O'Neil Sheffield Shopping Center 2nd Birthday – May 1956

Seventy years ago, the O'Neil - Sheffield Shopping Center was celebrating its second birthday, having opened back on May 1, 1954. So it was a good time to have a special birthday promotion, which you see in the full page ads below, which appeared in the Lorain Journal on May 3, 1956. 

It's interesting seeing the incredible variety of stores that had an outlet there – even Kroger. 

Hey, it's our pal Toppie

Of course, O'Neil - Sheffield Center hurt Downtown Lorain – slowly at first, since the Downtown merchants put up a good fight with promotions and sales. But I still think those 1950s era shopping centers made the most sense for family shopping, with their close, safe, ample parking and all-season flat canopies to protect shoppers from the elements. 

Mom played both sides of the street right into the early 1970s, shopping in Downtown Lorain for some things, and at O'Neil - Sheffield Shopping Center for others, as well as at Westgate and Lorain Plaza. Of course, the bigger variety of stores and controlled climate at Midway Mall eventually made it the preferred shopping destination, and the ideal location for various shows and exhibits. 

The funny thing is that young people today missed the heyday of the downtown shopping districts, the open-air shopping centers and the shopping malls. But you can't miss what you never experienced. They'll probably grow up with fond memories of the special events and promotions at Crocker Park and Legacy Village. And shopping on Amazon.

As always, each generation prefers its own way of life.