A prominent businessman who led the growth of a department store chain, introducing innovative retail practices and expanding into new markets. He played a significant role in shaping the American retail industry.
As the president and chairman of the board of L. S. Ayres and Company, Lyman S. Ayres II left an indelible mark on the retail industry, leading the family-owned department store chain to new heights during his tenure from 1954 to 1973. Founded by his grandfather in 1872, Ayres II continued the legacy, modernizing the business and cementing its position as a Midwestern retail powerhouse.
Born on July 5, 1908, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lyman Skinner Ayres II was the eldest child of Alma Hoegh and Frederick Murray Ayres Sr. He grew up in Indianapolis with his siblings, Anne and Frederic M. Ayres Jr. Ayres II replaced his middle name with the initial S. at the age of twenty-one, a unique choice that reflected his independence and individuality.
Ayres II graduated cum laude from Yale University, where he honed his business acumen and leadership skills. He later served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II, demonstrating his commitment to public service and country.
Ayres II's rise to prominence in the retail industry was swift and decisive. After his father's retirement in 1940, Ayres II took the reins of L. S. Ayres and Company, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the business. During his presidency from 1954 to 1962, he oversaw significant expansions and modernizations, solidifying the company's position as a leader in the Midwestern retail market.
In 1962, Ayres II was appointed chairman of the board, a position he held until 1973. Under his guidance, the company continued to thrive, adapting to changing consumer needs and tastes. Ayres II's vision and leadership paved the way for the company's success, earning him a reputation as a shrewd businessman and dedicated family patriarch.
Ayres II's personal life was marked by love, loss, and a passion for design. He married Isabel Ferguson in 1934, and together they had two children, Elise and Lyman. The couple's Colonial Revival residence, Twin Oaks, was a testament to their shared love of architecture and design. After Ayres II's passing on December 28, 1996, his legacy continued to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and retailers.
Ayres II's remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and innovative spirit. As a visionary retailer and devoted family man, Lyman S. Ayres II left an indelible mark on the retail industry and his community, inspiring generations to come.
Born in 1838
A pioneering conservationist and writer who advocated for the preservation of America's wilderness and national parks, inspiring generations to appreciate and protect the natural world.
Born in 1921
A renowned surgeon who wrote bestselling novels, including "Doctor in the House," which was adapted into a successful film and TV series, offering a humorous glimpse into medical life.
