This year they are being displayed at the Schuster Center (where Rike's used to stand before being torn down-Dayton, Ohio) I am anxiously awaiting my visit to see the live display once again, I haven't seen them since I was little (probably 7 yrs old max), so that way back in 1987. It was early 1980's that my parents were so awesome that would take me, & my four older siblings to see Santa there around Christmas time every year. To BAK, or anyone that might be able to help? I've many special memories of Rike's department store, but only because of the playland w/ the live dolls that lead to Santa Clause. If anyone has any ideas how I can share these on the web I'm open to it.
I have even been able to 'save' a green drinking fountain, brass ad wall display case and original oil paintings of David Rike and Samual Kumler. I have a set of the 1938 elevator doors, several stained glass mezzanine dividers, cafeteria trays, silver serviceware from the 'Dining Room' as well as 2 blond chairs. But at least years later I have came across several of the Rike-Kumler artifacts and enjoy them every day - Still trying to find away to publish pictures of them on some site. But always Loved Dayton's grand lady the most (probably because I was an adult then).
I'm originally from Northeastern Ohio (in the country) and only got to see really grand department stores in Akron, Cleveland, and sometimes Pittsburgh (O'Neil's, Higbee's, Horne's and Kauffman's) probably only saw them each once growing up. It was Shillito-Rike's at that point but I fell in love with the Downtown Store. My first introduction to "Rike's" was when I was stationed at Wright-Patt in the Mid-80's.
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