Trip to town
Living on the side of a mountain, we didn't get out much. But there was the monthly trip to town to buy groceries at the Cody Trading Post. Mom would have a list of all the things that we needed to hold us for another month. There would be groceries, the staples–baking supplies--flour in print cotton bags, sugar, baking powder, and salt. If there was enough money maybe some new spices. Then a trip to the mercantile store, mostly just to look, but sometimes Mom would purchase a yard or two of a new calico, or plaid fabric that would become a new dress or shirt for the boys. Sometimes we would stop at the hardware store for nails or screws for a carpentry project that Daddy had in mind. Occasionally a visit to a saddle shop for buckles or hardware needed to repair the tack.
If time and money were left we were allowed to go to Ben Franklin’s Five and Dime Store with a quarter to spend on anything that we wanted. We were always amazed at what the store held for us. The boys would look for cars, other manly toys, or candy, and we girls would be drawn to the dolls, and all the finery that they had. There were little puzzles and of course pencils and paper, my choice. On the way home we would compare treasures, each sure that theirs was the best. But I knew that I had made the best choice, no matter what the others said.
A sweet childhood memory...I loved the old five and dimes. There was one not far from us that we could sometimes walk to. What a treat! You don't see those sort of shops anymore. Have a nice weekend!
ReplyDeleteI to enjoyed the five and dime stores. Wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteThis brings back childhood memories for me too! But to the children of today, we might as well have been born in the 17th century. They have no concept of life that was common growing up in the 50s and 60s. They feel deprived if they don't have a flat screen TV and a smart phone!
ReplyDeleteWhat memories this brought back of the little town my mom's family was from. They had a Ben Franklin store that I thought was the greatest thing ever and nextdoor was a little mom and pop hardware store that had two sides...hardware on one and housewares and...TOYS!...on the other. Loved going to look and dream.
ReplyDeleteSweet childhood memories you have shared. I just found an old five and dime store that is still in existence. It was so great to browse around. They had lots of things from when I was a kid. I bought my kids a pack of Hubba Bubba bubblegum, the one with no artifical sweetners like they have today!
ReplyDeleteYou could certainly buy more for a quarter back then!!
ReplyDeleteI remember walking around the the 5 and 10 in my town when i was little too. Nice memories.
Oh this is so adorable, Marti, and I love the toys!!! I hope you're having a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteXO
Cindy
Wonderful childhood memories! I'd sure like to have those old flour sacks now a days!
ReplyDeleteI remember my grandma taking me to the 5 and dime to buy my Christmas presents. Thanks for the sweet memories!
hugs Lynn
A fun post filled with sweet memories. I remember the old 5 & dime stores. We had one in my small town that we called the dime store, it's name was Mattinglys. I might get a nickel to spend and it was usually on a bottle of "pop" or a candy bar.
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet memories you had growing up. Your parents sound as if they understood your need to do a little shopping of your own. Very dear of them, too. When I had the chance to do a little shopping, I usually wasted my money on penny candy. You were a wise little girl!
ReplyDeleteYour stories remind me a little bit like Little House on the Prairie. Loved it. sandie
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