02-03-2025
The Newark Arcade's June 1909 opening couldn't have been timed better for store owners
The construction on the south side of the Union Block, which adjoined the arcade, continued in May 1909.
About six weeks after Stewart Bros. and Alward Co. announced their move to the arcade, they ran a full-page advertisement in the Newark Advocate announcing the grand opening of their store on May 15, 1909. As a result of having 30,000 square feet of space, the store bragged that it was "Newark's largest, greatest and most comprehensive home outfitting store," a claim which other local merchants would probably have denied. As part of the store's entertainment schedule, Marsh's Orchestra provided music from 1 to 10 p.m., with the exception of an hourlong dinner break at 5 p.m. The ladies were to receive "handsome souvenirs" when they visited the store.
Licking County history: Construction on Newark's first arcade began in 1908
Three days later, Arcade Realty Group announced it had bought the Orpheum Theater on the south side of the arcade, as well as the vacant land there. Theater renovations would take place, and the entrance would change from Fourth Street to in the arcade. It was intended to complete the renovations by September. It is still possible to find the theater's name spelled in tiles in the arcade floor at its old entrance.
Although there was still some work to be done, the grand opening of the arcade was scheduled for Monday, June 7. Visitors were treated to three concerts per day by the Marsh Orchestra throughout the week. A list of businesses at the time was published in the Newark Advocate on June 11 that included The Arcade Market, Arcade Music Co., Bonds Clothiers, Browne and Sons Grocery, Busy Bee Confectionary, Barber E.L. Curry, Charles Duerr Florist, Erman and Sons Druggists, Dan Jones Tailor, W.V. Jordan Insurance, Kusters Dairy Lunch, Meredith Bros. Clothiers, Newark Electric Co., Newark Paint Co., A.L. Norton Book Store, J.C. Nies Signs, Charles Remillet Jeweler, Mrs. J.R. Robertson Milliner, Singer Sewing Machine Co., Stevens Cigars and News, A.P. Teuscher Hairdressing and Manicuring and H.M. Wagoner Photographer.
Licking County history: In 1909, six local businessmen banded together to build Newark's first arcade
For businesses in the arcade, the opening could not have come at a better time. Newark was chosen as the site of the 1909 annual encampment for Ohio Civil War veterans, which began June 14. It was a massive four-day event in downtown Newark. It is estimated that thousands of veterans and their family members were expected to attend numerous meetings, talks and a parade. The courthouse and downtown businesses, including the arcade, were decorated with American flags and red, white and blue bunting. It would be a profitable week for arcade businesses.
Since it opened, the arcade has had its ups and downs, but thanks to Newark Development Partners and its sponsors, the historic arcade has been restored and renovated to become another jewel in downtown Newark.
Doug Stout is the local history coordinator for the Licking County Library. You may contact him at 740-349-5571 or dstout@ His book "Never Forgotten: The Stories of Licking County Veterans" is available for purchase at the library or online at
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark Arcade experienced great success with its 1909 grand opening
