Many younger people don't realize that the downtown Lazarus store--and High Street in general--was the heart of Columbus for many years. Long before the malls and strip shopping centers and outerbelt took us to the suburbs, the place to shop was downtown Lazarus.
Marge from Upper Arlington told me the story of how when she was a young mother, going to the downtown Lazarus was such a big deal that she made two trips, taking each of her children individually so she could see that they enjoyed the trip to its fullest.
Steve of Columbus said Lazarus wasn't just a store.....it was a living, breathing place filled with excitement, glamour and (as a child), the most wonderful assortment of toys in the whole wide world. My fondest memory of Lazarus Toyland (located on a large part of the 6th floor at Town & High Sts.), was the day I was FINALLY allowed to roam freely (without parental supervision). I HAD arrived in the world.
Years later I became a member of the many, many member Lazarus "associate" family. I quickly learned that although it was big, over 3,000 associates in the downtown buildings.....it was a warm, friendly, personal place. You felt like a part of the team.....the "family". You soon learned that the Lazarus family was very active in the day to day operations of the retail giant. Regardless of where you encountered a Lazarus, Mr. Charles, Mr. Robert or Mr. Robert, Jr.....they ALWAYS called you by name, offered a warm smile and imparted the feeling that you really DID matter in the great scheme of things.
I'm proud to have had this opportunity and savour the fond memories of a time and place no longer there. I wish everyone could have had such a wonderful experience. It has proved to be a great lesson in life for me.
Lenny from parts unknown writes: Having just arrived in Columbus after emigrating from Cuba in 1956, my father took a job as a watchmaker and jeweler in the watch department on the 6th floor (I can't believe I remember the floor) where he worked for the next 15 years. As a young boy, I remember visiting him at his workbench, marveling at the miniature tools and equipment he used to repair and even manufacture watches for private clients. I used to visit him some times after school and came to know many of the associates, as they were called. My first serious job in high school was in one of the restaurants as a bus boy. I graduated to the sales floor where I sold men's suits for a summer.
My memories are too numerous to chronicle here, but they comprise a large part of my childhood. I haven't lived in Columbus for 25, but I still have fond memories of this store. It's a shame that it's closing.
What memories do all of you have of the downtown Lazarus store? Share them with your guide and I will share them with readers here.
For more on the closing and history of Lazarus downtown, visit my Lazarus page.
