By Jane D. O’Donoghue
Special to PRIME
This is my third account of shopping and other business for lunchtime browsing. After Pynchon Street on the West side of Main, were True Brothers Jewelers, then Arden's Dress Shop, Beverly Shop and Burnam's for women's clothing plied their trades.
Next, standing eight stories tall, Forbes & Wallace Department Store, invited customers into their emporium by presenting window displays of the season. Entering the store, a pleasant hint of the latest perfume and displays of new and exciting jewelry greeted patrons. I could take you floor by floor and astound you with the wide variety of goods and services, so I will go into detail as space allows.
Along one side was a bank of elevators with operators who announced the offerings on each floor as the elevators ascended. Fabrics, patterns, notions for sewing covered a large area – a variety from everyday to special occasion needs. This was a favorite spot for my mother and me. In another department, there was a place to sit and try on hats – and a willing sales clerk to assist. Clothing in different areas specialized by age and budget. Rugs, furniture, sports gear and toys could be found at Forbes. Kitchenware and fine dining selections kept me oohing and aahing many times. A valued feature was free home deliveries, easing the arms of consumers and the difficulty of toting larger packages. The full beauty parlor alerted your senses. At Christmas time, a traditional toy train village fascinated young and old alike as it wound around miniature mountain and city settings. Santa also sat nearby, waiting for wishes and dreams to be told.
The basement store held goods on sale and another level of merchandise for the thrifty buyer. A lunch counter there served my special choice as always, a plate of macaroni and cheese. On the eighth floor was a busy cafeteria with booths and tables. My friend and I often treated ourselves to some of their chocolate layer cake. As you can see, there was a wide variety offered.
I must move on to Vernon Street with Bell Shops on the corner followed by Morse & Haynes Shoes, Thom McAn Shoes and F.W. Woolworth 5 & 10 department store. Allan Perfumes, United Men's Shop, and Marcelle clothing were open for business. Jackson's Confectioner's were vendors of delicious treats and light lunches. Next was Levinson clothing, Wilsons' Shoes, and Hayne's & Company with a full array of men's furnishings.
Time to stroll on the East side with Liggett Drug at the corner of Harrison Avenue. Kay Jewelers, Clear Weave Hosiery, and McClellan Stores
side by side. Muriels for women's clothing and Neisner Brothers brought me to the corner of Hillman Street.
On the further corner was Steiger's, the co-anchor of shopping on Main Street. Another elegant and yet practical place, they also presented enticing windows and perfumed greetings. A wide array of goods and services included a bridal shop, furs, shoes where an x-ray revealed your shoe fit, and a lady's room with a special double stall with accommodation for adult and child. A fabric area included all that was needed for drapery and clothing construction. The salon for hair occupied a space also. One department offered personalized service as selections were brought to you. A full lingerie section included personalized fit and service. Window treatments of any fashion made dreamers of many. A Tea Room for leisurely dining was located on the fifth floor. Next to that was an area known as Halls Gallery. This was one of my favorite browsing places. All that sparkling crystal and lovely dinner settings enthralled me. Unique pieces, not found anywhere else, filled the floor and counter spaces. A full section called the Men's Shop was on the first floor Bridge Street side.
Harvey & Lewis and the Art Photo Company brought me to the corner of Bridge and Main Streets and time to get back to work on Sanford Street.
Jane D. O’Donoghue is a Hungry Hill native and retired school librarian. Her writing has appeared in local and regional publications.
