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