Rike's was, for many years, a beloved
retail magnet in downtown Dayton
The store was expanded many times, by adding floors
on top of its original building, by expanding into the
building of the Miami Hotel to the weat, and by
building additions.
Second at Main
Dayton, OH 45401 920,000 sq.ft.
DOWNTOWN STORE DIRECTORY (920,000 sq. ft.)
First Floor
Fine Jewelry • Costume Jewelry • Cosmetics • Handbags • Handbags • Small Leather Goods • Gloves • Scarves • Millinery • Hosiery • Legworks • Daytona Shoes • UpDate Sportswear • Notions • Candy and Nuts • Bake Shop • Sub Shop • Stationery • Calculators • Phone Booth • Home Office Equipment • Etc. Etc. Etc. •
Rike’s Store for Men Men’s Accessories • Smoke Shop • Men’s Furnishings • “The Classics” • “The Shirtings” • Men’s Sportswear • Contemporary • Designer Sportswear • Men’s Clothing • Rikesgate Row • Men’s Shoes • Men’s Hats • Young Men’s Shop
Mezzanine
Charlie’s on the Mezz • Coffee, Tea, and . . . • Wine Shop
Second Floor
Junior Sportswear • Junior Dresses • Junior Coats • Junior Shoes • Junior Intimate Apparel • Annie’s Attic • Contempo on 2 • Loungewear • Sleepwear • Foundations • Daywear • Miss Dayton Sportswear • Better Sportswear • Newcom Sportswear • Active Sportswear
Third Floor
Daytona Dresses • Women’s World • Van Cleve Shop • Miss Dayton Dresses • Town & Country Shop • Daytona Shoes • Shoe Salon • Aigner Shop • The Shop for Pappagallo • Contemporary Shoes • Fur Salon • Coats • All Weather Coats • Bridal Salon • Newcom Shop • The Disco • Beauty Salon •
Cash Office • Credit Office • Photo Studio • Repair Desk • Men’s Formal Wear •
Moraine Shops Moraine Contempo • Moraine Sportique • Moraine Coats • Town & Country Shop • Designer Center • Missoni Boutique • The Moraine Room
Fourth Floor
China • Glassware • Giftware • Silver • Table Cloths • Housewares • Cookworks • Small Electrics • Clocks • Basket Shop • Green Scene • Oriental Plus • LifeStyle • Pictures & Mirrors • Art Gifts • Lamps • Televisions and Stereos • Records
Fifth Floor
Coin Room Restaurant • Coins and Stamps • Books • Infants’ Wear • Toddlers’ Wear • Layette • Children’s Furniture • Children’s Accessories • Girls 3-6x • Girls 7-14 • Boys 4-7 • Boys 8-20 • Young Juniors • Teen Shop • Children’s Shoes
Sixth Floor
Furniture • The Georgian Collection • Sleep Shop • Recliners • Trim-the-Home Shop
Seventh Floor
Domestics • Sheets • Blankets • Pillows • Towels • Bath Shop • Draperies • Bedspreads • Curtains • Area Rugs • Carpeting • Fabrics • Sewing Machines • Needlework • Luggage
Eighth Floor
Sporting Goods • Toys and Hobbies • Hardware • Garden Shop • Major Appliances • Auto Center • Pet Shop
Ninth Floor
Employees Cafeteria
East Dorothy Lane at Woodman Dr.
156,000 sq. ft.
Trotwood, Ohio
218,000 sq. ft.
Dayton Mall (1969)
191,000 sq. ft.
The Amber Lantern
Springfield, Ohio
177,000 sq. ft.
The Blue Fox
I worked here in the 1960s, mostly in the stock room of the Candy Department. It was the best job I ever had (and not just because of the candy). I have videos of the old Christmas window displays from the store. They have been refurbished and are in the lobby of the Schuster Center (on the site where the department store used to be) during the holiday season.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt Eleanor worked the charles of the Ritz cosmetic counter.
DeleteI worked in Candy Stock in the mid sixties. Ella Baron and Mary Bonecutter come to mind. The stock room was in the old hotel and they had to put in a one floor lift because all the floors did not matchup. I also sold cameras in the late 70's. We were in the west end of the 4th floor. We would have a camera show in the spring and had a large group of customers and product representatives and demos. I eventually went to the Print shop, Visual Presentation, Warehouse, Debit Expeditior. I left in 1999 when they closed the warehouse.
DeleteI miss the old Christmas window display. Even once the store was changed to Lazarus which is now gone as well, I was able to enjoy those displays. I'm 32 now. It's sad that this generation of can not enjoy shopping the way that I did growing up.
ReplyDeleteThank President Johnson the worst president this nation has known.
DeleteP. Church...that's a good Question...
DeleteMy Mother, worked for Rikes for many many years. She started out as a Switchboard Operator ...Later she worked in Security. When she passed a few years ago, the Rike Family Sent Flowers and a "R" pin to me and my sisters. She loved working there.
DeleteI lived in Fairborn from 1956 to 1963. I was 2-7 years old during this time. But I remember driving with mom and her friends to a department store with a huge parking lot. They had a cartoon booth in the back near the toy section where we kids could sit and watch cartoons while the parents shopped. Every time we went, Mom would buy me a Colorform. I loved those Colorforms. But was this a Rikes store or something else?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like Rike's Kettering. I remember the cartoon booth in the back of the store also. There was also a mold machine which would fuse two halves of plastic together and it would smell terrible.
DeleteHello, Laurie H.
ReplyDeleteMy brother lived in Fairborn when he was stationed at Wright-Patterson; so we visited. I believe there was a large, original Elder-Beerman store there at one time; it was quite unlike the E-B of today, so that may have been it.
We also went to the Centerville Elder-Beerman and I was surprised to encounter a large, single floor department store with a balcony at the back for designer clothing; quite different from anything I had seen before. I would venture to say that the Fairborn branch was similar.
Thanks for the memories . . .
BAK
My dad grew up in Dayton. my Mom used to go to Dayton to shop. I bought my first paperback at the Rike's book department. Nothing quite compares these days to the hot dogs they served at the Mezzanine there. I also fondly remember the bell on the elevators.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Joe Decker
Their hot dogs were the BEST! Thanks for bringing back great memories!
DeleteDo you remember how the elevator doors were significantly different on each floor but I believe all were Art Deco?
DeleteWhen I was 3 and 4 years old, my Mom took me to weekly ballet class at Lera Ray's dance studio which I think was on Monument Ave. Afterward, we would go have lunch in the cafeteria on Rike's mezzanine. Always the same for me: a PB&J and a cherry phosphate soda. Sometimes we would split a piece of their delicious chocolate cake - I still remember the texture - rich dense chocolate cake and fudgy icing, slightly chilled, as that was the way they served it.
ReplyDeleteI might still have that chocolate cake recipe - I'll look for it!
DeleteHi. I would like the Rike's Fudge cake recipe too.
DeleteI recall the Rike-Kumler Co. (Rike's) between the years of 1967 and about 1988 or so (whenever it closed and became a shell with a million square feet of former store inside). The store was simply one of the great ones. Kids remembered Santa and "Tikes" (and, of course, the windows), but it had "everything", to quote Sandy Duncan. It was a real big city department store, with all that implies. Its loss helped augur the rather service and style-devoid age we now enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI think that Ohio had more great department stores per capita than any other state . . . and Rike's was special indeed. I knew the store in the '70s when my brother lived in Dayton.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your memories!
Bruce
You're correct about Ohio.
ReplyDeleteI should add about Rike's that a favorite haunt of mine was the employee's cafeteria on the ninth floor. That was in the tower addition and accessed just above the 8th floor ticketing/bill paying department via a very speedy escalator. It had a great view of the city and was usually bustling with employees going on and off shift. Rike's went up to the 13th level, actually. It had its own ad and art offices. I made a tour of the whole thing, once.
The reason I researched this company is because a friend of mine has a print of Lady Peel. On back of the frame it states; Antique English Color Engraving, Handtinted 1879; Styled and Framed for: The Rike-Kumler Company,Dayton,Ohio
ReplyDeleteI sent my comment anon. a liitle while ago. I am the one that commented about the print of Lady Peel.
ReplyDeleteHi I worked at the Springfield Mall, I was the food mgr for the "Blue Fox Rest" A great store and the people and staff the best 1974-78. JHMazzoli
ReplyDeletewas there a 3rd floor at the springfield store? Everytime I go there and wonder this because of the height of the building, would love a tour....
DeleteI just bought a rock maple (dining room) side chair with rush seat that has a Rike Kumler Co. tag on the underside of the seat. Any info on the furniture from this store would be appreciated. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with Rike's. At Christmas time, they had the corner windows with animated figures and a life size Santa and reindeer, that wrapped around the up part of the front of the building. I used to go eat with my Grandmother in the fifth floor dining room and it had great food. AHHHH..the good ole days.
ReplyDeleteOh my, this could be me!! My absolute favorite memories of Rikes. I also remember the girls' dept clothes on the fifth floor. I have memories of my grandmother trying on hats in the millinery dept. Always someone to help you personally. I loved the BBQ sandwiches in the cafeteria on the mezzanine and our visit always concluded with a purchase of chocolate from the candy dept on the main floor. Rikes is the epitome of department stores!
DeleteI remember fondly the trips to Rikes downtown with Grandma- lunch in the Coin room, eating the "Little Hen" dish with mashed potatoes and chicken. "Jojo the Clown" for dessert on special occasions ( ice cream scoop with upside down cone as the hat). Anyone recall the models that would come through to show the latest trends? Now, I feel old. Thus was probably late 1950's into 60's.
DeleteRemember Rikes so well. Cannot believe it is gone.
ReplyDeleteRemember when we dressed up to shop! LOL
Have old Rikes dining room menu for sale. Please contact me at 2606 S. Chase Dr. Springfield, Il 62704 if you are interested in buying it. Not sure of the date, but you could get the feature luncheon for 65 cents! Also have Elder's menu.
PS - Did find date for Rike's dining room menu - on the front there is a picture of Rikes. Around this
ReplyDeletepicture is the motto - We've Built Your Greater Rikes Under the bldg, there are the dates 1853-1938. So I am guessing this is from 1938 - the menu prices certainly seem to be from this era - veal steak with mushrooms, potato and fresh fruit cup with sherbert - 65 cents!
Grew up going to Rike's the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas shop. We always parked at Rike's Parking Garage at the corner of Main & Monument--a block up from the main store and we would eat in the mezzanine cafeteria. I loved their barbecue sandwiches and the cherry phosphate. I was priviledged to work in the pharmacy at all of the branches but the favorite was the downtown store where I started as a intern. The pharmacy was on the main floor and my most treasured memories besides the people that I worked with, was that at Christmas time Mr. David Rike would come around and great everyone by name. He knew everyone that worked for him. What a way to start life in the business world. So many times I recall that great department store where you could shop for anything and they would deliver it and charge it to your store charge account
ReplyDeleteAll the warm accolades given here about the wonders of Rike's were well deserved. It was an extraordinary store. I too have very fond memories of shopping there at Christmas especially and eating in the mezzanine cafeteria. My sister and I both shopped at Tike's for presents for our parents and grandparents. An aunt used to take me to Rike's for my birthday and then treated me to lunch across 2nd street at the great King Cole Restaurant. It amazes me now that a city the size of Dayton had such world-class places to shop and dine. Ohio really was blessed with so many fine department stores. All six of the largest cities had at least one great store and Cincinnati and Cleveland had several. All the suburban malls, "lifestyle centers", discount stores and fast food joints in the world could never compensate for their loss. I feel blessed to have known them and sorry for those who did not.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any mention of the full service restaurant, which I believe was on the same floor as the Coin Room....I grew up in Dayton and visited the restaurant as a child and also as a Mother....ate in the Coin Room many times when I worked.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to remember the salad plate we used to order with Cottage cheese, fruit, sherbet and maybe tuna or something. Does anyone remember that plate? I am trying to serve that for a luncheon!
DeleteI remember it as cottage cheese inside green jello with poppyseed dressing!!! I still want it!
DeleteMy first introduction to "Rike's" was when I was stationed at Wright-Patt in the Mid-80's. It was Shillito-Rike's at that point but I fell in love with the Downtown Store. I'm originally from Northeastern Ohio (in the country) and only got to see really grand department stores in Akron, Cleveland, and sometimes Pittsburgh (O'Neil's, Higbee's, Horne's and Kauffman's) probably only saw them each once growing up. But always Loved Dayton's grand lady the most (probably because I was an adult then). But at least years later I have came across several of the Rike-Kumler artifacts and enjoy them every day - Still trying to find away to publish pictures of them on some site. I have a set of the 1938 elevator doors, several stained glass mezzanine dividers, cafeteria trays, silver serviceware from the 'Dining Room' as well as 2 blond chairs. I have even been able to 'save' a green drinking fountain, brass ad wall display case and original oil paintings of David Rike and Samual Kumler. If anyone has any ideas how I can share these on the web I'm open to it.
ReplyDeleteI have a heavy metal coin which was part of the decor at the "Coin Room" at Rike's. I wish I could find out more about it.
ReplyDeleteMiss downtown Rikes. What a special place to shop and have lunch. I remember seeing Rikes in Piqua delivering purchases when I was little. They would send dresses for instance to our house, my mother would try them on pucrchase what she wanted or send them back. Imgaine the trust back then to do that? All of the pictures of me with Santa and the Easter Bunny were taken at Rikes. I am 63!
ReplyDeleteMY mother, who died Dec. 2011 at age 95 had pleasant memories of visiting her aunts who worked there in the 1920s and 1930s they and other employees gave her employee discounts, which she badly needed. Rike's was THE (only ?) place to shop.
ReplyDeleteMeet me in the Coin Room in the next life.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother Eleanor Parnell was a longtime Rike's employee and retired from there. She lived on Neal Ave. and whenever we stayed over a weekend we would go downtown to Rike's on the RTA and go up to the Toy floor then have lunch in the resturaunt. We even got to eat on the very top floor employee dining area. Thanks for the memories...Larry Sussman Dayton Ohio
ReplyDeleteWould anyone have any information about young modeling clothing in the 50's-51-52-53? A lady named Sallylee Conline modeled there with my mom. Trying to find out if there are archive pictures out there. One of Sallylee Conline was on the cover of Life Mag. in the 50's. Anyone remember Maryjane Hurst modeling with Sallylee?
ReplyDeleteI know Sal from Wwilbur Wright!!
DeleteMy father, Bill, worked at the Rikes warehouse since the late 40s. Started out in package delivery and ended his career there running the lawn mower repair shop located in the back of the warehouse building. I grew up always going to the downtown store on Christmas just to see the window displays and shopping with the family. When I was old enough my father got me a job at the warehouse before joining the navy in 1971. Upon returning from the service, I returned to the warehouse to work on the loading docks where I met my wife of 45 years. She was a Univ of Dayton college girl working pt there and I fell in love at first sight. I have very fond memories of the Rikes company.
DeleteI recently picked up a crombie overcoat in ex-
ReplyDeletecellent,nearly new condition from a thrift store
down here in Tampa and it had a Rike's store for
men tag in it. Never heard of Rike's before that.
Obviously,Rike's was a great department store
from a time when being classy and customer service
was important. Sad to see a time like that go....
I have a set of four small colored engravings that my great aunt bought at the Reike-Kumler store art department before 1958.
ReplyDeleteI prize them because they belonged to her, and because of the store label on the back.
I remember the store, but we did not get into the city very often.
My grandparents, parents & older brother were all from Dayton. Grandma worked for Elder-Bierman's (sp?) in the '60s - 70s. I just found a photo framed by The Rike-Kumler Co -- looks like a night time photo of downtown Dayton (with Rike's building in the center) dated 07/30/36. Just started trying to track down info on it.
ReplyDeleteMy grandma just gifted me a 6 place settng china set from rikes that hadn't been open until today :) I love them.
ReplyDeleteHello, what pattern and manufacturer was the China do you know? Thanks, Karen S.
DeleteI just found an ornate crystal chandelier from Rikes in Dayton, if anyone is interested look me up on Facebook at Rusty NChippy.
ReplyDeleteI too have fond memories of eating at Rikes with my grandmother and going to Rike's at Christmas time to see the window displays until the social unrest of the 60's made it too dangerous to go anymore. :(
ReplyDeleteI remember riding the bus going downtown Christmas shopping and seeing Santa and his reindeer display on the side of the building.
ReplyDeleteI worked security at nights there later, the building was amazing.
Doug
Just seems like nothing is the way it used to be. Rikes downtown was an icon in Dayton. Too bad that kids growing up today don't have the pleasure of enjoying it like us older folks did. It was great family time going there, and I also got to take home some chunk chocolate in bags. I did buy a brick from the building after it was torn down, so I do have something from Rikes. Ahh the good old days!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a brick. #859 out of 1000. A great nostalgic piece and superb paperweight! Anyone know if it has monetary value? Just curious. soobymay@aol.com
DeleteTo BAK, or anyone that might be able to help? I've many special memories of Rike's department store, but only because of the playland w/ the live dolls that lead to Santa Clause. It was early 1980's that my parents were so awesome that would take me, & my four older siblings to see Santa there around Christmas time every year. I fell in love w/ the dolls & am still. This year they are being displayed at the Schuster Center (where Rike's used to stand before being torn down-Dayton, Ohio) I am anxiously awaiting my visit to see the live display once again, I haven't seen them since I was little (probably 7 yrs old max), so that way back in 1987. Sorry, I will get to the point now... I was wanting to know if anyone had any pictures of the old display when it was at Rike's? I'll be getting new pictures this year when I finally get to see them again, & was curious to see the difference, or if they made any changes in the dolls themselves. Plus, I guess I just wanted to have a picture & see how close I am to what my mind has always remembered. I do have a few from what the Dayton Daily posted online, but that's this years display, and not much of it. I'm sure they are wanting to get people to come & see it & not give too much away? Anyway, if anyone could possible help, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello, and thank you for your memories. You may want to contact Wright State University, where Rike's archives have been preserved. There you could potentially find pictures of the old display.
ReplyDeleteI would like to write a history and memoir of Rike's using the archives, but the usage fees make it impossible for me, and the publisher will not assist with these costs.
Do let me know what you find if you pursue this tip, and Merry Christmas!
Bruce
What a treat it was to shop with my grandmother there. NEVER missed a Christmas waiting in line to see Santa and have your picture taken, then shop at Tykes, and topped off eating in the cafe. My grandmother furnished her entire house from Rike's. And it was all beautiful and quality merchandise. Still have Thanksgiving place settings and a turkey platter she gave me. Loved those window decorations. I'm taking my 2 teens to the Schuster to see these displays. Thanks for keeping Rike's alive!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the 60's in Ohio. My Aunt and her family lived in Fairborn. As a child,when we would visit, we always went to Rike's,so many memories.Those wonderful "Christmas Windows". In 1976,I went to work at the downtown store. I enjoyed my employment there. I reflect back alot. I also assisted in putting together those "Christmas Windows". I never dreamed as as child that one day ,I would be there.
ReplyDeleteHello. My name is Brad Burns with Burns World of Merchandise in Richmond Indiana. I have a Rike-Kulmer antique table here at my store. It still has a tag on the underside of the table that has all the details about the table. I am trying to come up with an accurate value so I can price it accordingly. If you have any information at all please feel free to email me at burnsworldofmerchandise@aol.com.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time
I was born in Dayton, Miami Valley Hospital, in the early 30's. I remember trips to Rikes, eating lunch in that dining room, beautiful women modeling dresses while eating. I still have a "kids" menu from there. The windows, Toyland, the trains, were all a big part of Christmas. My first visit with Santa was there. Rikes was a whole world in itself. Really special were trips to Rikes.
ReplyDeleteFun to read all of these Rike's reminiscents and look at the pictures on this great website. I loved Rike's too. We used to take the bus (the number 5) down to Rike's after school to 'shop' for hair ribbons and have a cherry coke in the mezz cafeteria.
ReplyDeleteBut better yet was the August shopping trips to buy our Spalding saddle shoes in the sale and then have lunch in the lovely dining room (with the cutest little lidded glass chicken casseroles for our chicken a la king) and those upside down ice cream cone 'clowns' on white doilies. And the ladies modeling. So fun. There were nine of us kids so we went down in shifts for our back to school shopping and we had our packages delivered of course!
My mother hired the Rike's interior designer, Ed Hollek, to do our house--I think at that time he was one of the only ASID designers in the area. And I think we have some of that rock maple furniture others have mentioned. Our brand was "Meetinghouse Maple".
Rike's bridal department was where my sisters and I went to order our wedding dresses. In the 1970s there was a very knowledgeable (society) saleslady there who consulted with the 'brides' and helped with their gift registry to make sure they got the 'right' china. Of course they could order any dress in that you wanted--even special designers through the Moraine Room.
We have many fond memories of Rikes--thanks for this wonderful website.
Thank you for writing my memories - perfectly to a T! I wish I still had my Mother's rock maple bedroom set. I don't live in Ohio anymore but hope to return tjis spring
DeleteRike's at Second and Main in downtown Dayton. What great memories for me especially in the mid Sixties. Of course Christmas season was the best. The window displays were awesome as well as the Christmas trees and Santa in his reindeer-drawn sleigh on the store's exterior. Tikes!!!! OMG!!! I can't think about this too much. I'll cry... Where did the years go?
ReplyDeleteI promise to let you know BAK, thank you SO MUCH for your response & telling me about Wright State! I will try to see what I can find out, & if I can I will make a trip there... After all, it's only 15 mins. away from where I live! :) Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI am based in the north of England UK. Last week I purchased a fabulous coat with the 'Rikes fur salon Dayton Ohio' label in the lining The coat is mink with a fox fur collar and the name Maggie Webster is embroidered on the lining. Just thought I'd do a bit of research as to where the coat originated and lo and behold I've just found this site having no idea that Rikes was a dept store! I wonder what stories my coat could tell and how it arrived in a shop in the English Lake district. Thank you for all the info and if a miracle happened and Maggie Webster is reading this ..........
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to see that The Department Store Museum has even spread to the beautiful Lake District in the North.
ReplyDeleteRike's was really loved and appreciated by the people of Dayton . . . I know someone who said "never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that building would ever come down and Dayton would be without Rike's!"
Perhaps even one of Maggie's descendants or acquaintances could re-connect with that coat!
Thanks for sharing such a unique tale!
Bruce
Thanks for sharing the memories. One of the things I remember most is stopping at Rike's when I had to change RTA busses on the way home from school. I would run in and head to the candy counter and buy a soft pretzel or a giant chunk of solid chocolate, the kind of piece that was so huge that you could take an actual bite but would have to knaw at it with your front teeth. I chisled away at it like a little squirrel all the way home. Good times...
ReplyDeleteMy first real job was with Rike's--I became an associate buyer for the contemporary department in the early 70's. Many top management changes back then. Wondering if anyone reading this could tell me if they remember Sally Miller who was the buyer from the Handbags and Small Leather Departments. I believe she was from Jacobson’s and she helped me in the very beginning and I would love to thank her. I can't seem to locate her—let me know on this blog. It would be great. Thank you Susan
ReplyDeleteI was the voice of one of the live dolls that Gloria mentions from Santa's Village. I may have even talked to Gloria, since it was when I was in college in the 80s! It was a fun job- had to sit on a ladder behind the wall, holding a microphone, talking to children as they came by! But growing up, I remember the dining room the most- special dinners there always included the children's chicken and noodles, served in the ceramic hen!
ReplyDeleteLove all the comment about Rike's. As a child in Dayton in the 60s, Mom would take my lil brother and me to shop at Rike's. I fondly remember the nice older man who ran the elevator and always warmly greeted everyone.
ReplyDeleteHolidays were great there with Toyland, the Tike Shop where kids could buy small gifts for parents and the Santa and Elves photos.
And the candy shop, oh yeah.
I do estate sales today and still come across many Rike's items in great condition.
Often we would head to the Woolworth's for lunch; it was Mom's first job in the 50s and she loved it there as did we.
Rike's was classy, and even though we weren't fancy people, it sure felt like it when at Rike's.
My wife did a bit of child modeling for Rike's around 1980. She wasn't sure of the flyer/magazine or the year, but I do know the timeframe. Does anyone have any of the old flyers and magazines for sell or at the very least I could view?
ReplyDeleteclutch purse made in belgum for Rikes
ReplyDeleteI worked at Rikes in the men's clothing department in 1962 or 1963. They put me in the department, where they sold really expensive clothing for men. One day I wore a red skirt and sweater to work, and the older, heavily made up, jewel bedecked 'lady' who was over me that day, took me to a corner and gave me the riot act over wearing red to work. She was very loud and rude. It embarrassed me, and hurt my feelings deeply. I didn't need the job that badly, so I quit. I never liked Rikes after that. Another thing that stands out in my mind, is that they paid their employees in cash, in an envelope. M.E.J
ReplyDeleteThe photo you have labeled as Salem Mall is actually the Rike's warehouse which was located near Patterson Blvd. and the Stewart St. bridge.
ReplyDeleteIf you worked in the Men's Clothing Dept during that time then you would have met my Father.
ReplyDeleteHe was a Tailor/Fitter there from just after WWII until the early 70's.
I grew up in that store.
my father was a suit salesman during the 50's & early 60's I don't know the exact years but all my childhood was centered around Rilke's downtown. I remember going to the fancy dining room & the hobnail chickens that was filled with chicken pot pie. I have a handkerchief that was given to customers for their 100th year anniversary. I had it preserved & it hangs in my living room. What memories
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh, memories… how good they feel.And how fortunate to have others who will share their memories with us and, at least for me anyway, realize that we are connected more than we know. I too shared a journey in Dayton. Born and raised. We lived on the West Side and going ‘downtown’ was a TREAT. I loved it. We’d put our dime in metal shiny box ( aboard the yellow RTA bus ) and that dime took us downtown to a place of magic. ( at least it seemed that way to me ) I recall my sister and I would get off the bus right in front of the Elder Beermans ( it was a tall blue building ) and we’d take the elevator up to the ‘record department’ ( the toy department was on that floor too ). I recall that Beerman’s had booths in the record dept, and they’d would play a little bit of the record , if you wanted , before you’d buy. I recall being with my sister,( we were like pre-teens ) listening to the early Beatles. We’d then leave Beerman’s and head across the street to McCroy’s , Thal’s , and Baker shoes. Then on to Rikes-Kumler~~!! And that was a treat, because once inside you felt ‘special’. We knew this was a store for ‘rich people’ and we’d pretend that we were too. I recall riding the escalator up to the ‘juniors Dept and the clothes there !!! I wanted them all, ( but couldn’t afford ). I always felt that they were extremely well made… I too loved the corner window Christmas Display ( Our mother was usually with us during those trips )… Does anyone remember the ladies powder room? Remember all of those mirrors?… What a classy place Rikes-Kumler was…. I recall always wanting to buy ‘something’ when I’d go downtown and usually it was a magazine( anything featuring the Beatles, like 16 magazine! ) .. I’d recall purchasing my magazine at the little magazine stand, that stood right outside the side entrance of Rikes. From Nov after Thanksgivings all though the month of December was a magical time for us and our trips to Downtown Dayton..
ReplyDeleteI WAS A STUDENT NURSE IN 1971 WHEN MY FRIENDS AND I WERE ATTENDING MIAMI VALLEY HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING. I HAD MY FIRST MAKE-OVER AT RIKE'S INCLUDING FALSE EYELASHES, HOW WE LAUGHED COMING HOME, AS ONE OF MY EYELASHES GOT LOST ON THE BUS! I WAS ARIKE'S SHOPPER UNTI I LEFT DAYTON IN 1978-I MISS ALL OF THE GOOD OLD DEPTSTORES, WHERE ONE WAS TREATED WITH RESPECTAND PEOPLE WERE HAPPY TO HELP YOU!
ReplyDeleteI have a vintage 1968 Dikes of Dayton Purse. I'm looking to sell it or give to someone who will get use out of it or display it. Please reply to this
ReplyDeleteJust on a whim, decided to check on some info on Rike's...how fun it's been to read all the posts and remember when..... I was born in 1951 and was raised in Eaton.Many, many times I came to Dayton to shop at Rike's with my mother, sister and maternal grandmother. I, too, remember their delivery service, eating at the dining room, mezzanine, and coin room. My paternal grandmother worked on the 7th floor in the linens dept. At Christmas, she would take us to work with her and while she worked, we'd tour the store on our own (and behave!) and meet her for lunch at whichever place we wanted. Of couse my favorite place while growing up was the candy counter where they had the best mint patties and the best butterscotch discs I've ever eaten! As many of you, we always visited the Christmas windows, Tike Shop, and Toyland. In later years, I attended from Sinclair (before they had the campus they have now) and lived at the Loretto. I still went to Rike's at that time to shop and ate many a meal at the Mezzanine. Wow what memories this has brought to mind; almost too many to share! Just ask my kids! They've heard so many stories of Rike's! You just don't find department stores of this caliber any longer (complete with elevators AND escelators). Too bad. As a footnote, does anyone else remember the little wooden carts they would ocassionally have on the 1st floor where they would sell real lavender in little wicker holders? It's a scent that reminds me of Rike's every time! Thanks for the great memories and reminders of things I'd forgotten about a wonderful place!!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Dayton, in the 50's. My sister and I loved to do our "Christmas Shopping" in the special kids shop. We left Dayton in 1961 but Rike's has always held very happy memories for me.
ReplyDeleteWorked at Rikes for 18 years. As a Maintenance Mechanic I visited and worked at all the stores except one and three of the warehouses. The only store I did not work at was the Oxford Store which was run separate from Federated under private ownership.
ReplyDeleteThe upper floors (Only 1955 Building) housed-
9th Floor- Employee cafe and rest area, Advertising and Ad Photo Shop, Mail Room.
10th Floor- Maintenance (Electrical,Plumbing, Woodworking, Mechanic & Glass, Painters & Mechanic Locker Rooms), Display, Executive Offices (CEO, President, Vice President, Upper Management).
11th Floor- Personal & Mid Level Management.
12th Floor- Building Super.-Jim Coughlin & more Ad Dept. Offices.
13th Floor- Only Machine Room (Water Tanks & Electrical, Storage, Fire Tank and pumping stations} & 1955 Building Elevator Bank Room.
Rikes was really several building put together.
1912 Building, 1938 Building, 1947 Filler Building, 1950 Building, Miami Hotel & the 1955 Building which went to 13 floors.
I have many of the original photos of my sisters and I with the Rikes Santa Claus love the kids gift store where you could buy your parents something for Xmas.
ReplyDeleteAll of these wonderful memories. I was born in Dayton in 1953. My mother and I would ride the bus from our home in East Dayton and stay until the store closed at 9:00 on Thursdays. Rikes always went above and beyond in service. I remember my father and I buying a gift for my mother and getting FREE gift rapping. I also remember stopping into Rikes to shop during my lunch hour. I moved to Florida in 1985, and I believe that a big part of Dayton died when they closed Rikes downtown store.
ReplyDeleteI am 58 and have wonderful memories of Rike's in downtown Dayton. Every year we would go as a "family" (remember those days) to see the Christmas displays in the corner windows... then down to "Rikes Tikes" where I would get a dollar or so to go shopping for my parents and sister. You got to enter this little toy shop like area, without your parents, where all of Santa's helpers who would help you shop. Later in my teens, we were finally allowed to take the RTA bus downtown after being dropped off at the bus stop near Town & Country on Far Hills. How grown up we felt!!! I loved the old elevators that were still operated by older men. I think we gave them a run for their money.... HA!! Gosh, I miss the good ol days!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been the curator for the Rike's Animated Windows for the past 10 years. I work for the Victoria Theatre Assn (which runs the Schuster Center.) I love reading all of the wonderful memories everyone has about Rike's! I, too, remember it as a very small child. One of my first memories is actually of the elves! It's a sincere honor to have everyone come down at Christmas and enjoy the figures. Just to give some brief history on them: What we own, was sold at the Rike's auction, purchased and displayed North of town, then the DDP purchased them, then donated them to the VTA when the Schuster was being constructed. The FIGURES are the only thing remaining. We had to build new "windows" (what we call boxes) and recreate new scenes incorporating the figures we had remaining. Every once in a while someone will come forth with a new figure, but it's probably been 5 years since anyone new has come forth. I've also looked for the Rike's reindeer, but they seem to be gone for good. If I can get one donated (or even borrow it) I can recreate them! If anyone has anything they would like me to take a look at, please feel free to contact me: Emily von Stuckrad-Smolinski (937)228-7591x3045 or emily.vonstuckrad-smolinski@victoriatheatre.com
ReplyDeleteI worked at Rike's Salem, camera and men's department, while in high school (1964 / 65). Left for 2 years while in the Navy reserves. When I returned I was made a buyer trainee in the basement store. On a branch trip to the new Dayton Mall store I met by wife to be. We were engaged one month later. So we are fondly connected to Rike's. Carl and Helen, Greensboro, NC
ReplyDeleteI remember watching puppet shows at Rike's back in the late 1960s. One such show was a remake of the 1964 TV special Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, but it was done with marionettes.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know who purchased the Santa, sleigh, and reindeer? Victory Theatre is looking for it......... They want to put it on the Schuster Center this year......
ReplyDeleteI worked as a model for Rike's newspaper advertising in the late 60's and early 70's, also for a time when it was Shillito-Rike's The studio was on the ninth floor and Bob Slack was the photographer. I still have all the newspaper ads I appeared in. Such a shame the building is gone.
ReplyDeleteMy Uncle Rolly Henderson was the man behind the R! He signed his name and used the R from his signature to make the R!
ReplyDeleteAt Rikes does anyone remember the monkeys in the pet shop back in the 70s?
ReplyDeleteHi I have 3 pc brush mirror & comb set that still has the prime tumbler tag on 3.69 for the set in mint condition and some other pieces wondering if anyone on here knows anything about these my email is lessie.shiflet@yahoo.com thank you for your time
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jeff Powell.......my mother worked in the kitchen at the Blue Fox in the early 70's. When she decided to retire, the manager asked if she would write down her recipes. As most great cooks do, they have no recipes. It's always apinsh of this and a dab of that......you know the drill. When she retired the restaurant had two culinary arts students follow my Mom around for a couple months, writing down her recipes. She's been gone for several years now and I've always had regrets that I didn't document the things she prepared...............PLEASE, if anyone has access to any of these cook books, please contact me @ trackerjlp@gmail.com Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere someone has some of those old white chicken soup bowls. It was covered with a china chicken. My brother used to get in trouble, when we were little, by trying to "feed" the chicken his soup! Someday I'll find one!
ReplyDeleteI still have my little metal credit card that my husband and I used to buy our first piece of furniture. We both grew up in Dayton and went there often especially for the holidays specials. It was so sad when the city had it imploded. There was a time when it was one of a kind and Mr. Rike's name was well known in the US for the way he ran his business.
ReplyDeleteTo: Anonymous 17 Feb 2014 19:42
ReplyDeleteAlso worked with photographer Bob Slack when I was at Channel 2. Does anyone know if Bob is still around? He was a great photographer and a pleasure to work with! When Paul Warfield (Cleveland Browns) worked at the station with Omar Williams, Bob took a picture of me and Paul and presented it to me in poster size...still have it!!!
Never heard of Rikes until I was lucky enough to get an old Chinese composite doll on a stand with a Rike's price sticker on the bottom. Lead me to this page, prompted my to read all of your fond memories. What a joy! Thanks all for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI worked there from 1974 to 1980 in Traffic, my wife in Advertising till they moved to Cinn in 1981.We never punch time clocks, sign in sheets, They would cash your check at the cash office. If you stayed over they bought you supper. I miss the family atompshere that wae Rikes. I was in Dave Rikes house. My friend was his houseboy for sometime. He gave him some money when he passed and I have never seen him since then.I just found a old Arkay news with many pictures of many people I worked with. Many are gone now, but, I remember them all.
ReplyDeleteI have so many great memories of visiting Rike's department store as a child and while in college- 1984-1988. The store was kept up nicely with a good merchandise selection until the last year or so the store was open when they began walling off sections of the upper floors.
ReplyDeleteDayton was unique at the time for a smaller city still having 2 large, full line department stores downtown- Rike's and Elder-Beerman conveniently located across the street from each other.
I specifically remember the candy counter , Charlies on the Mezzanine, and Rinaldo's bakery (loved the Napoleons they sold) along the Second street side of the store. I remember perusing the electronics department and thinking that $1000.00 was a lot for a single disc CD player (1987) The sales associates knew how to treat the customer and were helpful when making purchases.
I enjoyed the book department and was sad to see it go. The book department was replaced by an art gallery with changing exhibits. I had some of my watercolors shown there when they had the annual Dayton by Daytonians art shows.
The Christmas windows at Main and Second street were wonderful and were faithfully put out each year at a time when many downtown stores no longer bothered to maintain them.
It seemed to me at the time that people loved the tradition of the downtown Rikes and new Elder-Beerman, but knew it was no longer the "in thing" to go downtown to shop.
Thank you to everyone who has posted comments about this great store!
If anyone has the Rikes $35 fudge cake recipe I would love to get it. My mom or grandmother had it but the recipe is water damaged and I can't read it. PLEASE contact me at windlakescholl@gmail.com if you have it. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Union City, Ohio. Making the fifty mile trip to Dayton to Christmas shop was a must for my parents. I still have Christmas ornaments that my parents bought at Rike's in the 1950's with the Rikes-Kumler label still on the box. After Rike's Salem opened they would go to that store instead of Rike's downtown. During the Christmas season Mom always got one of their Rum Cakes from Rike's bakery. That Rum cake was awesome!
ReplyDeleteRike's downtown was just a wonderful experience shopping, particularly in the Xmas season. They would bring in TV stars for their annual Christmas open house that was truly memorable.
ReplyDeleteAnd the bakery...just terrific. Does anyone happen to have the recipe for the oatmeal cookies that Rike's Bakery used to sell?
I agree with all of the lovely things everyone has said about Rikes. I shopped there until they all closed. Once there was a film about Rikes on PBS. Until then, I never knew that they didn't allow African-Americans to try on clothes. I never knew any African-Americans when I was young, but I can see why they might not be so overjoyed as the rest of us. I guess this was not so unusual in that day, but still pretty sad.
ReplyDeleteMy early memories are in the 30's. Santa Land, the trains, the dining room with the models walking around. I have a child's menu from that era. I had my Mom's Charge Plate from Rikes. Our home was full of their furniture, and their drapes covered our windows. Full Service, purchase, charge and they would deliver. One of the Rikes attended Oakwood HS when I did, in the 40's. Their Christmas windows and their toyland are a big part of my childhood memories of Christmas. I think the fragrance inside the store is still in my memory bank, I encounter it once in a while. The interior seasonal decorations were a thing of beauty, purchased ll over the world and brought to Dayton. My middle name is Bradford. In the late 50's, I think it was, a replica of the Mayflower was constructed in England, loaded and sailed for New York. Some of the items were for Rikes. Being a descendant ot William Bradford, I was invited to meet the train when their goods arrived in Dayton, at the old Depot downtown. Rikes holds nothing but great memories for me.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Beth and I just found this website as I was reminiscing about my career of 29 years with Shillitos Rikes through Macy's. As we are in the closing days at the Upper Valley store location it is best to remember all the special experiences. I started at Salem Mall in Visual Display and been in Visual ever since. After Salem Mall I went to the Downtown store. Best time of my life! A person usually doesn't realize how good things are until you don't have it anymore but I have to say I knew I was at a very special place and time.Yes, I did the Christmas windows and loved seeing everyone enjoy them. I worked with many talented people and loved when we got a visit from past associates from the "visual world". It has been a beautiful journey.
ReplyDeleteBeth!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to share any specific experiences - people love this stuff! It also preserves that special moment in time. I was lucky enough to have a brother that was stationed at Wright-Patterson for a while in the 1970s, so that is how I came to be familiar with Rike's. I know that even now, many Daytonians say they can't believe it is not there anymore, so great a part of Dayton's unique culture it truly was. What's left? Hmm . . . (and that applies for cities across the country)
-Bruce
I grew up in Dayton and my father started working at Rike's in his late twenties (in the late 1930s) until he retired. Therefor Rike's was part of our family's life! Until I was 10 yrs. old we lived in east Dayton and my Dad rode the electric street car (Third Street) to work. He was the manager of the picture-framing department. I remember going to his work place on the 7th floor, then at an annex a few blocks away. The department later was moved to another warehouse location where they had even more work space. My very first job was at Rike's when I was in high school. There was a special project where several girls were brought in to type. We worked after school, and I ended up being the "supervisor" of the group. Next I worked on Saturdays and summers (while still in high school in the 1940s). I worked mainly in the lower level store which was more or less a general shopping area at more modest prices. There I sold dresses, hosiery, and hats, among other things, but was mostly stationed at the bargain table at the bottom of the escalator. Customers were always curious at to what we were selling as the wares varied from week to week. Our family's home furnishings, clothing, etc. were all from Rike's. We moved east of the city limits when I was ten and my mother did not drive, so our big shopping days were complete days because we went in when my Dad went to work and came home when he did - having spent the whole day at Rike's. I remember, especially, shopping before Easter, late summer before school started, and before Christmas. We knew we would always get some new clothes then. Another treat we always looked forward to was the candy that my mother would buy on those trips as we otherwise did not have candy other than Easter and Christmas. The window displays were always awesome and we always went to the parade downtown when Santa Claus came to town. I went away to college and have not lived in Dayton since, but have visited many times. I'm in my 80s now, and to me, Rike's is a large part of my memories of Dayton.
ReplyDeleteFor more interior photos of Rikes Downtown as well as the various branch store, go to Dayton History's website www.daytonhistory.org. Go to the "Photo Archive" tab and when the screen comes up, type " Rike's" in the search box. Several photos will appear. Click on the photos that are of interest. The photos were once a part of the NCR photo archive and given to Dayton History a few years ago. They represent a a visual image of the store from the first main store at Fourth and Main to the store we all remember at Main and Second Streets.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has a copy of the recipe book, from the restaurant, which had the Broccoli Soup in it, please let me know. Would love to make a copy.
ReplyDeleteI have an 8-drawer maple dresser, with mirror on top, for sale. It was made/sold at the Rike-Kumler store in Dayton. There is a label with serial numbers on the back of the mirror. Can anyone suggest a website or method to advertise this piece of furniture? GL
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Greenville in the 60's. I have very fond memories of shopping at Rike's for school clothes. Mom used to take us each to Dayton, one at a time, in August to shop for school and eat at the dining room on the 5th floor. The Christmas window displays were magical and the line to see Santa seemed like it was endless. And nothing can beat Santa and his reindeer flying up the side of the building. Great times!
ReplyDeleteI was a member of the 1968 Teen Board. What a great experience. I still have the telegram they sent me to notify me I was chosen. I continued to work for Rikes on my college breaks. I loved the downtown store.
ReplyDeleteHi, I happy to find this site, I am working in an antique store in Micanopy Fl. and am trying to identify to small tea pots and having a time identifying the maker. When researching the name and emblem on side of teapots I keep getting referred to a retail store Rite-Kumler Co.
ReplyDeleteWell this could be right, the company that manufactured the teapots did for any hotel and businesses...
They are for sale, but want to see them that new when and where they came from. They are in good shape. You can contact me at keviphilb29@yahoo.com and let me know more about them if you can, love knowing were things have been in this industry and there story..
Thanks Kevin
I miss Rike's so much and have so many memories. My girlfriend and I would go to Downtown Dayton Day and run up the escalators to the fifth floor to the Polly Flinders sale table. I had four daughters (and two sons) and all the girls wore Polly Flinders dresses. At one sale I had a pink dress in hand and a woman across the table had the ribbon that served as a tie for the dress and demanded that I give her the dress. I decided I could purchase another ribbon and kept the dress. Loved the restaurant and the chocolate cake served there. Would love to have the recipe!! The malls "killed" the stores in downtown Dayton and nothing will ever replace them or the memories that everyone has of the wonderful store and its merchandise!
ReplyDeleteMy Aunt Kate Pavelka worked at the downtown store. I believe she managed the basement department. She was employed there util she retired. She loved her job and was such a classy lady. Always remember how beautifully dressed she was, the special treats she used to bring to me from Rike's, her great sense of humor and when she would meet me for lunch at the store wben I worked in Dayton. Such wonderful memories. If anyone knew her contact me at pmichaelj42@yahoo.com. I would really like to share your memories. She passed away in 1989, and she and I shared the same birth date. Her son was Rick Pavelka who taught at Sinclair for many years. He was a great guy too.
ReplyDeleteI live in the UK and I have just brought my wedding dress from a vintage shop online. The dress must be nearly 65 years old! Its definitely from the 1950s. I really am in love with it!! The label inside says Rike's Dayton Ohio, so it must have been brought originally from the stores bridal department. I have really enjoyed reading all your stories and it feels very special to know so much about where the dress came from originally. It's quite mind blowing to think how many years it has survived and all the miles it has travelled to get to me. Even though I will never know who the owner was, it really is great to know that it came from a place that people hold so dear.
ReplyDeleteFrom late 1950s through early 1970s I went with my family every year for Christmas shopping - to view the corner window, to see Santa (in the earlier years anyhow), shop in Tyke's, watch the puppet shows, and (my favorite) see the toy train display. The store was always packed, with lines waiting to ride the escalators. It was always a special part of the holiday season. Seldom did I get there any other times, living over an our away, but I will always have indelible memories of that place. I moved away out-of-state after college, and the next thing I heard about it was the demolition of the building. How sad. Malls, big box stores and on-line shopping are no comparison.
ReplyDeleteMy mother recalled exiting Rikes (perhaps it was called something else then, I don't know) with her mother and seeing a policeman bringing their horse and buggy back to them. She said that Old Bill must have chewed his strap.
ReplyDeleteAt 59 now I fondly remember Rikes for its wonderful Christmas display windows, for the smell of roasted nuts when you'd walk inside and for its wonderful sloppy joes served up on the mezzanine.
Best of all, just before Christmas my mother and I would take the West Milton Bus into Dayton and there would be that wonderful train set up and running up on the toy floor. My mother would always try to get me to look at the dolls not far away but these paled by comparison with that wonderful train that would meander over hills and through tunnels.
The PBS show on Selfridge's Department Store in England has brought this all back to mind.
Nancy J. Studebaker Berns
A great store, beloved and missed like your note. I got to know Rike's when my brother lived in Dayton.
ReplyDelete-Bruce
My Mother worked for several years at the candy counter on Salem Avenue. We got to try out all the innovations when they came in, like chocolate covered pretzels!
ReplyDeleteI have some great memories of what a great place Dayton was in the 60s. Try to picture this today: I used to take a local bus after school from Fort McKinley, change to the trolley bus by Good Samaritan, and ride to the YMCA downtown. I would usually go home around 8PM, well after dark in the winter. Same route. I was 9 years old at the time. No one thought this was unusual or dangerous. And in three years, I never had a problem except forgetting my bus fare a few times.
My mother worked at Rike's Kettering briefly in the late 60's and I still have her list of employee rules. Quite a change from what you can do now. Even after all these years my husband and I will still call it the "Rike's Kettering Shopping Center". Great memories of a time gone by.
ReplyDeleteBorn and raised in Dayton, 1947 to 1972. My Grandmother and mother both loved to shop at Rikes. When I was really young we used to go shopping there and to lunch in the restaurant and have the kids chicken meal in the little white chicken dish. If I was only with my grandmother, I would break away from her and run the opposite way of travel on the escalators, and a couple times ended up skinned up with blood on my clothes. I was an instructor at Rikes Driver Training School my last 2 years of college at Wright State. I had to go into the downtown store a couple of times per week to turn in paperwork and get paid. One of my students was the secretary to the man who ran the whole store downtown. I don't remember her name but she was beautiful, and fun to talk with during her lessons! Of course, the Christmas time memories are wonderful too. I did not know it was gone until I went back to Dayton in 2015 for my 50th high school reunion at Chaminade. I had not been in Dayton for 43 years. Wow, so many changes I could not believe.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother, Hallie Barber, was a cook there. I think she actually ran the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThe Salem Mall store opened in 1966 NOT 1963 as is stated above. The Salem Mall, itself didn't open until 1966. Rikes was one of the 2 anchor stores (Sears was the other). J. C. Penny's was added when the major expansion was completed in 1981.
ReplyDeleteVery fond memories of the Christmas windows. My mother would take all 7 of us to see them every year. I got to show them to my oldest child but the windows were gone by the time my youngest was born.When I also loved shopping in the bargain basement.
ReplyDeleteI have 5 of the dolls from Rikes Xmas display. I'm willing to sell 4 of them. The Shuster Center came and looked @ them and said they were made around 1930. These dolls need someone who's gonna care for them. They are very old... and very big. They really should be in a museum. They need some restoration work. They are all in their original clothes. Please contact me if you know someone who's interested. These dolls are amazing!!! Just the history. Amazing!! Email me w/ any questions. Wdopey711@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have a old rikes bag and inside was a al jolson record from 1928. Thinking about taking both as a combo to an auction. If anyone can recommend or would like to make an offer email me hutchstevenson1@gmail.com the number on the record is 4033 songs Sonny boy and a rainbow over my shoulder. Record is very heavy for a record that is.
ReplyDeleteI was born in Dayton in1964 and the best memories I have are of my mother and I dressing up to go downtown. I remember her wearing white gloves and we ALWAYS wore dresses. We would take a bus and trolley to get there. Most times lunch was st Rikes and sometimes at the Woolworth's lunch counter. I left Dayton in 1985 and moved to another state. The demise of downtown and especially Rikes greatly saddened me. I worked at the Elder Beerman downtown for a few years as a teenager. Great memories and sad future generations won't have them.
ReplyDeleteHow I loved Rike's and downtown Dayton. I have lived in Texas for over 40 years now and still miss Dayton as it was. Drove through downtown on a visit back and cried at the way it is at the present time. I am looking for a Rike's cookbook; does anyone have one or was there ever one published? Would appreciate knowing!
ReplyDeleteI worked at Charlie's On The Mezz back in the mid to late 80's in downtown Dayton. I was about 23 at the time. Everyday, I use to stop at the perfume counter on the first floor and spray on a few squirts of Georgio perfume before I started my shift at the restaurant. The women would get mad at me telling me I was only allowed "one spray". I helped do inventory too one year. I loved shopping in the "bargain basement" for clothing and household items. My mother use to take to me the hot dog restaurant in the basement and buy me a Coke and a hot dog. There was something so good about that hot dog and Coke! I also loved the yougurt shop. I also have memories of the Christmas windows and going to Tikes. I really miss Rikes/Lazaurus so much I wish they didn't tear it down.
ReplyDeleteCharlie's must have come along well after I left Dayton to live (post-OSU) in Columbus and now Chcago. I don't recall it. I have a similar memory, though. When I would go downtown to Rike's as a kid with my mother, lunch would either be a Manhattan sandwich at McCrory's (hot roast beef on white bread, mashed potatoes, and lots of gravy) or a ham salad sandwich on rye (twenty-five cents) and a frosty malt (ten cents) in the Arcade. I'd love to have either one right now. McCrory's dime store was a great place to eat because the lunch counter was next to the music department, where a pianist played the latest sheet music all day long.
DeleteWorked as a store detective downtown. 80 to82 for dan cyprych and larry kroger.
DeleteMy recollection as a youngster in the mid-50's was the sporting goods department then located on the mezzanine level. My mother would drop me off there while she went on with her shopping. It was a wonderful world to see and try all types of sports equipment in one place. Most of my first sports equipment (baseball, basketball, football, fishing pole, etc.) was purchased at Rike's. Another recollection of the trip downtown was my mother picking me up, and meeting my dad for lunch at the Purple Cow Restaurant next door at the Miami Hotel.
ReplyDeleteBorn in Dayton in 1957. My memories of Rike's was riding the Greyhound bus with my mom from Centerville, Rt. 48 (Lebanon Pike). There was a stop at Franklin St. / Rt 48 at the Stagecoach Inn. Loved all the floors and escalators, with each floor housing a completely new world. Jewelry and cosmetics and men's clothing on the first floor. Beautifully decorated for Christmas. My favorite was lunch and the sloppy joe sandwich and then a piece of peanut butter fudge from the candy counter, placed in a white waxed paper bag mint was my reward for behaving and hanging in all day.
ReplyDeleteI might have been 5 when the garage opened and Mom took my sister and two older brothers to see it that day. My brother's are 10 and 11 years older than me. We were at the top and at some point my mother turned around to see my brothers holding me by my heels over the edge. My fear of heights may have something to do with that episode.
ReplyDeleteCornelia was the personal shopper for Rike's.
ReplyDeleteWhen I shopped with my Nana as a little girl we always ate lunch on the mezzanine. She had a set of blue, footed, fluted dessert dishes daid to have come from Rike's. I inherited the set but have been unable to locate in any display or catalog; believe they are Fenton or Fostoria. Anyone know about them?
ReplyDeleteAs children we were enchanted by the Christmas window displays and shopped for family gifts in the Tike Shop, with the help of elves. As I grew up I admired the in-store Christmas decorations.
Our mother worked at the candy counter and later in the credit office.
My sister's and my back-to-school saddle oxfords (which we hated) were bought there every year until high school. Most of our school clothes, also.
While in high school I would go to Rike's for fresh, still-hot nuts.
Loved that store! I could say we grew up with Rike's. Linda
MY NAME IS GREG MILSTEAD. MY FATHER JACK MILSTEAD SOLD MENS SUITS ON THE MEZZANIE AT RIKES. HE WORKED WITH GUYS LIKE TOM BLOOM,BOB HURST,BILL TIBADO.
ReplyDeleteDAD WORKED THERE FOR 16 YEARS AND TOWARDS THE END OF HIS CAREER HE BECAME A BUYER FOR RIKES MENS SUITS. HE WOULD FLY TO NEW YORK AND MEET WITH JOHN WHITE FOR BUISNESS. I HAVE SO MANY FOND MEMORIES. I WOULD GO DOWN WITH MY
MOM OR YIA YIA AND PAPOU AND MEET DAD FOR LUNCH IN RESTURANT. RIKES WAS A MAGICAL PLACE FOR MY SELF AND MY BROTHERS. IT WAS CHRISTMAS, IT WAS CANDY,
IT WAS TOYS AND SCHOOL CLOTHES. IT WAS AN ADVENTURE! I COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT OUR TRIPS TO RIKES.THOSE MEMORIES WILL NEVER FADE. I LOVED IT THERE
SO MUCH.
Your Dad was my boss in the Rike's Alumni Shop the summer of 1967. He hired me to work for him as a member of the Rike's College Board. He was a very friendly, very mentoring, very tasteful guy. Really liked your Dad!
DeleteSanta Claus LIVED at Rike's downtown Dayton.
ReplyDeleteAll others were just imposters.
I had the mumps and missed what may have been the last Rike's Christmas parade. Early 1940s? I think WWII put an end to the parades.
ReplyDeleteI have many wonderful memories of Rikes. Some of my earliest memories as a child are going downtown shopping with my mother . We always ate in the cafeteria on the mezzanine and I always got the sloppy Joe . Never had a better sloppy Joe then went on the mezzanine Rikes . Spending a lot of time at that store growing up. Visit with Santa, shopping at the tykes shop , getting my Girl Scout uniforms, getting outfitted for school every fall , going to downtown Dayton days and white flag day , fashion shows in the auditorium and going down Christmas every year to see the windows revealed . I love that store . As an adult, in 1975 I began working at the Dayton Mall store in customer service . I remember Mr. Rike coming through the store and calling people by their first name . Such a nice man . I worked at all the stores in the Dayton area at one time or another . I sure do miss that store . Going down to Rikes was an event !
ReplyDeleteI have the recipe for their sloppy joe. I would be glad to share.
DeleteI would love to have this recipe. if you would please share tssmavery@cox.net
DeleteMy mon was an elevator operator there when she met my father in the late 30s, he worked nearby at Delco. I sure do remember the sloppy joes. They were expensive so they were a rare treat just like the hamburgers at the Goody-Goody. I also have fond memories of the fresh hot nickel soft pretzels at the arcade, Forest Park & Old River. Dayton was a great place to grow up in the 40s & 50s.
ReplyDeleteMy name is David Rike and while I'm not old enough to recall going to Rike's downtown as a kid I do remember many times at the Kettering and Dayton Mall stores shopping with my family. I have to say as a Rike it is really nice to read all of the stories and memories people have had over the years. As a kid I always thought it was cool that our name was on the building. Tried to get my Dad to buy one of the signs when it changed to Lazarus and he laughed at me and said, what would we do with it?? Not a bad question. :) I would love to see Dayton bring back that atmosphere that there was with Rike's. It was a trip, an adventure, it was Christmas for many people. Would love to see our downtown area like that again. Best wishes to all of you!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered this website. Yes. Grandma took us to the restaurant for special occasions. We had the Little Hen dishes with mash potatoes and chicken. Then Jojo the clown dessert, ice cream with upside down cone as the hat. Special memories!
ReplyDeleteI loved going to Rike's downtown as a kid. I remember the events with the Easter Bunny and Santa. I also did some modeling at Rike's in the windows and on runway - for their trunk shows...My favorite was eating at the restaurant... the grilled cheese on their cheese break and the chocolate cake that had a light brown frosting - don't remember if peanut butter or what - but it was my favorite - wish I could have a piece now!
ReplyDeleteRike's was a big part of my childhood. My mother worked there in the bridal department in the late 1950s. Her name was Barbara Oster. If anyone still remembers her, I would love to here from you
ReplyDeleteWent there often in the mid fifties. Christmas Story always reminds me of Rikes. Did the Santa thing and still have the picture. It was a virtual playground for a young boy.
ReplyDeleteI am 62 now. As a little girl, I loved eating chicken rice soup out of the clown soup bowls. Has anyone tracked one down, or even a picture of one. You could feed the clown head on the side of your bowl. Magical.
ReplyDeleteI worked in the furrier department in the old fur vault with old Max and his wife. In the spring everyone stored their furs there and in the fall I spend all day boxing them up to send to the owners. The place smelt of dead animals every morning before the fans came on. That was fun.
ReplyDeleteMy dad worked up in the advertising department for a long time as well up until they sold out to the big Federated chains. I have a lot of fond memories of the old Rike's building. I worked there as a teenager so I did a lot of extracurricular exploring of the building(s)..
I bet your dad knew my dad,Jim Coughlin. He was in charge of operations (superintendent, divisional head, parking garages, new suburban stores). He took me to visit a Mr. Ware(?) In advertising and I used to cor while they talked. Does that name or Boyntin ring a bell?
DeleteI spent many summers with my grandparents in Piqua, OH. At least once per summer we would take a trip to Rike's for shopping and lunch. I still have the little ice cream clown cup (with hat/lid) I got on one trip. On another occasion my grandmother asked if she might have the recipe for the delicious chocolate cake we had for dessert. She received it along with a charge of $35, which was a bit of money back then (I am 63 now)! I still have that recipe also.
ReplyDeleteI was the buyer in mens in mid 70s. So glad you mentioned Tommy Bloom. Loved that guy. Wonderful person and a very good handball player even later in his life.
ReplyDeleteJean - would you be willing to share the chocolate cake recipe?
ReplyDeleteHello
DeleteSorry for the delayed reply. I didn't try the recipe until I was an adult and it did not turn out very well. Wasn't very "chocolatey". My grandmother had given it out to everyone she knew as the "Rike's $35 Cake". Never any mention of a problem with the recipe.
Go to "Uncle Phaedrus, Finder of Lost Recipes" at this link: http://www.hungrybrowser.com/phaedrus/m1209F11.htm#4
This is the exact recipe I have, but my recipe just says "3 squares chocolate" instead of "5 1/2 squares Hershey chocolate (I presume baking chocolate)". I think this is the key to the problem. After so long, our meanings/definitions change. The person who posted the recipe on Phaedrus seemed also unsure of the amount and type of chocolate to use. I also did not have an icing recipe as she did.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if you figure out the correct chocolate and proportions!
Thanks,
Jean
Was there ever a Rike's cookbook? Read somewhere that there may have been one circulated in the 1960's. Has anyone ever seen one to know if that was true? I'd love to have it. Anyone have the real, authentic Sloppy Joe recipe? If you know anything, could I hear from you?
ReplyDeleteDad worked at Rikes from 1949-1970, the glory days of department store retailing. He was a buyer, then merchandise manager, then VP then EVP, before leaving retailing to teach at Sinclair. Needless to say we bought everything at Rikes and spent many, many hours downtown shopping, at all times of the year. It is amazing to reflect back now at how many lines of business were housed in that one store. Dad got me a job at Rikes Kettering in highschool, part time during the school year and full time during the summer. Worked the loading dock unloading rolling racks and merchandise cages off the big trucks that would roll in, and transporting them out to the store departments, and helping unload them. Great, great job, great people, wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in High School, our high school Home Economics teacher scheduled a wonderful part=day for us at Rike's, so we could pick out our fabrics and pattern and sewing notions to make our first pleated or gathered skirt. We all went by bus, and had lunch in the Coin Room. In addition to teaching us what we could expect to have happen when presenting our fabrics for saleswomen to cut, how to use a pattern book and select a pattern from a drawer, etc. our teacher had prepared us to understand what was meant by "Ala Carte" etc. on the Coin Room menu, what tips were about, and how to pay in a restaurant. Not living in a city, many of us had never been taken to Rike's before, or if our mothers took us to pick out school clothing, we had only seen the Sears or Penny's stores, so this was a big outing for us.
ReplyDeleteI am in search of recipes from Rike's I use to work there as well.as my father. He use to work there making candy. When i was old enough i worked there in the Bakery as a counter girl.
ReplyDeleteI would l ok ve to find some.of the old recipes for their little 2 person cakes.
I work in the Record department in 1964. Keith Richards and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones stopped in and bought Beatles albums. On 1970 to 1972 I worked at the Dayton Mall as security.
ReplyDeleteMy first job (at age 16 in 1957) was as a sales clerk in the basement of the downtown Rike's (for $.70 an hour). My father drove me from Kettering to and from work...probably spent more on gas than I earned. However, I loved it! I felt very important to be earning money, and I saved every dime for college. Thanks for the memories to all the folks who posted here. Nancy Daugherty
ReplyDeleteI thought to look up Rike's because I have a Johnny Crawford record album I found, with the Rike's price sticker still on it. Never heard of Rike's before today. It's surprising to see this store has impacted so many peoples memories.
ReplyDeleteI worked in Advertising on the 12th floor. Remember Bob Slack very well. Judi Vargo Anderson
ReplyDeleteMy aunt the late Joy Stow worked at Rikes as a window set designer. I live in UK and would have loved to have visited this fabulous store. My aunt sent me photograph.What a glorious place.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Suzy Game
My dad remodeled the original Rike summer home as well as the new summer home on Northport Point, Michigan. From time to time my dad and mom were dinner guests of the Rikes. In 1970, my dad purchased Mrs. Rike's 1956 Chevrolet convertible. I restored it in 1980 and still have that car today.
ReplyDeleteOh what memories! I have such wonderful memories of me and my mom riding what would now be RTA from Eastown shopping center to downtown Dayton, and spending the whole day shopping and going to see the Christmas displays both at Rike's and Elderbeerman's. She would have my brother take me in the Tikes store to shop for my dad's and her Christmas presents. This would have been in between 1963 and 1967. Now that I'm in my 60's, I was just thinking back and dreaming about the good 'ole days. Guess I'm feeling a little nostalgic. It was a great time in my life. I think we might need a bit of that nowadays.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know if employee information, 1910 era, for Rike-Kumler is archived and how one would access that information. I am working on a family genealogy update and would like to confirm the spelling of my grandfather's last name at that time.
ReplyDeleteIn the early 1920's as a teenager, Esther Rohman worked at Rike's and would bring in her homemade fudge to share with co-workers. They loved her fudge so much, that when she left Rike's to marry Ralph Price and start a family, she would bring her fudge in shopping bags to sell to her former co-workers. When this was discovered Esther was informed she could only sell it at Rike's candy counter. The price was then doubled. Esther made the candy in her own kitchen until 1952 when she opened her first store on Wayne Avenue.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt took me to meet Mrs. Price when I was five -- eighty years ago. I remember she and some of her neighborhood ladies were making and packing candy in her basement under big, fat furnace pipes. I now live in Chicago, but I continue to buy and send Mrs. Price's candy every year as Christmas gifts. It's still the best chocolate candy I've ever tasted, including what was available when I visited Belgium.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember there being a fire at one of the Rike's stores? This would be prior to 1970..anyone know?
ReplyDeleteI found this wonderful site a few years ago from a link about Joseph Horne, Co. department store in Pittsburgh, where I worked in advertising from 1976 to 1984, except for a brief spell working in Rikes advertising in 1978-1979. I only now found your link to Rikes, and it's been a delight reading people's memories.
ReplyDeleteI drew furniture, jewelry and accessories for newspaper ads and still have tear sheets of my work from those days buried in a closet somewhere. I think there are some original drawings somewhere too. I remember the first time I walked into the employee cafeteria, I thought I was in the restaurant for the general public. All that food and so many choices!
We worked in little individual rooms and outside our "offices" was screwed to the wall a glass panel with our names hand painted on it. A while after I left Rikes one of the employees sent me a package and inside was my name plaque! It is in the other room as I type this.
Barbara McCully was the sales promotion director who hired me and many times we would get in her car on Friday after work and take the 6 hour drive to Pittsburgh where she still had a home and husband who was well established in his career. We would stop at a truck stop somewhere in eastern Ohio for dinner and a break.
I just pulled out the photo taken with the advertising staff in the conference room on my last day at Rikes. I'm wearing a going away gift they gave me, a baseball cap with Viking horns because of my Norwegian heritage. And who took the picture? Bob Slack, who has been mentioned here a couple times! Fond memories of Janet Moorman, Bob Amel and Kathy Spoon among others!
I can also still sing the Rike Christmas TV commercial jingle! "Tie a bright, Rikes ribbon 'round your Christmas this year!"
Seems like only yesterday!
Brian Bulkley
Thank you, Brian, for such interesting insider information. I have acquired a little more information about Rike's and so should update the exhibit (But I can't find the time - and I am working to update it to a full web site - but everything is on hold until I finidh my current book). I will go back to the Dayton paper to see some of your illustrations.
Deletep.s. Based on my travrls (and an unfortunate rollover accident in the Fjotrds) Norwegians are the kindest, sweetest people in the world!
- Bruce
My Grandmother worked there untill retirement age 65; 1975. She lived to 101. I always got my Xmas gifts in the mail by October. She handled customer complaints. Perfect wonderful person for that job. She loved people and probably would have given the store away to keep folks happy.
ReplyDelete