Freedlander’s was once the oldest independently owned department store in the country and was beloved by the Wooster community. It was opened in 1884 by David L. Friedlander as a general merchandise store, then called the Buffalo One Price Clothing Store, which primarily sold men’s work attire. Friedlander, who was of Polish descent, was one of many Jewish shop owners whose businesses populated downtown Wooster. In response to rising nativist sentiments throughout the country, Friedlander would eventually change his name to Freedlander, as it sounded more “Americanized.” When Friedlander died in 1898, his 17-year-old son Herman took over the business (Schaaf Feb 25 2010). Over time, Freedlander’s expanded from 1,800 to 41,000 square foot large department store, which sold clothing, luggage, leather products, jewelry, houseware items, and toys. However, Freedlander’s sales began to dwindle in in the late 20th century as it, like many downtown businesses, struggled to compete with more powerful corporations like Walmart. Stanley Gault, who purchased and tried to revive the store in 1999, announced in 2008 that the business would permanently close. In 2009, after 125 years, the building was torn down. The loss of Freedlander’s was heavily felt throughout Wooster as residents reflected on fond memories of its earlier years. While the store may be gone, it has had a lasting impact on the community, and its memory is still cherished by many today.
For further reading:
“Freedlander’s Closes Doors after 125 Years, Is Torn Down.” The Daily Record, The Daily Record, 25 Feb. 2010, www.the-daily-record.com/article/20100225/news/302259505.
“Freedlander’s.” Wayne County (OH) Wiki, 1 Jan. 1884, wiki.wcpl.info/w/Freedlander%27s.
MARCIA SCHONBERG Special to the CJN. “’Jewish Heritage of Wayne County’ Exhibit Evokes Nostalgia.” Cleveland Jewish News, 4 Oct. 2011, https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/radnor/