Even though I’m only 41, I find myself riding a perpetual wave of nostalgia.
I remember a store, literally around the corner from my grandparent’s apartment, that epitomized a simpler time and place. It was run by two older German immigrants; they wore aprons and one was always sweeping the floor.
There were barrels of peanuts and other treats you just don’t see anymore. Shoppers were greeted with genuine gratitude and respect. They may not have run a 24-hour operation, consisting of 60 aisles stocked with thousands of items, but they had something the Big Box stores definitely don’t.
Human compassion and warmth have disappeared from the retail landscape, and that is truly terrible.
I too miss the old-time corner store. I remember the store we used to go to for our candy when I was in elementary school with fond memories.
Those were good times, right?
This reminds me of Sister Space Books that was once in DC. It was among the few remaining small bookstores, where you actually met the owners in the store. They had arts and craft events on Sundays. I remember going to the back room and for a workshop.
Property on U Street was already expensive. But, as U Street became hot (even hotter than Adam’s Morgan), it was even more impossible to stay on that strip (near 16th and U streets in DC’s NW quadrant). They didn’t own the spot, and the landlord was unwilling to sell it to them. (I wonder how much the property was worth because those women reportedly offered their landlord $3 million.)
Thanks for this post, Hook. And thanks for being the spark behind the new post on my blog. Peace!
Peace to you as well, my friend!
Ahhhhh I miss the corner stores that actually had penny candy!!!!!!!
Me too!
I love little mom and pop stores. They still have them in New Orleans, although they may be pop and pop instead. At least they know you and treat you like a human being.
I couldn’t agree more!
You should see if there is a Co-op near you. It may not actually be on a corner, but at the good ones the vibe is the same.
Sounds awesome!