In 1971 Lazarus department store opened in Kingsdale Shopping Center. Initially 85,000 square-feet, UA’s Lazarus had expanded to over 100,000 by 1977. The transition to the Macy’s brand occurred in 2005, after two years of marketing the dual name, Lazarus-Macy’s. Macy’s closed the UA store in 2015, and after five years of vacancy, the site became available for development. UA’s community center is now rising in this space. This History Speaks event honors this former blue-brick landmark and the memories of an iconic business.
For more than 150 years, F&R Lazarus & Company was the heart of downtown Columbus. Headed by the "first family of American retailing" with an eye for flair and a devotion to the customer, this uniquely midwestern institution won the hearts and minds of a community. Look to Lazarus draws on the memories of those who worked and shopped in this grand emporium to tell the unlikely story of a love affair between a city and a store. It was a love affair born of the solemn promise "You can always take it back to Lazarus, no questions asked."
Authors & Presenters:
David Meyers--David spent 30 years in the field of adult and juvenile corrections, then another 18 in higher education. He worked at Lazarus one summer and during Christmas vacation.
Beverly Meyers--Besides stints as a teacher and event planner, Beverly was a professional puppeteer and handled publicity for the Big Apple Circus. During research for the book, she discovered the high regard in which the Lazarus women were held by the wives and daughters of employees.
book signing after the event
Thanks to our partner, Cover to Cover book store, audience members can purchase the Look to Lazarus book before and after the event for future pick up at Cover to Cover, 2116 Arlington Avenue. Bookplates will be given to those who order a book for signing by the authors.
You may also bring your copy of Look to Lazarus for signing. Looking to purchase in advance of the event? Support our local bookstore, Cover to Cover, with your order.