MORE STORES: We turn today’s column over to Nancy Fire of
Bradford for our installment on old stores downtown:

“Shopping for shoes, as a child of the 1950s, was a special
event. The major dilemma weighing on my mind as to whether I would
choose black and white or brown and white saddle shoes, or red,
blue or white sneakers was tempered by the entertainment provided
by the Ash Shoe Store monkey. My recollection places the creature
in a glass cage in the back of the store and served as a distracter
in my decision-making process.

“While on the subject of monkeys, McCrory’s Five and Dime had
monkeys and birds caged in the rear of the store.

“Both McCrory and Newberry participated in the annual United Way
fundraiser, which I believe at that time was called ‘Community
Chest.’ The local school children were given a key for each
contribution they made. After school, we would race to both stores
to see if we had the winning key that would unlock the many
prize-filled treasure chests on display.

“I also recall the motorized horse ride in Gray’s Drugstore
previously mentioned; however, prior to the horse was a red
rocketship ride located by the front window. After that workout, I
was treated to a chocolate Coke at Gray’s soda fountain by my dad
who was an expert in the field of fountain delicacies, having
operated the Temple’s Pharmacy Soda Fountain for many years before
my time.

“Another shop I would pass by each day walking home from school
was located in a pink house on Elm Street between Congress and
Chestnut streets. I don’t recall the name, but they sold religious
articles and statues.

“In the 1960s, a teenage haven was the Sub Shop on the site of
the current McDonald’s Restaurant. On the same lot was the Midway
Bar, known for its great pizza. The ’60s also bring back fond
memories of my part-time job as a clerk at the Cake Shop owned by
Ellsworth Johnson … going to work greeted by the aroma of cinnamon
sticks and fresh donuts was heavenly in addition to the wonderful
people with whom I worked.

“To regress further, a popular shoe store called Hopkins and
Garry, in the late 1930s or 1940s, was located in the vicinity of
the Mercantile, and a favorite with my mom and grandma.”