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An Original Lakin's Kid
Circa 1942
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An Original Lakin's
Kid
Circa 1940
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Leo and Ida came to Gardner, MA
as newlyweds in June 1935 and opened Lakin's. Prior to their move
to Gardner, Leo owned Lakin Bros., a men's clothing store, in
Worcester, Massachusetts, and Ida was a women's wear buyer for
the Outlet Co. in Providence, Rhode Island. Their marriage was
not only a true love match, but a unique complement of skills,
as their combined backgrounds served to create a special environment
in which families could dress their children in high quality merchandise
and share a warm personal relationship with the proprietors.
Leo and Ida ran their business
as partners until 1986 when Ida passed away. Leo continued to
run the store independently. Leo broke his leg in November 1997
at age 99. His daughter Phyllis left her career in Boston to look
after him and the store. He was named the Outstanding Older Worker
for the state of Massachusetts in early 1998. Leo recovered well
enough to walk and climb stairs and spent time at the store until
age 102. He passed away in February 2001, three months shy of
his 103rd birthday.
Phyllis proudly carries on her parents' legacy today by continuing
to offer children's clothing and accessories at Lakin's - "A Legend
with a Timeless Tradition" in the same location, 68 Parker
Street, downtown Gardner.