Cleveland's Department Stores

Images of America: Ohio

by Christopher Faircloth

Originating as simple one- or two-room storefront operations, Cleveland's department stores grew as population and industry in the region boomed throughout the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th. They moved into ever larger and elaborate structures in an attempt to woo the shopping dollars of blue-collar and genteel Clevelanders alike. Stores such as Halle's, Higbee's, May Company, Bailey Company, Sterling-Lindner-Davis, and others both competed with and complemented one another, all the while leaving an indelible mark on the culture of northeast Ohio and beyond. From the humble origins of Halle's horse-drawn delivery wagons and the elaborate design of Higbee's on Public Square to Christmas favorites like Mr. Jingeling and the massive Christmas tree at Sterling-Lindner-Davis--it is all here in crisp, black-and-white images, many of which have not been seen in print for decades.

Genres: History, Local History

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2009

Reviews

[Chuck Ledger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought back many good memories and gave great insight on the whole rise and fall of department stores and malls.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This won't be everyone's cup of tea but for anyone who's from the area or loves the nostalgia of a time when people wouldn't think of leaving the house without a hat, check it out. Spare on the narration and teeming with photographs from horse drawn delivery wagons to the really horrible fashions of the '70's and 80's.

You'll go from the height of a teeming downtown to the push to the suburbs to the loss of department stores for the most part. I especially loved the section on Christmas windows, the Santas and Mr. Jingaling.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made me a little sad because I'm old enough to remember some of the stores when they were still open, or at least when the buildings were still standing. Very nostalgic; a great collection of photos.