An Original Lakin's Kid Circa 1942

An Original Lakin's Kid Circa 1940

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.