The John Shillito & Co. was the first department store in Cincinnati. Once they moved to their landmark location at 7th & Race they started creating elaborate window displays for Christmas beginning in 1928. Things got animated in the 50’s and again in 1979 with these soft sculptures that were popular at the time (and inspired the birth of Cabbage Patch Kids).
By this time the decorations extended beyond the windows and into an area of the store called Santaland where kids could drop off their letters to Santa in a mailbox.
I remember doing this as a kid and thought the whole thing was magical.
A few of the original figures along with some new ones are on display in windows along Main Street this month through January 5th (1312 and 1324 Main Street, just outside of Ziegler Park).
Popped by after doing the last of my errands and strolled down memory lane. I won’t lie, my fondest recollections might be from before the soft sculpture transition.
Today’s song thanks to Troika #51
