LIFE

From the Archives: Christmas at Knapp's and Arbaugh's

Vickki Dozier
Lansing State Journal
From the December 1965 issue of the Knapp Sack, Knapp's newsletter Caption read "Wonderland at Knapp's is our front window which portrays the annual visit to our favorite Santa. This mechanical window is a first at Knapp's and has awed many wee Lansingites (big ones too) as they stand and watch the characters move."

When the Christmas Toy Land opened in the J.W. Knapp Co. department store, there were toys to delight every boy and girl.

In 1912, the department store's Doll Land had 5,000 brand new dolls, including the Campbell Kids, HugMe Kiddies, Little Bright Eyes and Tubby Dogs.

A building at 200-226 S. Washington Square housed Knapp's until 1937, when they unveiled plans for a five-story Art Moderne flagship store, which still stands at the corner of Washington Avenue and Washtenaw Street.

The Christmas display windows in the newly constructed building were unveiled on a Monday evening, Dec. 6, 1937. The show windows were completely trimmed with Christmas merchandise in a beautiful Yule setting. Once the curtains were raised, the downtown crowds got a sneak preview of what they would see inside the next morning.

The store opened the next day, transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland. Knapp's Christmas Toyland was a jam-packed wonderland of toys. Children could visit Santa, get free souvenirs and have their photos taken sitting on Santa's knee.

Christmas City, a Trim-A-Tree and Home Decorations Center, boasted aluminum Christmas trees, nativity scenes, sparkling ornaments, gift ideas. There was even a talking Christmas tree to entertain the children.

Arbaugh’s, which moved from a one-story building near the corner of South Washington Avenue and Kalamazoo Street to 401 S. Washington Ave. in 1897, was the "Christmas Store of Star Gifts." They advertised "beautiful star gifts...thousands and thousands of wondrous things to dazzle the eyes and delight the hearts of those you love."

A Santa's workshop holiday window display at Arbaugh's, undated photo.

Although the entire building was decorated for the Christmas season, the street floor presented the most attractive scene.

One of the biggest draws was the Christmas Angel windows, usually taking up at least three display windows, enchanting both children and adults alike.

The Christmas gift court at Arbaugh's, undated photo.

There was a Santa's workshop, Gift Court and a Tol Land. Life-size figures from Dicken's Christmas Carol would greet those gazing through the windows.

The beautiful Christmas window displays would transport shoppers from their everyday stressful lives to a magical place. Although these stores and decorations are no longer around, the memories will last.

Contact Vickki Dozier at (517) 267-1342 or vdozier@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter@vickkiD.