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| After many years on East Euclid Avenue, Higbee's bucked the nation's economic depression and opened its magnificent store in the Terminal Tower complex in September of 1932. |
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| The new store's elegant, canopied entrances were a feature of opening-day advertising. |
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| In many ways, Higbee's crown jewel was the 10th- floor Silver Grille. |
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| The huge store became an icon in Cleveland, beloved by its citizens and even became a movie star due to its role in the 1983 film "A Christmas Story." |
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| Generations of Clevelanders will remember stepping into Higbee's from the bustle of Public Square, and being greeted by the breathtaking, block long main aisle with its array of crystal chandeliers. Not part of Higbee's original decor (which was more modern), they were installed in a 1965 Raymond Loewy-de- signed store remodel. |
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| "If you haven't seen Higbee's today, you haven't seen Higbee's!" |
The Higbee Company
100 Public Square
Cleveland, OH
CHerry 1-4600
Cleveland, OH
CHerry 1-4600
Street Floor
Cosmetics • Fine Jewelry • Costume Jewelry • Fashion Jewelry • Diamonds • Watches • Gloves • Small Leather Goods • Handbags • Fine Handbags • Street Floor Blouses • Tops • Scarves • Sunglasses • Neckwear • Hosiery • Slipper Bar • Street Floor Shoes • Optical • Repair Desk • The Link • Men’s Toiletries • Men’s Sportswear • Men’s Accessories • Men’s Dress Furnishings • Men’s Furnishings • Men’s Tops • Stationery • Greeting Cards
Prospect Level
Store for Men Traditional Shop • Designer Collections • New Breed • Men’s Outerwear • Signature Shop • Men’s Shoes • Men’s Better Sportswear • Young Men’s • Wines • Gourmet Shop
Second Floor
Women’s World • House and Town • Miss Clevelander Dresses • Miss Clevelander Sportswear • Stag Shop • Women’s Shoes • Millinery • Wig Boutique • Junior Coordinates • Junior Dresses • Contemporary Juniors • Junior Lingerie • Junior Shoe Gallery • Bus Stop of London • Glemby Cosmetics • Hairwork • Le Bistro
Third Floor
Intimate Apparel: Daytime Lingerie • Nighttime Lingerie • Foundations • Leisurewear • Sleepwear • Loungewear • The Maternity Shop • Millinery • Misses Coats • Pacesetter Coats • Miss Clevelander Coats • All Weather Coats • Better Shoes • Etienne Aigner Shop • Pappagallo Shop • Misses Dresses • Misses Sportswear • Casual Dresses • Pacesetter Dresses • Pacesetter Sportswear • Better Blouses • Sweater Shop • Active Sportswear • Status Sport • Sun Bar
Designer Shops Little Couture • Mulberry Shop • One Step Ahead • Sportique • Country Club Shop • Designer Sportswear • Designer Shoes • Designer Dresses • Crystal Room • The Bride’s Shop
Fourth Floor
Health & Beauty Aids • Pet Shop • Customer Services • Fashion Fabrics • White/Elna Sewing Center • Children’s World: Children’s Shoes • Children’s Sleepwear • Children’s Accessories • Girl’s Shop • Boy’s Shop • Plum Shop • Infant’s Shop • Infant’s Furniture • World of Toys • Doll Shop
Fifth Floor
Housewares • Cook’s Kitchen • Bar Shop • Glassware • Crystal • China • Silver • Gifts • Figurine Gallery • Plant Shop • Shop of Old Things • Linens • Book Shop • Calculators • Business Machines • Cameras • Pro Shop • Sporting Goods • For Good Sports... • Perpetual Notion Shop • Home Improvement Center • Garden Shop • Luggage • Artist’s Supplies
Sixth Floor
Draperies • Bedspreads •Rugs • Decorative Pillows • Floor Coverings • Lamps • Pictures • Picture Gallery • Decorative Accessories • Gifts Never Leave Home • Clocks • Bath Shop • Domestics • Art Needlework • Beauty Salon • Pianos and Organs • (Trim-a-Home Shop)
Seventh Floor
Connoisseur Gallery • Williamsburg Craft House • Furniture • Foxglow Gallery • Early American Furniture • Sleep Center • Pewter • Appliances • Entertainment Center • Music Center • Higbee Photo Studio
Eighth Floor
Form + Function • Café on Eight • Design Center
Ninth Floor
Customer Service Desk • Executive Offices
Tenth Floor
The Silver Grille • Winter Garden Restaurant • The Pronto Room • (Twigbee Shop)
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Westgate
Fairview Park, OH
October, 1961
172,000 sq. ft.
The Westwood Room
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Severance Center
Cleveland Heights, OH
August, 1963
216,000 sq. ft.
The Hobnail Room
The Pronto Room
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Midway Mall
Elyria, OH
August, 1966
162,000 sq.ft.
The Attic Restaurant
The Green Gazebo
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Parmatown Mall
Parma, OH
September, 1967
188,000 sq. ft.
The Zodiac Room
The Pronto Room
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Great Lakes Mall
Mentor, OH
October, 1969
167,000 sq. ft.
The Lakeland Room
Pronto Room
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Euclid Square
Euclid, OH
March, 1977
117,000 sq. ft.
The Atrium
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Beachwood Place
Beachwood, OH
August, 1978
125,000 sq. ft.
Beachwood Restaurant
Espresso Bar
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Is there a way for you to add information to each store about whether or not they still have any open branches and if not, when the last one closed?
ReplyDeleteI plan to add a brief history of each store at some point, which will give an idea when they closed. Most stores are converted to national nameplates, and definitely not the same as in their hay-day, even if the buildings still exist. As a philosophical matter, because I want the museum to celebrate the lives of these stores, I don't like to focus on their demise, just what they were like from the late '50s to the '70s.
ReplyDeleteDear BAK,
DeleteI read with great interest your information about Higbee's. I worked for the company from 1963 to 1976 in various Buying and Management positions. I'm a little disappointed that you failed to list the "Basement Store" in floor listing. The "Basement Store" consisted of a full line of apparal and jewelry for both men and women as well a domestics department. It had it own management and buying team under the direction of Willaim,Bill,Savage; Mario Nolfi and Ruth Wobolt. Along with it's own advertising department. The basement was also the location of the Frosty Bar, located under the escalators at the Terminal Tower entrance.
I assure you that it was an oversight on my part. You can imagine the sheer amount of information on this web site makes it a little difficult to manage - but I will fix it when I have time (It's a labor of love and I am recovering from surgery on my neck)
DeleteThanks for pointing it out and especially thanks for such comments from someone who obviously knew the great store well.
-Bruce
I also worked at Higbees.
DeleteI started at the Westgate branch when it opened in 1961. I went thru the buyer training program in downtown Cleveland and became a buyer in the above Budget Store in 1965 to 1970.
A 50% purchase of Higbee's was made by Dillard's in 1988. The remaining 50% was purchased in 1992 and the store name plate was changed from Higbee's to Dillard's. The only remaining Cleveland store is Beachwood Place. Dillard's Downtown closed in 2001, Parmatown store was leveled in 2000 after a new store at SouthPark Mall opened in 1997. Westgate Mall was closed in 2004 and demolished not too long afterward once the new Great Northern Dillards opened in March, 2003. Randall Mall closed in 2003 after the mall was already in the process of shutting down. Midway Mall closed in 2005 since it was in close proximity to the new larger and nicer Great Northern store. The Euclid Square store is still open as a Dillard's Outlet store.
ReplyDeleteThe Euclid Square store is closed.
DeleteGreat Lakes, Belden and Summit also continue to operate in Greater Cleveland, Euclid has since closed. Dillards also operates Southpark and Great Northern, but these never were Higbee’s.
DeleteIn Youngstown, Ohio The Higbee Company took over G.M. McKelvey Company and operated just down the street for quite a while as Strouss direct competitor.
ReplyDeleteI found an old Higbee's charge plate that belonged to my grandmother. It is small, silver on one side and on the other is handwritten. Any idea if it would be of use to anyone in a museum or collector? From Cleveland, OH.
ReplyDeleteI remember those. I worked in the charge account department at Higbees. Each notch represented a store that would honor that charge. Adressograph-Multigraph made those, they were in Euclid. Worked there also.
DeleteIt was called "Country Club" billing in those days....and every sales check was mailed with the customer's statement, after being microfilmed. Very labor intensive, not to mention the postage.
DeletePerhaps a collector will see this comment and contact you. I would also check with the Cleveland history museum(s)to see if they have an interest - http://www.clevelandmemory.org/SpecColl/cdl/ would be a good place to start.
ReplyDeleteBAK
Hello! I work at the Cleveland History Center (a part of the Western Reserve Historical Society), and our website is www.wrhs.org. You can find all the contact information (phone #, etc.) there. The curator's name is Eric Rivet, if you still have the item. Thanks so much!
DeleteThe Dillard's store at Great Lakes Mall is also still open as they have two facilities there after Dillard's took over Joseph Horne's. The former Horne's store in the mall is now Dillard's Home.
ReplyDeletetrying to locate the former buyer of womans jr apparel former Miss Pat Potras can you help
ReplyDeleteany photos of belden village store interior?
ReplyDeleteNo but I do have several pictures of the Downtown store in the last days of the Silver Grille. Also some of the elevator lobby at Christmas time 1989,
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you might be able to assist me, my mother had a Mandel Brothers Hutch and some other furniture from this retailer and its been in the family for 70+ Years. Do you know who collects furniture from them? I appreciate your time and assistance. Thanks,
ReplyDeleteBecky Evans
Bevans770@gmail.com
Happily stumbled on your site while researching a porcelain doll with a Hutzler's (Baltimore I presume) tag on it; and couldn't resist reading about Higbee's & May Co in Cleveland; my childhood stomping grounds! As an elementary school kid clotheshorse and toy lover from divorced parents in the 60s, my uncle used to turn me loose in those stores with Dad's charge cards. The salesladies in Higbee's boys department used to fall all over me as I got to shop to my heart's content, and sign Dad's name! And of course every Christmas season we had to check out the store windows and visit Santa. Also have fond memories of my elderly Italian Grandma from Lakewood who called it "Hig-A-Bee's" (and Charg-A plate). She'd get on the bus in front of our house on Clifton Blvd and go downtown and rack up the bills buying new furniture, draperies, carpeting, etc! The family simply couldn't control her! Thanks for the memories! Joe Galati, c21joegalati@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteDear Joe:
ReplyDeleteThank you for the enormously entertaining note. I grew up in a neighborhood here in Detroit which was Italian, Polish & German . . . What a fun mix! I can almost imagine your grandma; it seem like I should know her.
I am happy to hear that this site bring back memories for so many people. I hope to keep adding to it as time goes on.
I had the pleasure of visiting Higbees, Halle's and The May Co. in the late 1970s, and they were all great, individual stores, each with their own strengths. There are a number of books about Cleveland's department stores, Euclid Avenue, and Higbee's on the emarket, and I would recommend them to anyone who wants to go further.
Thanks again for sharing your memories!
Bruce
At the least, this store was immortalized in the classic film "A Christmas Story."
ReplyDeleteThey didn't even change the name for the movie, as a thank you to the store for allowing them to shoot there (and to build that big Santa slide thing).
I have an old framed silhouette picture of a girl made of fabric that is marked on the back: The Higbee Co., Public Square, Cleveland.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know anything about this product? How old is it?
email me at quirk29@hotmail.com
Does anyone have any memories or pictures of what children could get at the Tea Room in Higbees downtown store? I remember that I could order a real kitchen cupboard, and inside were little serving pieces filled with food. There was a small glass chicken and I believe it may have had creamed chicken in it with mashed potatoes. At any rate, I would love to know if anyone remembers what came in that little cupboard, or any oher info. Thank you. Cindy from California
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Midway Mall location for a few years in the mid 70's and loved this company.
ReplyDeleteMy former husband and I would take trips to the "Downtown" Store as an adventure the first time as newly weds at Christmas time. I was a young farm girl from western Ohio and thought I was in heaven. He bought me my first "Holiday Dress" I didn't know girls/women bought such things. We later took our son to Santa's Shop so that he could do his Christmas shopping all by himself. It was a wonderful experience for a little 3 year old. To this day I still go back daydreaming of those wonderful trips to the Higbee Store.
I worked at the company when they filmed the movie and the employees served as extras. They used employees from all of the branches what a wonderful way to document that beautiful store and it's glamour.
One of my most favorite things was from the "Attic Restaurant" in the Midway location, they served a Tuna Grilled Sandwich with slice tomatoes...to this day have never found one that matches it''s warm delicious flavor.
When I think of Cleveland I think of Higbee's first. Thank you for your sight...I found you through Google trying to see what had happened to the Higbee Company. What a wonderful place to shop. Connie
I worked downtown and Midway early 70's. It was wonderful. I remember the wonderful Christmas and window displays. Also loved the old wooden escalators downtown. Commuted from Elyria by train from Brookpark. Go in early then have breakfast. Some of my fondest memories.
DeleteDear Connie:
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful and meaningful memories. We should always be thankful for such experiences, so that we can tell others about them and keep these memories alive, because there just isn't anything like it anymore.
Thank you for sharing your insight with everybody!
Bruce
I worked at the Attic restaurant at Midway for a few years and was there the day we closed the doors. Some of the dishes I remember are the Glace sauce with the Glass menagerie, the Reuban, The Higbee Muffins, Rarebit sauce, Cobb salads. We had tossed salad or a fresh fruit cup served with most of the meals.
ReplyDeleteI worked at the Parmatown store from 1988 until they closed their doors in 2000, I believe. I have since moved from Ohio to New Hampshire. This morning i stopped at a body shop to have work done on my car and the guy had a Higbee's trailer in his driveway! He said he had purchased the trailer years ago and had no idea what Higbees was. Small world. The Daisy Sale was always a madhouse, and the chicken pot pie in the Zodiac room was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteOriginal Higbee Company receipt for a Literary Guild Book with a State of Ohio 6-cent Prepaid Sales Tax Stamp affixed is listed on eBay. See item # 111574752312. Excellent condition!!
ReplyDeleteI worked at the downtown Higbee's store for 14 years, until 1991, in different facets, with my last job being manager on the first floor in ladies accessories. I also was associate editor for the News and Views magazine and interviewed many Higeeeites and execs. It was the best job I ever had. I worked with a lot of fine people. This was still in the era of the well dressed sales associate and great customer service. I miss that store!
ReplyDeleteAs an avid Higbee collector--I am pleased to see that there are others that are as enthusiastic about the "Golden Age" of retail as I am....
ReplyDeleteI have been collecting memorabilia long before Higbee's demise under the Dillard's control.
I find it refreshing that the building is currently being restored to it's original grandeur as a casino-
The developers plan the remodel with a "light hand" and have saved the iconic crystal chandeliers that we all remember and love....
Dillard's allowed them to fall into disrepair under their ownership & I feared they would be destroyed as much of Halle's splendor was after their closure.
It is unfortunate that retailing in this country has come to the likes of Macy's (Federated Dept. Stores) greed & Dillard's....
The days of the "Buying Office" in each market are over.....now there is no excitement in shopping.....most department stores carry the same goods-
The closest we can find in this country is New York City....where Bergdorf's & Barneys still have exclusivity on designers and lines that others don't-
It's unfortunate-
There was a Higbee's in Putnam Connecticut, and the building is there and being used as an antique mall. The building is still charming!
ReplyDeleteDear Mariam:
ReplyDeleteThis would not be the same Higbee Company; the store did not have branches outside of Ohio.
Many stores had the same names; right in this site are two Stewart's; There were many Kaufmann's, Boston Stores, etc., so the charming store you describe must have been a local company whose founder shared the same name with the namesake of the famous Cleveland department store.
Bruce
Although in more modern times, until last year or so there were a few stores in the state of Connecticut (using a different name) that were owned by the people that own & run the Marc's chain in the Cleveland area, although no stores existed anywhere between.
DeleteNot really connected to this, but sort of an odd setup between the same two areas.
trying to find the recipe for the attic's chicken pot pie if anyone has it or knows where to find it would love to have it thank you
ReplyDelete3 cups diced or pulled chicken
Delete3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
1 cup fresh or frozen carrots
Pie crust dough orcpuff pastry to cover top. Combine all ingredients, bake until crust is brown per crust instricyions
CREAM SAUSE FOR PIE
1/2 c butter, 1/2 +2 tbls flour, 4 c water, 2 tbls chicken base, salt to taste. Combine butter and glour over low heat until it bubbles, slowly add water until mixture is smooth, add the remaining ingredients and whip until smooth.
I assembled the pot pies in the 80's at the Westwood room and I we used pie crust tops brushed with egg.
DeleteI also remember the delicious children's lunches at the Silver Grille. I remember the cupboard with the creamed chicken in a milk glass hen and mashed potatoes. There were also green peas. And dessert was an ice cream something. I vaguely remember a ball of ice cream with a doll's torso stuck on it. My older sister remembers lunch in a toy stove and ice cream with a sparkler!
ReplyDeleteWas there ever some sort of bear sold or given away from Higbees? When I was young, I was born in Columbus but never went to Higbees we shopped at Lazarus, but I have this brown brea with a plastic face that my parents said was named Higbee.
ReplyDeleteYes, during the Christmas season there was a Twigbee Bear campaign at The Higbee Company before it was evaporated by Dillards.
ReplyDeleteThe Higbee's branch in Youngstown closed in 1982. It had operated as McKelveys until 1973, having been purchased by Higbee's in the late 1960's. It had a beautiful arcade of display windows from the 1930's, polished black granite, revolving doors and all of the trappings of a downtown store. Some of this art deco granite trim was removed and has been re-used for the renovation of the box office at the Deyor Performing Arts Center down the street from the Higbee's location. (Former Warner Theater) Reminds me of the old display windows of the McKelvey's/Higbees Store.
ReplyDeleteI have a shipping box with "The Higebee Company" name and address on it: Public Square, Cleveland 13, Ohio.
ReplyDeleteIs it something your museum would like to have?
The greatest thrill of my life was going into Higbee's (prior to the name change of Dillard's, and obviously prior to the closing)and seeing the store at Christmas exactly as it appeared in A CHRISTMAS STORY. My mouth literally dropped. They were also smart enough to place a red Ryder BB Gun in the display window on the corner. A beautiful store, immortalized in a classic movie.
ReplyDeleteAs a young child I would make the trip with my Mother and 2 sisters to see the Christmas parade on Prospect square, then go to Higbee's to see the corner window full of this seasons new toys--then inside to see Santa. I have a picture taken with him when I was 5 years old. Then to the restraunt to eat.What fun the old days were in downtown.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to find your site with all of this information and pictures. I just acquired a beautiful sportwear suit from the 1930s-40s that is from Higbees the label reads "sportswear by Higbees". A very unique vintage piece. I love finding out the information on where it came from. If it would help anyone to have a photo of the garment or label for reference please feel free to let me know.
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know about what time period Belgium made beaded small handbags for The Higbee Company..Clevland
ReplyDeleteIN 1969, I was the assistant shoe buyer for the Red Cross shoe department on the first floor. It was in Higbee's that I met and married my wife. We appeared in the employee shows produced by John Bohn and also sang in the Christmas Carole chorus on the steps right next to my department. If anyone has a photos, of the 1969-1970 Higbee employee shows, I would very much like to see them. You can contact me at aamboca@yahoo.com. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm in my 60's now, but can still remember back in the mid '50's when we went on our annual visit to see Santa and had lunch in the Silver Grille. Lunch was better than seeing Santa because of the little metal stove. (Found out in later years the stoves were cardboard) In the oven was a little chicken shaped casserole dish with (what my mom tells me was chicken a la king) a little cooking pot of peas on top the stove. And the ice cream at the end, a scoop of ice cream on a plate, with an inverted cone on it, decorated like a clown face. I recall a candle in it. Mom says all the children were ladies and gentlemen back then, no running or loud kids. Ladies wore stockings with seams and hats.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know where I can get a photo of one of those little stoves?? I've been looking for years. I've seen a few toy stoves on ebay that could be similar made by Wolverine or My Maid (something like that).....but not sure. Where did all those stoves go?
I'm a long way from Cleveland now for over 50 yrs, but my memories are firmly planted in Cleveland. Any help on a pix of that luncheon stove would be appreciated.
Cindy in Kansas
There is a cardboard stove in the Twigbee Shop in Tower City in downtown Cleveland.
DeleteAfter my training at the Joseph Horne Company in Pittsburgh, I took a job as a dress buyer at Higbees in 1972. What a wonderful place to work. There was so much energy in the merchandise department. Names I recall are Jim Vadis, Mario Nolfi, and Sue Guyer. It became a family. What a wonderful experience!
ReplyDeleteThe flagship store at 100 Public Square is now the home of Ohio's first casino. Prior to that it was empty for maybe 10 years and a Dillard's before that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for printing the Directory of the old Higbee's Department Store. As my husband and I were exploring the new casino in the old Higbee Building today, it felt like just a short time ago that I was shopping there. I had forgotten some of the merchandise that was on certain floors, so your Directory helped jar my memory. Dan Gilbert and Staff and Owners have done a great job preserving the "feel" of Higbee's. The casino is a wonderful addition to Cleveland and enables the saving of a beautiful and historic building.
ReplyDeleteI worked several Christmases and a summer at Higbee's main store. Iremember the last remodel of the main store. When Dillard took over 10 years later, they destroyed the look of the main floor. This was one of their few attempts at operating a downtown store and a complete failure. Dillard has never done well N of the Mason-Dixon line. The Great Lakes Mall stores were left neglected and shabby until a recent remodel.
ReplyDeleteI walked past the Higbee Building today and could hardly look at it. It now houses the casino. If only the new owners hadn't changed the interior. I think the casino still would have looked amazaing with the old Higbee's interior.
ReplyDeleteI have a silver bracelet in the original "The Higbee CO. Jewelers" box. It has a note inside that says it was given to my Grandma in 1972. How can I find out how much it is worth?
ReplyDeleteI would love to view any other photos of Higbee's Bridal Shop in downtown Cleveland, as my Grandmother worked there from the mid 60's to the late 80's.
ReplyDeleteDO you know if anyone has any of the old dishes from the Silver Grille or a small wooden hutch they used to serve meals to children, with candles
ReplyDeleteglass chicken with removable top?
i cant believe no ones mentioned the cardboard stoves with the kids menu on the back!
ReplyDeleteI have an old picture with The Higher Company Cleveland Picture Gallery No. 2726. I am trying to ascertain the origin and value. On the back of the picture someone has written that the picture was made by Mollie McCoy in 1898. It is a beautiful machine stitched picture of several horses and the information on the back says that it was made on silk using an old Wheeler Wilson sewing machine. Any ideas where I might research?
ReplyDeleteI worked in the credit department in the downtown Higbee's in the mid to late 70's. I will always have fond memories of this place. Some of the nicest people worked there. If anyone called for credit authorization and got me, I was the one who would say, "That's C like in Charlie." Good times!!
ReplyDeleteI worked in Billing Adjustments during the same time and my mom was manager of Accounts Receivable. Did you work with Pam or Neil?
DeleteI have a 100% Silk plaid suit jacket from Austin Reed London-England expressly for The HIGBEE Company Cleveland. Iam trying to find the value of this. Is there anyone who can help me with this information.
ReplyDeletebill white have a fiberglass eagle display that came from the midway mall higbees does anywone have picture of it hanging above door at the mall. found it hanging outside on a fence
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what happened to the Crystal Chandeliers in the lobby of the Downtown Department store? They're not there now..
ReplyDelete@DavidFoley It's worth pointing out that it was Dillard's who significantly altered the interior. By the time Dillard's closed, it was nearly identical to the suburban flagship in Beachwood. There were still a few original things in there but not much. The casino has actually done some construction to re-create some of the older stylings of Higbee's.
ReplyDeleteAs far as those chandeliers go, the originals are in storage. The old escalators had to go to bring it up to code.
I am looking to get a picture of the stove you got when you went to higbees at Christmas time to have lunch. We remember a pot of peas and the ice cream. Are there pictures of the events. This was a memory we had and wanted to see what we did as children. This was back in the 70's
ReplyDeleteThe story about the store is interesting. The Chandelier's were they taken out when Dillard's closed the store? I am suprised they are not in use in some other building, just sitting in a warehouse! Were they auctioned off by chance?
ReplyDeleteThey were not auctioned off. They were taken down after the visitors bureau and a local business group, COSE took over much of the first floor. They basically turned it into an office building with cubicles. This was about 4 years after the store closed. They then vacated the building to make room for the casino which took up about 3 full floors. The top floors were converted to office space decades ago. I'm not sure what condition the chandeliers are in. The casino has new ones up that replicate the old ones.
DeleteThis is quite a compendium of memories and recollections. I happened to come across this site by accident trying to recall the store directory of Higbee's on Public Square. I went there countless times in the 1970's, but even then you could tell tastes and times were changing (as the market was moving towards the suburban malls and Downtown Cleveland was essentially dying). I can't tell you how many clothes I bought there. The service in the Men's Store (Prospect Level) was second to none and when you bought a suit, the tailors really took their time to make sure that it fit and looked it's best. That level of service is a lost art. In its heyday I wonder how many people worked at Higbee's Downtown. One addendum for the Fourth Floor; there was a stamp and coin counter right by the elevators; I should know because I bought hundreds (if not more) of dollars there when I was young. Trivia question: Does anybody remember the black and amber buttons on all the Otis elevators? They were activated by the heat of your finger and not by pressure...
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Silver Grille tableware, I believe it is still on-site. I know the Art Deco chairs are.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in displaying any vintage Higbee/Twigbee items next season at Twigbees. Any vintage Christmas items as well. All items will remain in the ownership of the donor and returned when requested. We are attempting to bring back memories of Twigbees past. I currently have the "stove", a few ornaments, and a some various other items on loan that got rave reviews this past Christmas at Twigbees. Contact nkagy@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteA summer treat was getting dressed up and taking the bus downtown with my mom, aunt and cousin, to spend the day shopping at all the department stores and lunch at the Silver Grille, of course the highlight was the stove and cupboard. As teenagers, we would dress up and wear our high heels downtown; ended up riding the wooden escalators because the heel would fit into the slats and we could rest our feet. I also worked at the Severance Center store while in school in the late 60's. I worked in Girls 7-14. My husband worked stock and the loading dock. Such great memories. We dragged our adult children down to see the windows and the fabulous chandeliers on Christmas day this year, and "bored" them with our memories. We moved to Columbus in 1971, so the kids didn't get to experience the thrill of the Thanksgiving Day parade, Twigbee shop and Halle's 7th floor.
ReplyDeleteMy Great Uncle was a buyer at Higbee's and we would always visit him at the Downtown store and so I remember those old Otis elevators. I think there is a video of them on YouTube.
ReplyDeletePS: The buttons were Otis Lexan fixtures. They are not activated by heat, but by a voltage change, although excess heat from fires can cause them to fail.
I have an old clay pitcher with Talavera stampings on the bottom. It is milky white with bue brown yellow and black design. It is 6 3/4" high with a spout and handle. Below the handle is paintedthe name of HIGBEE'S in the same blue, so it is original to the piece. Just wondering if this is something they sold at Higbee's or a promptional item. I am unable tofind any information on such a piece. Thanks in advance to anyone who knows anything about it.
ReplyDeleteTalavera is very expensive Mexican tile and pottery. In the early 70's Higbees did a huge campaign on imported goods from all over the world. It was the first time to see many exotic pieces in almost every department. Not the cheap junk you see yoday.
DeleteAmazing, I too ran across a Talavera pitcher like yours with the name Higbee's on it. Thank you for shedding light on my new treasure!
DeleteI was yound when Higbees chnaged to Dillards but I remember the store well. I lived not to far from the Midway Mall store. I still have my Twigbee Bear with the price tag on the back of the tag still attached to the bear. After Dillards closed the store it was still open for a week or two to sell the store fixtures and had free range to walk around...I went in back areas and was able to see signs still markewd on the wall that said Higbees and remembered memories of going there when I was young with my mother. I also found a picture that appears from late 60s of the resturant that was on the first floor that had sunken floors that was below the sales floor...I dont remember that from when I was litte but I do have a picture of it that I found when I was walking around and the fixture sales person let me have it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories here! For more great memories of Cleveland's dept. stores, get a copy of the book "Cleveland's Department Stores" by Christopher Faircloth (Arcadia Publishing). 125 pages of photographs tell the history of all our fabulous stores...Higbee's, Halle's, May Co., Sterling-Lindner-Davis, Taylor's, and Bailey's. Gave this book to my 98 year old mom for Christmas, and she took a wonderful trip down memory lane. She and I spent many a day riding the Rapid Transit from Shaker Heights to the Terminal. We never missed the Friday after Thanksgiving, when she took my brother & me to see Santa and eat at the Silver Grille. Remember the old express elevators that went directly to the 10th floor? There were human operators back then wearing uniforms and white gloves. The elevators had heavy iron gates in addition to the regular doors, and no LED lights to tell you which floor you were on! The operator would call out "6th floor; linens, bath shop, lamps..." Those were the days...where has it all gone?
ReplyDeleteCaroline in South Carolina, but still a Clevelander at heart
I worked at Higbee's downtown from 1958 to 1963 and it was indeed a magical place. I was assistant buyer of ladies hosiery on the main floor and had an office and stockroom on the 11th floor. I got plenty of exercise back in those days. The backstage areas were truly amazing; seemed to go on forever, and I sometimes got the feeling they were haunted. There was the employee's cafeteria on the ninth floor (for employees and guests) and we would get many requests for guest passes from family and friends. The food was every bit as good as in the Silver Grill at half the price. Store president J.P. Murphy, a genial and loveable Irishman would frequently eat there as well; and he seemed to know every employee by name. Thanks for the memories! Robert
ReplyDeleteI worked at Higbees from 1974 to 1977 in the credit collection department. The people I worked with were great Connie; Mr Brady ; John K. And of course the wonderful plays in the spring that Rocco Scotti was the musical director. I miss the people Sue P, Toni P,and their Mom Virginia, Carmen, And I still hear them say George L you big dummy.I would love to hear from them. George L (versalg226@hotmail.com
ReplyDelete"Higbee Company Department Store", is the name of a Facebook group page. Many photos and memories are posted. Some of you folks might be interested in joining.
ReplyDeleteI'm a former employee of Higbees, both in Canton and at the Downtown store. As to the chandeliers, I understood that Forest City was very protective of those and had concerns about Dillards care of them. I'd love to talk with other former employees. Feel free to contact me.
ReplyDeleteI have an excellent condition Twigbee Bear complete with hat and scarf. I am interested in it's value and sending it back to Cleveland where it belongs. Thanks for any info. Marilyn, Florida
ReplyDeleteI am researching dept. stores in American and would like to include their restaurants, signature dishes and recipes. Higbee's children's stove was a special treat and I would love a photo. This is for a forthcoming book and your memories will be so appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSharon Hazard
sharonhaz@aol.com
George Leighty When I was with Higbees 1974 thru 1977 It was a fantastic place to work. I had a group of people that I worked with that did our jobs but had a good time and we helped each other. Credit and collection people get a bad rap but we really helped bring in the outstanding money. I miss going into the store and riding the old escalators or the elevators. Going to the employees cafeteria and talking to the sales people sharing laughs and good times. Yes I miss the store and the people. Maube one day we can have a former Higbee employee day and go to the Casino and relive old times. versalg226@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteThe Chandeliers are on the eleventh floor hung on racks made of 2x4's under plastic tarps. They are not in pristine shape, but they are whole and repairable. The display cases from the jewelry department are up there, too. There are also some steps from the wood escalators. I've been told the narrow wood escalator in the back of the store is still there, but is walled off and you can only get to it from the 5th floor, which is under the casino's control.
ReplyDeleteThere is a wonderful book called "The Silver Grille, Memories and Recipes" by Richard E. Karbert with Judith Karberg and Jane Hazen. It has pictures of everything - the little stove and the buffet, the menus, the restaurant itself throughout the years - and it also includes recipes for their famous meals, including their delicious muffins. The Children's Party Luncheon (85 cents) consisted of "Creamed chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh peas and carrots, a teeny tiny whole loaf of bread with butter, a pot of cool cocoa and for dessert an ice cream cake with three candles." I can't remember if I got my book from eBay or Amazon.com, but I paid $63 for it. Pricey, but worth the memories for sure. I worked at The Westwood Room in Higbee's Westgate when I was in high school ('63 & '64) - I remember the meals - they were the same as the downtown store, and when I saw the recipes in the book I have, I couldn't believe my eyes. I highly recommend the book to anyone who misses the beautiful Higbee's days. My mom always took my brother and me, and my aunt brought my cousin, and we had lunch at the Silver Grille downtown and thought we were the most special kids in the world. I live in Phoenix, AZ, now - but I will always miss my hometown. (If you would like to contact me, leave your e-mail and I will respond.)
ReplyDeleteWhile visiting my mother in Cleveland, I purchased some lovely rhinestone jewelry that had a big display above it which said "Rocks" or something like that. I'm trying to find the name of the designer. Some of the pieces were sterling. Maybe they are crystal and not rhinestone? The time was between summer of 1986 and Fall 1987.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know who made this jewelry designer?
My dad worked in the fine jewelry department. He was a buyer for the store. I remember meeting different people that were in sales for other companies. My dad and family would go out for dinner with them. I still have my dads' coat that he bought from there. They would sew inside the coat the name of company saying tailored for that persons name inside. Also use to get the chocolate like malt in basement for 10 cents just under the elevator stairs that went to basement.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Higbee's at Rolling Acres mall in the late eighties early nineties. I worked on the dock, I still have my blue uniform shirts with an H and Higbee's embroidered on them. What a great place to work, I met my wife while working there, she worked on the sales floor what great memories I have working there!
ReplyDeleteI get teary eyed when I look at these photographs. I was born in the inner city but that was the magic and fun about going"downtown" there was something for everyone! Rich or Poor! The snow atop the big CTS bus throwing wet slosh as it angled to the curb. The people walking shoulder to shoulder with large shopping bags from May, Or Higbees or Bailey, The avenue adorned with christmas trees and fresh fallen snow the wind hurrrying you across the square -the smell of peanuts at euclid and ontario, the hustle and bustle inside the Terminal-The Central Market! It was a simpler kinder time may we bond in the memories for as long as there is life and "Downtown"
ReplyDeletemy grandfather was the last McKelvey to run the store before selling to Higbees. Mckelveys was in business from the late 1800s until early 70s. i do collect McKelvey items,and have found quite a few things!
ReplyDeletewondering if anyone has any old group photos of the employees of higbees from the 40 50s and 60s. a long lost cousin worked as the photographer at the downtown store. thanks
ReplyDeleteI hope they take better care of the chandeliers. Not long after they were shipped to Cleveland from Italian company that made them was destroyed by a flood and never reopened. If you are interested in Cleveland history in photographs look up The Cleveland Memory Project. Great data base for Higbee pictures.
ReplyDeleteAnd my brothers, sister and were among the "Higbee Kids", those who grew up in the store because a parent worked there. My father worked downtown from the time I was in kindergarten until I graduated from college!
I wad a Higbee's kid too. My dad was operations VP from 1959-1970. Some of my most magical memories of childhood are wrapped up in that store. I particularly loved the Silver Grille, breakfast with Santa, the Twigbee shop, the windows at Christmas, and every year, a silhouette by Wallie Spatz.
DeleteI worked at Higbee's in the 1970s. The store had so many opportunities for its staff to learn all the retail functions. It was an irreplaceable experience. When I moved to NYC, I was hired immediately by Macy's.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have any information on the Christmas window display that was in the movie "a Christmas story" that had a santa that stood about 4 foot tall, had a list of names and a moving arm. I have one and can't find any info on it's history. It was purchased at an auction and I'm starting to think I might have the one from the movie.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Cleveland, useta catch the bus to the rapid all the way downtown..this was around 1987,that corner where east 4th and public square[Higbee building]was like a dream to a kid..all the lights,all the people,the hugh mall,man ny memories are so fond of that place..the Higbee store was like a mall in itself with all the levels,it was amazing..
ReplyDeleteWe would get on the Rapid at Green Road, 23 minutes we were up from the train area and into Higbees. My sister studied at The Darvas School of Design and she [12 years older] would make sister dresses we modeled on the runway. But even better was the Silver Grill. In the early 40's children's meals were in a steel stove and the food was served in little metal pots and pans ... a memory that will never fade. I'd LOVE to have one.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Beachwood Place Mall as well as the downtown location. I was employed from 1979 to 1989. I worked in the credit/cash office in both locations. I have such great memories of Higbee's. Always had a wonderful group of people to work with. I miss those days!
ReplyDeleteI have a painting of orange gladiolus against a dark green background with no artist signature, just a label that says "Higbees Picture Gallery Cleveland". Anyway to research the artist or value?
ReplyDeleteRemember Higbees as a little girl. Eating like a princess from a cardboard stove at Silver Grille.. All of the floors!! A few wooden escalators. My best memory was going up to a christmas shop through a doorway that was only small enough for a child to pass through. Secretly, your parent would hand you a $5 and you could buy gifts for your family, secretly yourself. Also, I didn"t hear any mention of the absolutely wonderful malted shakes at the end oh the downstairs escalator. The Best ever!
ReplyDeleteJust bought some dressers today at a used furniture store. On the back is the Higbee's Co label. Beautiful workman ship in these Maple dressers my guess is from the late 50's early 60's. These dressers brought me to this page and all these wonderful memories. I worked in downtown Cleveland for 14 years through the 60's and into the 70's. Loved Higbee's and the square. The Nut Hut, May Co. and Halle's each place with their own wonderful memories. Wish I had a nickel for each mile I must have walked from the square to East 9th and back again, and in heels. I'll always love Cleveland, Ohio. Movies at Play House Square and lunches. Great place to grow up and work. Thank you for this site.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for my drum teacher that I took lessons from at higbee's downtown Cleveland. It was October of 1965. Would you possibly remember his name? I remember he was 18 and I believe he was in the military. Thank you so much for your time.
DeleteTheresa
i have a picture of a tree made of black and white maybe ink cant read artist but can read 44 maybe year, on back has The Higbee Co cleveland picture gallery No 18425 anyone know anything
ReplyDeletei have a picture of a tree maybe done in ink black and white. cant read artist but can read 44 maybe the year, on back has the Higbee Co cleveland picture gallery No 18425 any one know anything? help
We have two harlequin rabbits ( stuffed), with "Hig Bee" price tags on them. Any guess, as to, what the cost may have been on them ? One has a black and white harlequin suit, the other is multi-colored paisley. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI found two oil paintings in a flea market of african americans one a man and one a woman. On the back it says the artist is Aune Joki cleveland 1960's Higbees fashion Artist on the back of the womens picture it says thrid place. Can anyone tell me anything about the artist of painting my phone number is 6789233295 e-mail dj0654714 @yahoo.com name doug jones thanks
ReplyDelete"At the least, this store was immortalized in the classic film "A Christmas Story." "
ReplyDeleteThere's that I suppose. I had that same feeling years back when I discovered an Oscar-winning animated short film made by a bunch of French guys used a logo that once belong to a local defunct supermarket chain in Toledo among a sea of other logos in their otherwise spoof parody of Hollywood cinema, entitled "Logorama".
https://vimeo.com/10149605
The logo in question was that of "Food Town Supermarkets", which sadly got sold to the Grand Rapids-based Spartan Food Stores and eventually closed due to mismanagement. To this day people can't forgive the former CEO of Food Town for what he done and criticized him for once appearing dressed at some Nazi general for a WWII reenactment a few years back.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/rich-iott/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY9M7tGcLX0
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2010/11/21/Food-Town-s-familiar-name-resonates-with-area-shoppers.html
Getting back to what I was saying earlier, the way Clevelanders have "A Christmas Story" to be thankful for the memory of Higbee's to exist at all, I would say the same for "Logorama" despite it's rather blatant stereotypical approach to characterization and nobody really gives a care for one measly logo that still resonates with me, having gone to that place all the time for my late mother before her passing. I'm sure every town has that story to tell like I did.
I have so many fond memories of Higbee's from late 1950's to closing. What a magical place. Christmas time was amazing, and for children the Twigbee Shop, riding the escalators & elevators but as a child my most cherished memory was down in the basement where they had the frosty bar. Frostys were thick milk shakes served in a slim glass with no straw. You had to hold the glass to your mouth and sort of suck it out. They would get all over your nose, but what a treat.
ReplyDeleteI now live in Pittsburgh having left Cleveland in 1958. I have been searching for a few years as to which store (Higbees vs Halles) had the children's meal with the little wooden cabinet with the candlesticks (must have been birthday candles in them) and the little white chicken with (I thought) chicken a la king. You have confirmed my memories.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather worked at The May Company out in the suburbs near Cleveland Heights/University Heights in the luggage department until the early 1960s. Wiley Jr High was right near it as many times on visits back to Cleveland, we attended Saturday afternoon kiddie plays there.
My Pittsburgh memories are of stores like Kaufmann's (owned by the May Company), Joseph Horne's and Gimbels. We used to have lunch at Kaufmann's on the 11th floor but today that is a Macy's and they only use the first 4-5 floors of the old store.
Back in the 1940's and early 1950's my reflections were as "Anonymous 02 July, 2014 14:30", when my mother would be though with her shopping, my treat was a milk shake before leaving the store. Money was limited back then and as much as I begged there was never a 2nd one, I really enjoyed the flavor, does anyone remember what it was?
ReplyDeleteThe "milkshake" was a chocolate malt - called a Frosted Malt. So thick it wouldn't come out of the glass! You can still get them at Weber's Frozen Custard in Fairview Park Oh (the original recipe), and a stand called Rosati's in Northfield Ohio also sells a version of "Higbee's Chocolate Malt" Both are excellent! http://weberscustard.com/the-famed-frosted-malt/
ReplyDeleteWell a least the recipe isn't lost forever.
ReplyDeleteIs there any value or interest in the Twigbee bears?
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Terminal Tower from 1963 until 1969. I remember a fellow worker took me to a pass-through, perhaps on the tenth floor, that led to to the Higbee piano/organ department. I was a budding organist at that time and Higbees had Hammond organs that you could sit down and try out. At that time you had to turn on one switch, then another to get the organ running.
ReplyDeleteYou may be aware, or perhaps not, that the GM McKelvey Co., in Youngstown Ohio had a national championship amateur baseball team from 1952-1954. My uncle was one of their business managers....
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered a photograph of my grandfather from the 1930's (most likely). On the back there is a stamped that states :
ReplyDeleteFor your convenience, the negative of
this photograph will be kept on file.
When reordering, be sure you mention
the letter and number that appear above.
Photograph Studio of
THE HIGBEE COMPANY
Cleveland, Ohio
What are the odds that the negatives from the photo studio are still around?
That is rather interesting if they are at all, let alone who might own those negs.
ReplyDeleteAnnie Maier--- I worked at Higbee's in 1967 through 1973. I worked in the Stationery Dept. mainly on the main floor. We also had the Party shop on the 5th floor next to the Ladies Lounge. I met several famous people when I worked there Polly Bergan- I worked in her kiosk that day when she was selling her Oil of Turtle makeup. I waited on Milt Moran of the Cleveland Browns and waited on Lou Grosa's wife also of the Cleveland Browns. As a child we went downtown on the Rapid Transit from West Park station and ate in the Silver Grill- We had Chicken casserole in a hash brown basket... It was so exciting as a child of the 50's to do this. Don't forget the Frosty bar in the basement.
ReplyDeleteFor sale - Ihave a Vertical Baldwin Aerosonic piano that came from there.1 owner, non smoker, religiously tuned, and maintained. Excellent condition.
ReplyDeleteSelling for $2000.00 (pick up in VT)
Contact Mari at 8022961696
Anonymous July 14, 2915 mentioned the Frosty Bar in the basement. A few years ago we found that Webers in Fairview Park has the original machine and recipe and makes the famous Frosted Malted that we all remember so well. Go there and enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteLooking for Silver Grille kid's meal presentation box in which the meal was served. This was prior to the cardboard ovens used to serve kids in more recent years. Anyone remember? Anyone have a photo of one or have one in their possession? Love to hear from you. Jim Luby please email me investorluby@cs.com
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother Sue M worked on the fourth floor ( Boy's Department ) from the late sixties to the early eighties. My Grandmother would use her Higbee's discount,and buy my brother and I all the latest clothes.
ReplyDeleteMemories of childhood are all wrapped up with Higbee's for me -- my father was Operations VP throughout the 60s. At least once a week when my grandmother came to visit my mother would get us dressed up and we'd catch the bus downtown to have lunch with my father at the Silver Grille. I remember the dark paneling and high ceiling in Dad's office on the 9th floor. Visiting the toy department was always a treat too! But best of all was Christmas time -- breakfast with Santa, Toulouse the Moose, the Twigbee Shoppe and a silhouette by Wallie Spatz every year... it was a children's wonderland!
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome website.
ReplyDeleteDo you know anything about the Darvis School of Fashion in Cleveland, Ohio back in the 40'5/50's?
I came across a beaded purse at an Estate sale. In the inside there is a tag that reads - Made in Belgium Expressly for The Higbee Company Cleveland. Wondered if there is a museum to donate some gems like this purse
ReplyDeleteLocal history museums will often take this sort of thing. Check in the Cleveland area.
ReplyDelete-Bruce
I have a bedroom set that has been passed down to me from my aunt. My bedroom set is from Higbee downtown Cleveland. its an Armour, dresser,headboard with bed frame
ReplyDeleteI noticed that there is no mention of the Higbee store that was located in Lodi, Ohio. It later became Hower's Department store. The building still stands and has some beautiful wood paneled rooms upstairs that were used for meetings a long time ago. The building sits empty, but I am trying to determine if there is someone from the prior Higbee company that would be willing to help restore it to its former glory. Lodi is a village of approximately 2200 people and a major state route that runs right through the middle of town and right along side the old Higbee building. There has been little renovation to the interior, still has the old wooden floors and I think a wooden staircase. Haven't been in the building for a number of years. Please contact me and let me know if you are interested in helping to restore the building or are able to put me in touch with someone who might be able to help. Thanks.You can reply to kimschreiber01@frontier.com
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if anyone knew of Darvis Fashion School as I have a class ring from 1930..I have found very little information but, thought surely someone here would know about this school..Any information will be greatly appreciated..Thank you..
ReplyDeleteI want to know if there is any interest from anyone about an "August Fur Sale 1916" catalog from The Higbee Company Cleveland that was my grandmother's. I am not sure what I can do with it. It is in very good condition.
ReplyDeleteyou can reply to last post at helenbodnarik@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI worked in the Euclid Suare Mall store from 1989 to January 1991. I have been looking for a security officer badge from them. Anyone know of any for sale? Email me at MrBigdaddy89@netscape.net
ReplyDeleteJason Basinger
The Higbee's building downtown is still open. Not as a department store but a casino (as most everyone from Cleveland knows by now). But during the holiday season they display scenes from the Christmas Story movie in the windows.(or visit the house it was filmed in too) I would have loved to see the store during its time but I wasn't even born yet. Its good to know the history of my city tho. Thank u for sharing your stories. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure for a generation of Clevelanders too young to know of Higbee's at all, it's inclusion in a popular holiday classic is probably their only known window to the history of their city. It's nice to know they acknowledge that every year this way. I wish my town had something similar for the department stores we once had downtown.
ReplyDeleteWell, CHris, at least 2 of the buildings are still standing. In Detroit, there is nothing left. Although, the Hotel Metropole, which was once Mabley & Co., one of Detroit's biggest stores in the 19th century, is being renovated as office space for Bedrock Development. Interestingly, there is no one alive to remember that as a department store.
ReplyDeleteKidding aside, there is my book "Toledo's 3 Ls"
- Bruce
Yeah, how soon I forget! Of course I suppose I forget most of it given my age, and only go by what my mom probably has told me of those stores. Aside from Detroit losing most of it's legacy like that, I suppose I ought to be happy the Lasalle building is being used at all (as fancy lofty-style apartments), I noticed they still have the bank of elevators on one side of the place, though I'm sure they only keep a couple operating anyway. The apartments seem nice, but I do with more commerce came downtown to support any kind of local interest in this location (I often think an IKEA would get the ball rolling had one showed up).
Deletehttp://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Ohio/Toledo/La-Salle-Apartments/80471/
Lasalle's Westgate location is stilt here as an Elder-Beerman, though I do miss the restaurant they had there (it renamed "The Terrance Room" into the 90's).
I worked 4 Christmases and a summer at Higbee's as a "contingency employee" (basically a floater--I did stock and sales all over the downtown store) in the late 70s and early 80s. I learned a lot about clothing and merchandising. It was a great store and the comparable stores I saw in other cities rarely came close in terms of service, presentation and upkeep of the store. It was sad to see Dillard's basically ruin the downtown store with its consolidation of space. Dillard neglected the Great Lakes Mall store (along with the old Horne's) for many years--it just seemed cluttered and forgotten. Dillard isn't much of an operator but they have seemed particularly inept N of the Mason-Dixon line. Higbee's benefited from the sad demise of Halle's but not enough to remain independent or at least attract a buyer more thoughtful than Dillard and DeBartolo.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to find a value for 2 framed pictures from the Higbee picture gallery. Stickers with the #s are on the back of each one.
ReplyDeleteI worked in Richmond, VA from 1995-2003 within the Tax Dept. of a paper company (Westvaco Corp.). One of my tax coworkers, David H. Neff (Dave) told me how he had worked for years as an Accounting Manager at Higbee's, in the Downtown Cleveland Store. My guess would be in the late 60's or early 70's. He lived in Shaker Heights back then. Dave shared how retail department stores, and Higbee's in particular, brought his warmest career memories. He told me that his adrenaline rushed when the Store ran its periodic sales. Dave experienced tons of added reporting pressures during them, but much more so, loved their air of excitement. He enjoyed the thrill of them! Dave passed away in April 2007 at age 77 (Richmond, VA), survived by several children. Sadly, like Higbee's, he is no longer with us (but he lives on in our memories).
ReplyDeleteEd Wolf
Higbee's had an interesting history prior to moving to the location at the Terminal Tower. I was wondering if you could provide some of those details.
ReplyDeleteIn the late 40's and early 50's my mother and I used to take the Blue Line Rapid Transit to the Union Terminal Tower. We would eat lunch at the Silver Grill in Higbee's. On one occasion we were seated by the water fountain in the center of the room. I remember there were goldfish in the pool. I also remember the hutch with child-size dishes and silverware, a napkin, and candlesticks with birthday candles. It was so special and enjoyable. The memory has always been with me. In fact, a few years back I found and purchased a small hand-made green hutch that reminds me so much of my experience at Higbee's. I even remember the little concession stand below the Higbee's escalator in the terminal level where we got chocolate malted milk shakes when we skipped ice cream for dessert in the Silver Grill upstairs. And while this wasn't part of Higbee's, I remember a narrow Planter's Peanut Store on the Public Square to the right of the main entrance of the Union Terminal Tower. There was a large Mr. Peanut outside the open door and the aroma was so strong.
ReplyDeleteI too remember the Silver Grille (thought there was an "e" at the end) and the hutch with little dishes. One was a white milk glass hen that held creamed chicken. I also remember mashed potatoes and peas. I was a picky eater but tried my hardest as dessert (if I ate enough) was an ice cream ball which sported a figurine of the top half of a princess so the ice cream was her ballgown skirt. I remember she held a sparkler in her hand like a wand that would be lit as it was brought to the table. Though I remember this very clearly I find it hard to believe anyone, even Higbee's, would go to that much trouble for a child's lunch. But the memory is very clear.
DeleteSo many people refer to WOODEN escalators at Hibgee's, but the main bank of escalators that virtually all shoppers used to travel from floor 1 to floor 12 were modern stainless steel with narrow grooves, just as are used to this day. After 1956, there was one original wooden one to the Prospect Level from the main floor and some other narrow ones between a few of the floors in an out-of-the-way part of the store--most shoppers probably never knew these existed. So I am mystified by all the false memories of wooden escalators in Higbee's.
ReplyDeleteHere's the proof that modern metal ones were installed on floors 1-12 in 1956:
http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/press/id/263/rec/104
May Co. is the only major downtown store that kept wooden escalators, and that is what most people must be remembering.
Halle's installed metal ones in 1951: http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/press/id/482
lest we forget there was a wooden escalator form the basement men's store to the first floor
DeleteThe wooden escalators that were originally installed in the building ran from the basement to the 7th floor furniture department. They remained in use for as long as the store was open in addition to the "new' ones installed in the mid '50's. they were located just south of the Elevators and the "newer" escalators. The newer escalators were installed where a second elevator system had been located as built during the original construction.
DeleteThere was also an 11th floor in the building, where "non-executive" offices were located (where my dad worked for many years). As I recall there was also some warehouse/storage space up there. Accessible only by employee elevators.
ReplyDeleteThat would be correct, employee's had an elevator in which they could access additional floors used for storage for items like the inserts that went into the bills. All those wonderful perfumes. I recall H.R. on the 11th floor and Employee assistance as well as the employee credit union.
DeleteAnybody know where Jim Hartung landed? He was the Cosmetic Buyer when I was an Assistant Buyer from 1970-1971?
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteDo you have, can you obtain or do you know of anyone who has photos of the Susan Ives stores in malls during the late 1960's to early 1970's? Thank you.
Jim Harrigan
I have a Higbee's booklet titled "Jolly Jester Land Higbee Toytown." I have been able to find only one other copy in the Cleveland Public Library. I would like an idea of its value; it is for sale.
ReplyDeleteWhere can I find information on Higbee's memorabilia? i just discovered some in my late father's things. My grandmother worked for them in the 60's and 70's.
ReplyDeleteI believe your Belden Village entry is incorrect--the mall didn't open until 1970, when Higbee's was an original anchor. Maybe it opened prior to the mall? Not sure, I was a small child then.
ReplyDeleteCheck out a new facebook page: Higbee Department Store
ReplyDeleteToday, December 21, 2019, I went to a thrift store in Southern California. I found a pewter stein that says,
ReplyDeleteHighest Corporate Sales Increase
Higbee's
Daisy Sale
Spring 1969
It's was fun to find. It will most likely go to my brother who still lives in Ohio.
Im looking for TalaverT pottery with the name Higbees on the side and was wondering if anyone knew its history
ReplyDeleteI remember the amazing late 60s/ early 70s ad campaign that was very psychedelic! "If you haven't seen Higbee's today, you haven't seen Higbee's!" Really fun and the jingle stuck in your head once you heard it on TV or the radio.
ReplyDeleteHello! Would you happen to have any information about The Pronto Room on the 10th floor? Was it a casual cafeteria to balance the higher end Silver Grille or was it a bar? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt was a place to have a quicker, less-leisurely meal than the Silver Grille, from a more limited menu. Consult the books"A Higbee History" and "The Silver Grille" for more detailed information.
ReplyDelete- Bruce
Thank you for the prompt reply. Much appreciate!
DeleteDid this store hire Fashion Artists? If so, what exactly did they do?
ReplyDeleteI am looking for my drum teacher who gave lessons at Higbee's downtown Cleveland.
ReplyDeleteIt was October of 1965 and he was 18 and I believe he was in the military. I would love to tell him about my career in the music business. He changed my life and I want to thank him.
I don't see any mention of the coin department. I have a file folder full of their brochures. Any suggestions of where to direct them? Also, thank you for this sweet ride down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteIt was merely an oversight. Do you know of the location (if not I can check the newspapers)within the downtown store? I would donate anything to the to the Western Reserve Historical Society, www.wrhs.org.
DeleteThanks for keeping Higbee's alive in our memories!
Stamps and coins...4th floor around the corner from the "notions" department
DeleteI am going to do some research and see if my Grandma Cecilia Higbee is related.. my sister just mailed me a English Pewter mug made in Sheffield England that says.. largest sales increase Higbee's Anniversary Sale Fall 1966 .. would love more info on this sale and mug if you have it. I have photos too
ReplyDeleteMy Aunt Mary Szekely made all the tickets for the merchadise on the 11th floor.I started working there when I was 16..1966. My brother, Tom Hasek worked there. I also worked in Fred Harvey's 'garbage' room we used to call it..marking merchandise for another new store. I then went out to Harvard Ave...sonewhere ...where we marked merchndise for the new Parmatown store.
ReplyDeleteI went to school in Lakewood and would take the '55' downtown and work after school. I was Manager of the College Board, working during the summer with a group of girls from other colleges. Nancy Wilkes was the head of fashion. I worked in the Stag shop for men only at the holidays. I did modeling in the Silver Grille while women had their lunch...what a great memory. Moved on to work with Jim Murphy...in Blouses and sportswear..as an assistant to him with offices way up...the wonderful elevators, the day after Thanksgiving when the red velvet ropes were on the first floor and the doors opened and the shoppers came in. The classic Holiday windows....like no other...the rapid transit bringing people in.... and the stop ..always... in the 'basement' to get a Frosty....i can still see it there...and the talking wooden escalator.
I have fashion shots that were in the newspaper ..i.e.I was feeding seals from Sea World from a miniature Sea World, part Of OhioRama on the 10thfloor..
Nothing but memories from a great Department store....and dont forget a Grant's hotdog....from down the street...hard to imagine Higbee's as a casino.
I worked out of Higbee's Kitchen Design Center (aka The Foster Company, and later The William Purdy Company) in the 1970' and 1980's. We were on the 7th or 8th floor downtown, remember we were at the escalators, a floor or maybe two above the pianos. I didn't see the Kitchen Center listed as a department on your list.
ReplyDeleteI have a salmon color teddy bear that has a square label on the back that says Debutante Shop The Higbee Company. Any idea if the bear is from the Higbee Co?
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful anniversary pendant that belonged to my grandmother. She worked at Higbees for many, many years. The pendant is 12K gold with an "H" in the middle. It has a sapphire in the middle, with 2 diamonds on either side (25 years). Anyone else know of any of these??
ReplyDeleteI have (6) Prints from 1900 numbered, all numbered 255019 initialed by C.L, all say Higbee's on them, Would like to share photos of them with you and get more information if I can they are all of woman fashion drawings
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember who worked in the kitchen of Silver Grille downtown in 1998?? I was the but trying to remember all..
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