of its most excellent features, a fact that remained true whether you were shopping or dining. Halle's operated the Geranium Room and Minotaur Room, the former of which is pictured here in 1964.
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The old Bond Store was absolutely iconic! Dreamed up by architect Herbert B. Beidler, this Art Moderne commercial building was instantly recognizable. Pictured here in 1947, locals never would have guessed that this landmark would be demolished in 1978.
The Cleveland department stores of yore almost felt like cities. There were different sections boasting a seemingly endless array of staff. Both downtown and in the outlying suburban stores, that staff was always friendly and helpful. They truly felt like a family until the store was purchased by Chicago's Marshall Field in the 1970s and was geared toward its closing.
Who could forget the absolute magic of window shopping at Christmastime? The window displays from Cleveland's department stores were grand, a tradition that added a magical feeling to an already dreamy season. Pictured here in 1980, Higbee's has effortless A Christmas Story vibes.
This seemingly endless corridor of display cases was a sight that thrilled locals. There was truly nothing like our department stores... at least, not until malls came about. Do you recognize this landmark? Once again, you're getting a look at Higbee's, this time as it appeared in 1931.
The many Cleveland department stores of yesteryear may be gone without a trace, but they’re cemented into local hearts. We’ll never forget the thrill of going downtown to go shopping… there really wasn’t anything quite like it!
Want to explore the heart of Old Cleveland a bit more? Treat yourself to a trip to Severance Hall!
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