Journal-News.com

By Jerri

April 4, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this

I grew up in Hamilton my parents still live there….I hate to drive down town it is so sad, I also remember all the good times living in Hamilton…as a little girl you could leave your house walk downtown…now it isnt safe to drive downtown…it actually scares me to visit at night…just reading these comments brought back some memories of places I had forgotten so thanks for the memories….wish we could have a few back~

By N. Miller

January 23, 2009 9:42 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Hamilton during the 1950’s - 60’s. Hamilton was an all American town. God, Country, Family. It had so much going for it. Antique car parades, many businesses, industries, nice neighborhoods, schools. Not anymore! The largest building now is the Government building and that says it all. Hamiltonian’s are reponsible for who they have elected and how poorly they’ve governed. It’s time to clean house and elect those who will wisely govern and begin to restore Hamilton and her economy.

By gary

January 17, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this

This city reminds me of Dayton Ohio. Hamilton was a city built on industry.It use to be the powerhouse of butler county.The end result of jobs leaving is crime, drugs,poverty,and people leaving the town by the droves. It is up to the city cousel and elected officials to save this town and lobby for the things hamilton used to be.Downtown businesses never work! The city makes it impossible to shop at the stores that are offered. Parking tickets conjestion and a lack of a bus route are the reasons

By nancy

January 16, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this

Isn’t there a leader in Hamilton Ohio who can turn this city around?

By nancy

January 16, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this

Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, lunch in the restaurant, kids in the toy department. Hardware, notions, fabrics, handbags, Male World. My applause and appreciation to all of the wonderful employees who worked at this great store. Mrs. Stuckenberg, Mr. Pierson and Mr. Brown. All formed our lives and our careers. To the floor supervisors, security and receiving. This was a great place to work while raising my family. The beautiful windows at Christmas. What a loss.

By CookiesKid

January 15, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

Our family grew up on downtown Hamilton, Lerner’s for girls, First National savings accounts, Schwarz’s jewelers, School at St. Stephen’s Fenmont Center, walking uptown for pickles at Double Decker, or deals at Kreske’s and McCrory’s, getting Christmas gifts wrapped at Elder-Beermans then going down to get cashews and chunk white chocolate, choco covered raisins and a bus ride home with mom. Those were the days! But it’s true that Hamilton could build a nice place again. I still have hope for it

By Bruce

January 15, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

continued . . The river has been cleaned up to the point where it is usable for many activities. It flows right on through the city to the sea. Ever heard of the Ford Canal and its use . . or the Erie Canal? People with less education . . but a dream as to applying what God has given us to share, grow, and to pass on . . is slowly leaving our grasp. I know this is dreaming . . but that might be all that is left.

By Bruce

January 15, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

continue. . Remember . . roads that lead to Hamilton also go in the other direction. Hamilton has the perfect site for building a city with waterways. Canals that venture to old warehouses (rejuvinated with shops and restaurants), parks and recreational areas. There is so much land that would lend itself to the growth of new busineses and adventures. West Chester is an example. Perhaps a few canals off the Great Miami River some years back may have had some influence. . . continued . .

By Bruce

January 15, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

Over the past 50 to 60 years . . Hamilton has had the opportunity to grow. Grow into one of most noted cities in the eastern part of the United States. This city could have been made into “The Venice of America”. If only the leaders would focus on the most important issue for the City, which is, “How do we Survive for the Future Generations.” Many believe that better highways are the true answers. Until the City improves the reason to where people would want to come this City . continued .

By Jenny

January 15, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

When I heard the news of Elder Beerman closing my heart sank. I worked in the home store for many years and I still think of the people there as my EB family. This news is especially devastating to those who have spent decades working inside that store. All of that hard work and customer service means nothing to Corporate. I can only imagine how dramatically this will change the lives of the employees; not to mention the city of Hamilton. I wish the best of luck to all of my friends!

By Dawn

January 15, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

…All the parades, Downtown Hamilton Days……Sidewalk Sales….Entertainment around the Courthouse……I could go on. My mother didn’t drive so all of our shopping was done downtown…especially at EB because we could take the city bus. Also my first job in high school was for the City of Hamilton Planning Department so I spent every day downtown….so many memories and I feel sad…..

By DAwn

January 15, 2009 12:10 AM | Link to this

TO Scott??? I’ve been away from Hamilton for 20 years but all of my family are still there and I don’t recall “$1 stores, pawn shops, fast food, tattoo parlors and dive bars.” The only fast food that is there I McDonalds and it is a way up the road toward Rt. 4. (and that didn’t come till my Senior Year in High School which was 1986) Anyway……I have to say my heart skipped a beat with saddness when I read this. I have so many memories of going to town…..continued…

By anonymous

January 14, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this

If anyone cares, there are no current openings in the Middletown ElderBeerman store or the Dayton ones; therefore, no one that works at the Hamilton store is able to transfer. Also, only part timers and full timers that worked there for a year or more were offered any type of severance. That leaves over 55 people with nothing but the chance at unemployment. Thank God for unemployment since their are almost no jobs anywhere for those people (or anybody else right now).

By PB1975

January 14, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Hamilton and when I lived there it was Wilmers. I remember taking the city bus to town with friends and spending the day shopping at Wilmers, McCroy’s? Clarks, and then having lunch at the Woolworths. Lots of memories there. I do remember the candy they sold there and the restaurant upstairs. One of my fondest memories of Hamilton is the Lane Public Library. I haven’t lived in Hamilton in over 38 years, but they had a bookmobile that came to my neighborhood. It was a treat!

By PJ

January 14, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Hamilton and will always remember riding the bus to shop at Wilmers. My friends and I would eat downtown, shop all day (hardly bought a thing) I haven’t been back in many years and have only shopped at the Elder Beerman’s a few times. It is a shame that Hamilton isn’t what it used to be.

By PJ

January 14, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

I grew up in Hamilton and will always remember riding the bus to shop at Wilmers. My friends and I would eat downtown, shop all day (hardly bought a thing) I haven’t been back in many years and have only shopped at the Elder Beerman’s a few times. It is a shame that Hamilton isn’t what it used to be.

By Scott

January 14, 2009 2:20 PM | Link to this

I can honestly say that I have never been in that store as an adult. I’m 42 and have lived in Butler County since 3rd grade. I grew up in Fairfield and now live in Fairfield Township. I avoid Hamilton like the plague. They have nothing to offer but $1 stores, pawn shops, fast food, tattoo parlors and dive bars. Hamilton was dead in the 70s and 80s and nothing has changed since then. Goodbye Elder-Beerman and take the rest of the town with you.

By bobby

January 14, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

My whole family grew up at this store. My grandmother worked in the optical department, my mother worked in cosmetics and my dad is the manager. If not for EB my family wouldn’t exsist. My first real job was at EB and I continued there for 8 wonderful years. Me and my wife and children are deeply saddened by this event, I loved that store and everyone I ever came in contact with in it. The closing has nothing to do with performance or customer service, it’s Bon-Ton’s way out of business.

By james

January 14, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Oh and too Mr. Stix below me. Here is a free math lesson for you. Why pay one person 60g’s a year when you can pay 4 people 15g’s. Lets face it hiring cheap labor is another side effect of the way our free market works. Oh and by the way to assume that all people who have dark skin and speak spanish are illegal is a wonderful reflection of the ignorant mindset that has ruined Hamilton. Do us a favor and unplug your computer and quit posting here.

By james

January 14, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

I love how people get on the internet a tell everyone else that they are wrong. They reiterate all the same old rhetoric about its the mexicans fault or this person or this person. If you love Hamilton so much, do something to invest in it instead of spending your time making racist and unfounded remarks on a newspaper website.Maybe if more people would change their negative outlook to a positive one, Hamilton wouldn’t be in this position. When a door is closed in front of you jump out a window

By stix

January 14, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

WELL.what have we here ? another cheap building for MR WILKS AND THE MAYOR TO PLAY MONOPOLY AGAIN .got to admit this is a way to make huge profits?just like Browns market with all the ILLEGALS IN THE BACK WORKING.I BET if you replaced americans for MEXICANS theyd stay open.PEOPLE WILL START KILLING THESE ILLEGALS to get thier jobs BACK.but the real shame of it all is that its AMERICANS hireing these criminals.WE were born here PLEASE HIRE AMERICANS AGAIN PLEASE BEFOR THE BLOODSHED STARTS.

By Jim

January 14, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this

Revitalization requires motivation, modification and facilitation on the part of the City of Hamilton and the downtown landlords. First and foremost do away with metered parking throught the downtown area. Nothing sours a person more about using your downtown than a ticket waiting on their vehicle when they return from conducting business. Use the river as magnet. Terrace some areas along the bank into a parks for walking and picnicking. Think outside the box; better yet, throw the box away.

By Joe

January 14, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

Robert wanted to know the real reason OC left Hamilton. I heard it was because the city forced the company’s out of town board members to file an income tax for the one or two days they were in town for meetings. They get paid a little bit of money to attend and Hamilton wanted its “fair share” of that pay. OC said they’d move if Hamilton forced the issue. They did and OC moved to Fairfield. It’s all about how much the city can squeeze out of citizens, companies and visitors.

By Betsy

January 14, 2009 9:39 AM | Link to this

PLEASE tell me why Hamiltonians, who pay more in real estate & income taxes than any of the neighboring communities yet have a FAILING CITY ECONOMY & the WORST ROADS in the county CONTINUE to vote the same self-serving, incompetent, boys’ club leaders AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN? Maybe if they didn’t spend all their time buying buddies’ worthless property & awarding contracts to friends, they might have time to do their real jobs! If you’re disappointed, then DEMAND CHANGE! USE YOUR VOTES!!!

By Jimmy H.

January 14, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

The NAFTA and GATT legislation of the Clinton Administration began to move of America’s manufacturing industries off-shore and reduced tarrifs on imported goods-all this so executives could make more profits. Hamilton, like so many other cities and town across this country are now feeling the effects of that legislation. No manufacturing base- no jobs to generate incomes, pay taxes, or support local businesses. Hamilton, like all of America, has to have a manufacturing-base to survive!

By robert

January 14, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

It was no surprise to me as I could see it coming. Never anyone in the store so you know they were losing money.The City of Sculpture is a joke as many city’s have the same ones. Nothing unique about the ones we have. Cowboy Sheriff was going to make so much money leasing out the jail,what a joke he is. Face it Fairfield and West Chester is so far ahead of us that we would never catch up. BTW I would like to know the true story of why Ohio Casualyt left? I think it is a city secret.

By Joe

January 14, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

I’ve got to respond. First of all, I think placing the blame on Mayor Ryan is not a fair action (He himself has a major investment downtown) . HE isn’t the reason Hamilton is dead. I do feel strongly that the current elected officials have done very little to boost the downtown. They passed a Police Levy, then STILL cut officers, but not the tax. They are putting up cameras to generate tickets. They build a big city building instead of making due. That’s why Hamilton is dying.

By RET

January 14, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

Sorry to hear, but not surprised. Its not like it was before. But I blame myself for the times that I drove to Cincy to go shopping instead of staying in town. Why blame the Mayor, he has invested money in a very nice place to eat. Are you going there to eat? I try to support it, just to feel like I am doing my part. I hate to see Hamilton die, but people have to get out and do something, its easy to sit back and blame others, then complain. Wake up people get involved.

By Steven

January 14, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

Dear city leaders and prominent citizens, please stop erecting statues, opening chic bistros, building downtown hotels, ballparks, or dams on the river. If you want things in Hamilton to improve you must focus entirely on manufacturing. Their is your do or die battle, if the city can regain an industrial base that other crap will build itself. I’m moving out of the city myself, I’ve not given up on Hamilton but on you.

By SnowMan

January 14, 2009 8:17 AM | Link to this

I’am fast approching my 7th. decade in Butler Co.Most if not all in Liberty Township.As a young man,our once a month trip to town couldn’t come fast enough.The many store’s, things to marvel a young mans mind.Places to eat,Ohio Lunch on Maple Ave,The Coney Island,on High St. todays,”Gold Star”.The first electical powered washing machine,nothing to marvel about today, but 70 years ago it was a big deal.All this took place in a town called HAMILTON,Today,SHE has nothing for oneself to marvel about

By Carolyn

January 14, 2009 7:37 AM | Link to this

This saddens me. I believe in change, but the changes in Hamilton are not adding any resources for revenue. Someone once said, the Main & High Street could be a joint venture in building a little town such as Brown County Indiana. I don’t think this is a bad idea. I could see the atmosphere change, jobs made available and with this change, you do not have to compete with the Malls. There is a lot of history in Hamilton. Capitalize on it. Our Court House & Monument can be used as focal points.

By Long Gone Resident

January 14, 2009 7:24 AM | Link to this

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to pay our last respects to El-Bee & Hamilton. The town that was created in 1788 had a long history filled with crime, projects, rundown east side, overrated west side, closed one high school and several jr. high schools to save money, infiltration by illegals, and oh yeah the loss of business including the steel foundry, Champion Papers, Diebold, Mosler, and others. Now we add to the long sad saga the epic also known as Elder-Beerman, Good riddance!

By Brian

January 14, 2009 6:03 AM | Link to this

I think the only major retailer we have now is Wal-Mart. Can we say bankrupt city?

By Kathy

January 14, 2009 5:44 AM | Link to this

Just want to say, that my grandfather said back in the 80’s before he die. That Downtown hamilton will become a ghost town in 10 to 20 yrs and he was right.I love shopping at Elder-Beerman. You can alway fine good prices and name brand things that are made in the USA. You can’t find any good stores around anymore that sells things made in the USA and that have employee so friendly. ELDER-BEERMAN will be missed and all the friendly people who work there.

By will g

January 14, 2009 4:33 AM | Link to this

this is so sad i feel bad for the ppl that had jobs here i hope they find jobs!

By Clinton Frazier

January 14, 2009 1:46 AM | Link to this

people we all knew it was going to happen sooner or later.I have lived in this town all my life that’s 52 years now and seen hamilton get worse every year and i say our city goverment sucks they don’t do anything for the city if can’t get money for it to put in there pockets,look at this city do you think they did all this to help this city NO!!,the next people to go is the paper companys look at your taxes you pay this place why do you think this place was called little chicago back in the day

By SnowMan

January 14, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this

GUESS, nothing stay the same.In it’s hey day Hamilton was the place to get anything and everything in between you might want or need.Back in the 50’s When they first build The Hamilton Plaza,they said that it wouldn’t draw the people it needed to stay in business. It was to far out from the main part of town.Will history has shown that wasn’t the case,Then came the Malls,that wouldn’t last,Then the Super Malls, said that wouldn’t last.WalMart,then came WalMart Super Center.What next SUPER-SUPER

By dewmrt3

January 14, 2009 12:53 AM | Link to this

In 1979 I ran for Hamilton city council and was introduced to many plans for development of the downtown area. What happened to those plans as many of them were good and could be made possible.Did our council forget about Hamilton ? Were we sold to the cities around us or are we just left to die? Wake up council as I said many years ago we need to move from the horse and buggy days.

By Stella Nixxon

January 14, 2009 12:42 AM | Link to this

One more reason to drive through downtown to get to the shops you need to .. hey Mayor whats your name when are you going to show us that you see what we see and are working to change downtown for the better …

By New Yorker

January 13, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

Very sad, but also very expected. The last time I was in town I could barely find anyone with a register open to ring up a sale. And even more surprising was that I was able to find something I actually wanted. The EB of old had a great product assortment and even better customer service. I would even say memorable customer service. Somewhere down the line the parent company lost faith in the Hamilton market and the Hamilton market responded by driving to Tri-County.

By Lily

January 13, 2009 11:48 PM | Link to this

Hey lets all move to the suburbs and shop at Wal-mart and a lovely "mall" built to make us feel like were actually in a charming town square! Lets tear out all the trees on former farmland and build a bunch of ugly houses that all look the same and let the interesting parts of town go to hell. Can we say urban sprawl? I am actually surprised this didnt happen sooner. Wait, did somebody say the ice rink is gone? Jeez. Ive been gone longer than I thought.

By Jeanne

January 13, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

I had my first job at Wilmers-Elder-Beerman in the Yard Goods Dept. on Market Street level for $1.25 per hour - lived at the YWCA for $8 a week and walked to work every day. Eventually I worked every dept. on that floor, and lots of the managers and buyers I worked with had also worked there for many years.

I loved giving personal service to all our customers (and also the Walnut Cake in the restaurant!). Also walking over to Kresge’s or Double Decker to eat burgers.

Ah Memories! :-)

By Phil

January 13, 2009 10:27 PM | Link to this

It is sad to see the last maior retail business leave downtown Hamilton. However, we must face facts. Hamilton is far from unique; most city downtowns are in a similar situation. Retail areas thrive when they are near an Interstate highway, offer a wide selection, have free easy parking & look new. Any Hamilton downtown development plan must face this reality.

By gary

January 13, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this

What a said day here in downtown hamiton myself and 74 other employess will be unemployed in march joining the other 1.5 million unemployed in this country hope washington acts soon

By MGNMPCGirl

January 13, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

Sorry to hear Elder-Beerman is leaving. Unfortunately have not been to downtown Hamilton in years but I remember when I was younger always look forward to walking uptown on Saturday’s with friends and we would do a little shopping at Elder-Beerman and have lunch, then go watch a movie at the Court Theatre and then sit in front of the monument or court house square and just watch the cars go buy and chat with friends before we headed home. Those were the good old days!! All a memory now!

By DD

January 13, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

This is kind of sad, but you could eventually see it coming. The store really wasn’t that busy to stay competive. I can remember back many years ago eating lunch w/family & friends inside the store restaurant before walking the streets shopping at Sears, Penny’s, McCrorry’s dime store; even catching a movie at the Court Theatre across the street with friends. You could have made a day of it then, but now would spend more time in line at the “Ho Ho House” during xmas time than any place else.

By Hardburly

January 13, 2009 8:02 PM | Link to this

The City should have bought Knightsbridge complex when it was for sale cheap, made a Casino, develloped the Riverfront with a fancy hotel and shops and watch Hamilton get rich. I know they couldn’t do it.

By Hardburly

January 13, 2009 7:51 PM | Link to this

I moved here in 1960 the city was alive with activities,businesseswere properous and there was a good feeling about the city. I think it is a sign of the times, it is happenning in every city in the midwest and areas that depended on manufacturing. Its sad, the city, county,and state are broke and needs repairing.

By Really??

January 13, 2009 7:50 PM | Link to this

Did anyone read the article? This is an ecomomic crisis not a Mayor blame fest. The store did not produce. I shop there all the time. Put a couple quarters in the meter, shop, leave. Not a hard concept. Perhaps the citizens are to blame,oh no! Say it isn’t so?! Us,the problem. No. Easier to blame the mayor or council,or one person,the police! Wake up people. We are all hit hard, retailers alike. This isn’t an issue to blame the City for. Those of you who drive to Kenwood or others are to blame!

By Jiveman

January 13, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Until Hamilton quits trying to be something it’s not it will never become what it could be. We have no entertainment district anywhere in Butler County and Hamilton could provide that. Look at Over the Rhine and other pop-culture districts with similar crime rates…Hamilton is right up there. Plus you all give West Chester to much credit. They have trailor parks and murder just like anyone else. Who wants to live where you have to fight with semi’s to get to work and semi’s to get home.

By mary

January 13, 2009 6:00 PM | Link to this

The closing of El/Bee saddens me…. as do the mean comments on this site. If you look at other cities of Hamilton’s size, the same thing is happening or has happened. It’s not Mayor Ryan’s fault - it’s just the way things go. Fairfield and West Chester will eventually have the same problems in due time- it’s all cyclical. Lost jobs, infrastructure going to hell, crime rate will go up. It’s just the way it is. Good luck to Mr Nott and his employees - and from a loyal customer, thank you.

By Roger Conrad

January 13, 2009 5:50 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone goe shop where you have to pay parking meters? Every since downtown shoppers had to pay the greedy little meters they started looking for a store with no meters , if you put meters at Walmsrt they would go broke . A wonderful day shopping ending with a ticket on your windshield is not a good memory God forbid if you shop more than a hour , or go down the street to another store the parking tickets would cover your windshield .

By York

January 13, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

Its about time. When I was in Elder Beerman last fall their selection of clothing was obviously lacking and the musty mold smell was pathetic. Hope none of the employees have health problems.

By rue ann eyler

January 13, 2009 5:27 PM | Link to this

Poor Hamilton. Poor citizens of Hamilton. I grew up in Hamilton, we could shop, have a family dinner and even visit top class physicians and dentists, without ever leaving out city. My father retired from Champion and my Mom once was a waitress at the Elder Beerman restaurant. A trip to “town” was highly anticipated. Excellent schools and we were proud to live in such a community. So sad. I am glad I will not have to watch it finally go.

By Ridnaway

January 13, 2009 5:24 PM | Link to this

No worries. Maybe Big Lots will move in…. or maybe a really neat Army Surplus store…. or maybe a bait shop. Wow, the possibilities are endless!

By Hamilsucky

January 13, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

…Let’s not forget the Ice Arena that is no longer standing. The only thing this city cares about is letting is cops patrol and create phony crimes on the internet AND letting it’s health inspector check houses for flaking paint! Notice how nicely built up Fairfield is while Hamilton imploded? When I was a kid, there was lots to do here, parks, etc. Remember when Ft. Hamilton Days was a WEEK LONG? We even celebrated our bicentennial A YEAR LATE! Hamilton, the city that offers you NOTHING!

By Hamilsucky!

January 13, 2009 4:41 PM | Link to this

Continuing…..and some rich snobs think that Sculptures will bring people to Hamilton. I notice that Historic Main St. is dying fast too, two buildings have been razed. The city let the county build up West Chester, they should be the county seat now. Why don’t we have riverboat restaurants? That would be a nice attaction. But…the city coffers don’t care about this town. Don’t think its obvious, look at the rotten streets! The west side traffic is a mess. ……..

By Dude

January 13, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Last one out of Hamilton remember to turn the lights off and bring the flag. GOOD JOB Mayor Ryan!

By Hamilsucky!

January 13, 2009 4:36 PM | Link to this

No surprise that El-Bee is going. This city killed itself a long time ago! We have lost Sears, JC Penny, the hallmark store, Revco, Ohio Casualty, MERCY, Mosler, Hamilton Foundry, and many many others! This town let itself die. Something could have been done with the Mercy Building, physical and mental rehab, seniors, etc….ANYTHING. Even a low stage trauma center. What do we have now? A big grass field…….

By Billie

January 13, 2009 12:39 PM | Link to this

It will always be Wilmers to me.What a thrill,to lay a way my first Cashmer sweater.Took me so long to pay for it,the season was almost over. I wore it so often,holes were worn in the elbows.My daughters loved to shop ther as teenagers,while I worked,they would try on clothes@have the clerk hold them,until I came after work to pick the clothes up.@ NO they didnt get every thing they had chosen,(but real close).The clerks were always friendly@very helpful,they knew your name.

By Wake up

January 13, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

OH NO! Someone stated on here that Hamilton is dying. PLEASE Wake up people Hamilton is already dead and has been ever since the city refused to allow I-75 to pass through it LOL BIG MISTAKE there grandfathers. Hamilton safe company and others jumped ship ALONG time ago forseeing all of this. It was once stated this place would be a ghost town. Well welcome to reality. The ship is burning and soon all that will be left is the mice. Say Thanks to all the big business CEO’s IE. Craftsman to Chevy.

By Walter

January 13, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

Another one bites the dust. “Downtown” Hamilton is dead and all but buried. Long gone are the good ole days when going uptown on the bus, going to Wilmer’s, Imfeld Music, Grant’s, the Elite, Citizen’s Bank, etc. Now Elder Beerman… No need to go to downtown Hamilton anymore.

By Joe

January 13, 2009 12:19 PM | Link to this

Another nail in the coffin for Hamilton. Maybe they can raise the parking meters to $2 an hour… and have cameras automatically send out $1,000 parking tickets each time a violator exceeds the limit. Or maybe open another multi-million dollar city building there. The possibilities are endless.

By shopped there frequently

January 13, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

I think this is sad news for Hamilton. One more empty building to add to high street. Part of the reason the store is closing is due to lack of surrounding buisnesses. Maybe the city should look into some type of downtown project to try to get some restaraunts and retail stores downtown and maybe when you drive down high street something might cause you to want to stop instead of a bunch of empty buildings. Elder-Beerman will be greatly missed by me and my family, I guess we have our memories.

By steve

January 13, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

The restaurant, candy section, record department, basement store, shoe outlet, and basement snack bar are all long gone and just memories. The store basically has been closed for years…they just didn’t realize it.

By Lisa

January 13, 2009 12:12 PM | Link to this

I’m not surprised the store is closing. Parking in the area is awful. The store it self has a musty odor left around from the 70’s I think. And the prices are insane. You can find better deals at Macys and Kohls, let alone stores like Target. And they don’t really have that much of a selection to choose from.

By Trish Weber

January 13, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

Oh, PUHLEEEEZE, say it isn’t true. Oh woe is me, what willll I do??? Yes, there are many shopping alternatives nearby, however, I do so prefer to shop local. I mean, have you tried to find a parking space at Kenwood lately? HA! I will miss so many of the specialty counters. Losing this Elder Beerman store is going to be a significant loss for many citizens in this area. So sad.

By SnowQueen

January 13, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

My husband is on his way up there to buy a coat. He too misses the days gone by when you could all day Saturday shopping uptown or downtown depending on where you lived.

By Scott

January 13, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

Most small cities jumped on the bandwagon of installing meters to make revenue. See you this has affected business? Make all meters in the central business district go away or a maximum of two hour parking. BTW, Elder Beerman is a dinosaur from days gone by that did not interest a male clientele. Targeted mostly women and older with disposable income. Smelled musty also.

By Mary

January 13, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

What a shame! I had once heard the store was the best producer in sales in the area - someone lied. Hamilton is dying.

By SnowQueen

January 13, 2009 12:03 PM | Link to this

My friend began to wail. She had everyone’s attention. We ate our eclairs and asked for our check. The nice little waitress winked and said the gentleman had taken care of our checks. Ha ha It serves him right. Lot of memories at Elder-Beerman and Wilmer’s.

By Tim

January 13, 2009 12:02 PM | Link to this

It is sad to hear that the store is closing and people are going to lose their jobs. But there will be another store chain that would love to get that location. Maybe a store that has prices that everyone can afford to shop there. Hamilton has seen bad times before and rebounded, so this wont be a sad story for long.

By SnowQueen

January 13, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember when they used to sell candy? I loved buying their warm salted nuts. I also loved going to the restaurant. My friend and I would save our money and ride the bus uptown after school. Eating at Elder-Beerman was a treat. One day we ordered eclairs. A not so nice man ordered a salad and made the comment that he was watching his weight unlike others that needed to. We were only 13. My friend started acting like she was crying. I was laughing so hard that I was crying.

By Mel

January 13, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this

The City has to take some of the blame for not doing anything to help the store’s parking problem.

By SnowQueen

January 13, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

OH NO! I didn’t shop there often, but I’m going to miss it. It’s an ICON. I hope they change their mind. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. I tried to shop their at Christmas.