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Changes
I remember the first time I saw the biggest tree in Downers Grove behind the Tivoli Theatre. Also I remember the first time that Every Day’s a Sundae opened on a different street. I didn’t know where it went. Downtown Downers Grove has changed so much over the years. I will love Downtown Downers Grove always.
Jackie Mason and Aly Simpson
Good Buys
My mom worked at the Kroger’s Store on the corner of Forest & Warren Avenues in the mid 1950’s. My sister and I took turns on Saturdays meeting mom for lunch and being treated to a hot dog and coke at the Woolworth’s soda fountain. That was a real treat!!!
One Christmas, I had exactly $1 to spend on the whole family (4 people). I remember walking up and down all of the aisles at Woolworth’s and finding the most exquisite presents totaling $1. (I am so happy that Blue Waltz perfume could be bought for a quarter.)
Selig Sisters was an interesting store in downtown Downers Grove. It was run by the Selig Sisters – one was named Clara. They had all types of hats, gloves, hat pins, lingerie, fabrics, patterns, and sewing materials. The sisters were probably in their 80s at that time (or seemed that old to a 10 year old) when they operated the store. The building itself was torn down. Giordano’s pizza is located on the site .
Mochel’s Hardware is the place where I purchased the only two dolls I had in my childhood. One was a Sunbonnet Sue, and the other was a doll that could walk with some assistance. I always had to wait until I received my Christmas money, and then prayed that the dolls were still there after the holiday.
I had my first cherry coke at the Walgreen’s soda fountain. I was in about 5th grade and that really was big stuff then. (I had a very dull childhood, you can tell.)
When my two daughters were younger, a big treat for them was some ice cream at the Main Street Pharmacy soda fountain.
Rita Regis (I’ve lived here all of my life, and that has been quite a few years!)
Sweet Treats
A trip to town for a couple of kids from the country was a treat in itself. However, we also looked forward to visiting Uncle Gene at his E.G. Pfaff and Sons Hardware Store. Uncle Gene always gave each of us a nickel to buy an ice cream cone. That we did by immediately heading to Neill’s Drug Store at the corner of Main and Curtiss. Mr. Neill, a kindly gentleman, made a generous cone. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he would ask “Do you want horsefeathers?” Of course we did. So, Mr. Neill dipped the cone in chocolate sprinkles. What a very good treat!
Usually we had a few pennies with us, so later in the afternoon, we went next door from Uncle Gene’s store, on South Main, to McPherson’s Variety Store. There was a glass case with a good array of penny candy. We had a time making up our minds and we had to choose by pointing to each selection. Mary Janes were my favorites. Mary Dexter McPherson was so patient and, I think, a little amused with our shopping skills. With such a lot of candy it took time and a lot of Mary’s patience. I have sweet remembrances of those sweet treats.
Agatha Pfaff Thiesse
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