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These are more recent, but I remember when before K-mart it was Kresge. They had a lunch counter, and had these simple ham sandwiches you could get for $1.00; just a slice of ham, lettuce, on a roll.
I also remember record stores, we had one called Peaches; all the record albums were in peach crates. These was in the 1970's; cool music would be playing, and there it was fun looking at the artwork and designs on those album jackets.
Little dots of hard candy on paper -- can't remember if they came on a roll or in pre-measured strips. You either picked them off with your fingers or bit them off with your teeth:
I miss the "5 & 10" stores. When I think back, those little stores had everything a person in the 50's desired and needed. If I could go back in time for one day, you'd find me there. Here, in KS, I often say to my husband as I look at the dying towns, IF we could go back in time for just one day and see the hustle and bustle of times past.................
Senior year in HS (81-82) I worked in the local 5&10. The floors were wood -- I can hear the creaks they made under the determined steps my employer made from his back office to the front register. The store had counters and shelves chock-a-block full of anything a person might need: a pot, a hammer, skeins of yarn, lubricants for sewing machines, can openers and potato mashers, candy, cleaning supplies, toys, towels, makeup, shoe polish, clothesline, cards (greeting and playing.) I could go on and on. I loved when the novelty man delivered the Mexican jumping beans which would sit clicking away in their little cases beside the register.
A customer stepping through doors knew that they would find whatever it is they were looking for no matter how ancient or obsolete it was. There were many regular customers who we greeted by by name -- always Mr. or Mrs., never by first name.
It was a special place and one I realized was quickly becoming a thing of the past. This was a great job and my old boss taught me so much about how to offer wonderful customer service as well as trusting me -- a 17 year-old kid -- with responsibilities my adult coworkers had. I was so lucky to have had this job.
Last edited by OhBeeHave; 07-05-2014 at 06:44 PM..
It really was an event, wasn't it. I remember my Mom would buy us new socks to wear when we were going to the shoe store to get new shoes! Kinney Shoes, Thom Mcan, back-to-school shoes (couldn't wear until school started), "easter" shoes, shiny Go-Go boots, PF Flyers!
Thanks for the memory. Things sure have changed/
Don't forget Buster Brown Shoes.
Candy stores which were not just for selling candy. This is where you bought your newspapers and magazines. They also had a lunch counter where you would get an ice-cream soda or egg cream. They also sold bubble gum with baseball cards. Throw away the gum and keep the cards for trading.
It really was an event, wasn't it. I remember my Mom would buy us new socks to wear when we were going to the shoe store to get new shoes! Kinney Shoes, Thom Mcan, back-to-school shoes (couldn't wear until school started), "easter" shoes, shiny Go-Go boots, PF Flyers!
Thanks for the memory. Things sure have changed/
I grew up in NJ and when I was a ripe old pre-teen I used to love Chandler's shoes.
And go-go boots. I just couldn't wait until I was allowed to have those. Remember when fake leather dresses and skirts were the rage?
I used to love going to the 5and10 for nail polish. I think we all wore Cutex. The color called "jarol" was my favorite. It was kinda like a more burgundy version of that "vamp" color that was such a big deal a while ago (they acted like it was something new!) Now of course that color is all over the place. Wonder where it was hiding all those years
Does anyone remember when 5 & 10 cent stores like Woolworth's sold parakeets? I wanted one so badly!
I know MCrory had a big pet department at one time, parakeets included, along with what we'd call exotic animals. One of the stores had a sort of miniature possum that I wanted soooo badly!
I remember the old Chinese laundries. Usually owned by an immigrant couple who lived behind the stores in a small apartment. People usually just brought their sheets and shirts to be laundered. You got them back wrapped in brown paper tied with string.
Every neighborhood had one. They are long gone now. My local coin operated laundermat, which is owned by a young chinese immigrant has picked up the slack. They do shirts and sheets and other misc. laundering for you for a very reasonable rate. As someone that can wash sheets but not fold them Im grateful for his services. You dont get them tied in brown paper...plastic bags have replaced that.
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