Photo Feature: Christmastime at Rich’s

View of Rich’s Department Store at the corner of Marietta Street and Broad Street in Atlanta. The Atlanta Constitution building can be seen behind Rich’s to the right. Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

By Ashley Sankey
Digital Storytelling Administrative Assistant

At the corner of Alabama and Broad Street sits a building that was the heart of downtown Atlanta’s Christmas celebrations for 43 years. Founded by Jewish-Hungarian immigrant Morris Rich in 1867 as M. Rich & Co., Rich’s Department Store was an establishment built around the guiding principle “the customer is always right,” a slogan that was amplified during the holiday season.

View of unidentified boys playing with puzzles and games in Rich’s Department Store during the Christmas holiday shopping season. Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Festivities and fellowship could be seen around every corner and in each aisle. Some children carefully tested their gadgets and trinkets, while others hurriedly made their purchases at the nearest checkout counter.

View of unidentified girls looking at and purchasing craft kits at Rich’s Department Store during the Christmas holiday shopping season. Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Even outside the store, Rich’s brought illuminated memories into the new year with their annual Christmas tree lighting. Beginning in 1948, a 70-ft Christmas tree was adorned with lights and placed atop the Crystal Bridge on Forsyth Street, allowing shoppers and bystanders to feel the true spirit of Christmas in Atlanta.

View of the Rich’s Christmas tree atop the “crystal bridge” over Forsyth Street in Atlanta, Georgia. Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center

Want to see more images of the beloved moments that took place during Christmastime at Rich’s Department Store? Check out our Atlanta History Photograph Collection. This diverse collection of prints, lithographs, and cased images includes portraits of prominent men and women in Antebellum Atlanta, scenes from the aftermath of the Civil War, street scenes and photographs of neighborhoods, images of Atlanta landmarks, notable events, and people.