Remember When: Many buildings made many shoes!
“The two story brick building at the SE corner of Mulberry and Columbus streets, formerly owned and occupied by the Godman Shoe Co., is being completely remodeled by Mr. Van Gundy, present owner, and is expected to be ready for occupancy about the middle of February” announced the E-G 29 Jan. 1940. Similar announcements (but with different contractors, buildings and locations) have been made many times over the years about several shoe factories in downtown Lancaster. Each factory had its own name, but all were eventually owned by the H. C. Godman Co. of Columbus.
These factories were important to the community. “…The shoe and glass industries were by far the most important during the first three decades of the twentieth century, in providing many more jobs and far greater total income than the other enterprises combined” (Lancaster, Ohio 1800-2000 by David R. Contosta, p.127).
This “Remember When” column has provided different “chapters” in the history of Lancaster’s shoe industry in past years. The recent announcement (14 March 2023 E-G) of a tax credit received by Urban Restorations for the renovation of the building that first opened as the Fairfield Shoe Company on the SW corner of Mulberry and Columbus Streets (229 N. Columbus) almost came on the 123rd anniversary of the factory’s grand opening held Feb. 27, 1900. However, before reviewing the history of this building in a future article, it seemed best to retell the story of the shoe factory that had opened about five years earlier across the street (230 N. Columbus).
The Daily Eagle (9 July 1895) reported: “The deed for the (Anna D.) Brasee lot at the SE corner of Mulberry and Columbus streets was executed this morning, and Mr. Godman is now the owner. Work preparatory to laying the foundation for the new shoe factory was commenced at once, and Wm. H. Henterly is removing the trees from the lot. The factory when completed will be a nice looking building…”
The building (known as Godman factory No. 3) was ready to welcome the community Nov. 7, 1895. “If the future of the new shoe factory is as bright and successful as the house warming and dedication given the new building last evening, Lancaster will have one of the most flourishing industries in existence,” reported the Daily Eagle 8 Nov. 1895. And it did “flourish” for 40 years.
The Daily Eagle reported on Nov. 22, 1935: “The No. 3 factory of the H. C. Godman Shoe Co. is being abandoned for manufacturing work [and] to be used for storage only.” The article also stated that one employee, Lucy Griffith of N. Maple St., had begun working in that building on Nov. 21, 1895 and was completing 40 years.
“Godman Will Close Three Plants Here” topped the front page of the E-G (1 Feb. 1939). Equipment from the three manufacturing plants was to be moved to Columbus. Lancaster real estate would be offered for sale. “Godman building sold for $30,000” announced the E-G (18 May 1939).
Ben Van Gundy, Lancaster contractor, had purchased 230 N. Columbus (Plant No. 3) and said he would remodel the structure and offer it as a factory site.
About six months later (8 Nov. 1939) Van Gundy announced the building had been leased to the Big Bear Stores Company. He had begun remodeling it and would install a new front as well as reconstruct the interior. The Big Bear Co. had expanded to build “super markets.” The first one would open in Lancaster with Lawrence Mack as manager.
When the super market opened March 5, 1940, it featured 4,300 “nationally famous foods,” “wheeled baskets” to assist with shopping, customers serving themselves, “adequate checking booths” to handle each purchase and plenty of free parking. Perhaps best of all, they offered “complete satisfaction or your money back.” This Big Bear location served Lancaster for 34 years. When a Big Bear Store opened March 20, 1974 at 1710 E. Main Street, the “downtown store” was closed. Paul Sark, manager, transferred to the Big Bear at the Plaza Shopping Center, and the 19 other employees were assigned to the Plaza store or the E. Main St. store.
Sept. 18, 1974, Anchor Hocking announced they had leased the Van Gundy building and parking lot at 230 N. Columbus St. “Following an extensive remodeling operation, the building will be used by Anchor Hocking primarily as a management information services center.” Following Anchor Hocking it was home to the Lancaster Community Church and New Horizons Mental Health Services.
Today, 230 N. Columbus is barely recognizable as one of our first shoe factory buildings. This writer is hopeful Urban Restorations’ restoration will preserve their “new/old” building across the street, and in turn preserve an important chapter of Lancaster history.
Readers may contact Harvey at joycelancastereg@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Remember When: Many buildings made many shoes!
