Memories of Life in Downers Grove

Downtown Downers Grove

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