Rike’s Christmas display orginated in New York City

In 1979 columnist Dale Huffman stood in for Santa Claus at Rike's department store.

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Photos: Rike's Christmas display

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By Dale Huffman Updated 4:35 PM Friday, December 18, 2009

The famous Christmas window displays that delighted children of all ages in the old Rike’s department store at Second and Main Streets in downtown Dayton actually migrated here from New York City.

The display, now shown each December at the Wintergarden in the Schuster Center, first appeared in the windows of the NCR offices in New York City in 1943.

According to research done by author Curt Dalton of Dayton, and one of the interesting stories in his latest book of little-known facts about Dayton, the display is based on the Charles Dicken’s story “A Christmas Carol.”

Dalton said each scene of the original display was painstakingly researched and the Dickens-like characters were dressed in period attire and set against three dimensional backgrounds built by carpenters of NCR here in Dayton.

The display was such a hit in New York that in 1945 Frederick Rike, owner of the Rike-Kumler store which later became Rike’s, negotiated and was given permission to erect the Christmas display, including the moving characters, in the windows of his store in Dayton.

It soon became the focal point of Christmas in downtown Dayton, and nearly every family would bring children downtown each December to enjoy the magnificent presentation with dancing elves, and starring Santa Claus.

When the complex that housed Rikes was eventually razed in November of 1999 many of the little figures of the display were placed in storage in an empty store. Eventually they were resurrected, repaired, and now are displayed each Christmas in the windows of the Wintergarden.

The story that explains the history of the Christmas windows at Rikes is one of about 80 interesting tidbits about Dayton’s history that are included in Dalton’s book which is titled “Gem City Jewels.”

Dalton said, “I collected these anecdotes and interesting tales that had never ended up in any of the many books I have written over the years,” Dalton said. “So I dug them up, dusted them off, added pictures and put this little book together.”

The book includes the story of the night world famous escape artist and magician Houdini appeared at Keith’s Theater downtown. During his performance he escaped from a barrel containing 60 gallons of Olt’s beer. He released himself in less than three minutes.

Another story explains how the famous Liberty Bell once made a stop in Dayton in 1904 when it was on the way to the St. Louis World’s Fair. The bell was being transported by train back to Philadelphia when the train made a stop at Dayton’s Union Depot. Thousands shows up to get a view of the famous bell and a school choir sang the National Anthem,

Dalton’s small book, which can be held in the palm of your hand, can be purchased at the gift shop at Carillon Park at a cost of $9.95.

It would make an interesting stocking stuffer for someone interested in unusual Dayton trivia. Because of the economy Dalton said he only printed 300 copies of the book, so there it is a limited edition.

Dalton also has a Web site about local history that he says often gets as many as 4,000 hits a day. It can be accessed at www.daytonhistorybooks.com.

Dalton said, “I love history. And I love to write. It’s what makes the world turn for me.”

Dale Huffman wants your suggestions and story ideas. He’d like to share a story about you, your family, or a friend. This column is for you. Send e-mail to dhuffman@DaytonDailyNews.com or write to Dale at 1611 S. Main St. Dayton, OH 45409. Fax: (937) 225-2489. Phone: (937) 225-2272.

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