LIMA — You may be headed to the Lima Mall to do some Christmas shopping this time of year, and we raided The Lima News archives to show our readers a glimpse of what shopping there used to be like.
The mall opened at 10 a.m. Nov. 18, 1965. The Lima News published a 16-page special section to introduce the newcomer:
“In this special section you will find a complete array of merchandise and services for your family and home … an unparalleled selection, glamorously presented in Northwestern Ohio’s most exciting and beautiful shopping center. Tomorrow you will experience a new adventure in shopping. Strolling up and down the temperature controlled malls, you will find yourself in the company of America’s leading retailers; including three major department stores and the area’s largest variety store. Twenty-eight additional fine stores will provide you with the most complete shopping center in the area. Spacious 4,500-car parking lot surrounds the mall, placing you within easy reach of the store of your choice.”
Readers, we’d love to hear your favorite memories of the mall. Please email [email protected].
This aerial photo shows the Lima Mall in 1967. The mall at that point included the anchor store The Leader, and Lazarus had not been built west of JCPenney yet.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_aerial-cropsmaller.jpgThis aerial photo shows the Lima Mall in 1967. The mall at that point included the anchor store The Leader, and Lazarus had not been built west of JCPenney yet. The Lima News archives
Lazarus, in progress in early 1971.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_smaller.jpgLazarus, in progress in early 1971. The Lima News archives
An unidentified worker stocks items for sale at Sears in 1989. Close study of the photo shows a sign for a wet/dry vacuum, sold at $99, and bicycles on display.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_sears-cropsmaller.jpgAn unidentified worker stocks items for sale at Sears in 1989. Close study of the photo shows a sign for a wet/dry vacuum, sold at $99, and bicycles on display. The Lima News archives
Unidentified employees work at the “credit sales” counter at Sears in 1967. “Charge accounts boost purchasing power,” the caption explained.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_credit-cropsmaller.jpgUnidentified employees work at the “credit sales” counter at Sears in 1967. “Charge accounts boost purchasing power,” the caption explained. The Lima News archives
This map, dated Jan. 21, 1969, shows the stores featured at the mall. Note the cross streets were Lima Gomer Road and Delphos & Elida Road. The rectangle just north of Woolworth’s was Pangles.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_footprint-cropsmaller.jpgThis map, dated Jan. 21, 1969, shows the stores featured at the mall. Note the cross streets were Lima Gomer Road and Delphos & Elida Road. The rectangle just north of Woolworth’s was Pangles. The Lima News archives
The restaurant at the former Lazarus store, photographed here in 1971, was the perfect place for lunch out while shopping. Note the ash trays on the tables. Woolworth’s lunch counter was also popular in its day.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_restaurant-cropsmaller.jpgThe restaurant at the former Lazarus store, photographed here in 1971, was the perfect place for lunch out while shopping. Note the ash trays on the tables. Woolworth’s lunch counter was also popular in its day. The Lima News archives
This photo, dated 1992, shows the fountain near MCL cafeteria. A larger fountain, circled by seating, was at center court.
http://www.limaohio.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2017/12/web1_fountain.jpgThis photo, dated 1992, shows the fountain near MCL cafeteria. A larger fountain, circled by seating, was at center court. The Lima News archives
