PUP SUN I T E .ORG | 30 familyvalues by BARRY HORN REMINISCING ABOUT DOWNTOWN Springfield, Ohio Reminiscing. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately! Recently, I was listening to radio and on comes an oldy, but goody by Petula Clark called “Downtown”. I find myself singing this quirky, little song and how it reminds me of days of our Downtown. Don’t hang around and let your problems surround you There are movie shows Downtown Maybe you know some little places to go to Where they never close Downtown… So just for fun, let’s reminisce about Springfield’s downtown, the way it used to be. Sadly, now, the core block especially, is not much to get excited about, only two buildings, Credit Life and the City Building with nothing much in between, but pavement with some tables and benches. However, in the 50s and 60s, there were movie shows downtown and at least one restaurant that never closed! Let’s face the fact. Millions of Americans have fond memories of their downtown shopping districts. It was the place to be, and the place to be seen with lots of shopping, eating and visiting a variety of unique stores and cafes. Like many of you, I have many great memories of downtown Springfield. I worked for F.W. Woolworth’s for eight years and the downtown store was my very favorite. I remember how the younger folks would cruise the block in their souped-up cars, hotrods, or motorcycles. But, just for fun, let’s take a nostalgic walk in downtown Springfield during the 1950s and 60s. A downtown shopping excursion that the entire family could find just about anything. Christmas downtown was especially a special time. Found a couple of pictures on the Internet (Pinterest) that are interesting showing the crowds. Men could look their best with all the latest styles from the Vogue Shop, Hub Clothing, or Richman Brothers, everything from pegged jeans, gaberdine slacks, a dress shirt to a Stetson hat! The well dressed woman shopped for fashion clothes at Hoenig’s, William Greene, and endless selection of shoes at Nisley’s, Carmen’s, or Brown’s Bootery. One could find patent leather slippers, black and white saddle shoes and penny loafers. Teenagers found endless fascination at Woolworth’s, Kresge’s, and McCrory’s. They could find 45 RPMs records, posters, of their favorite movie stars, cosmetics, lipsticks, hair tonic or just sit and enjoy the soda fountain. For furniture, appliances, carpet or anything for the home, one could visit Sears & Roebuck, Wren’s Department Store or J.C. Penney. Lunchtime was always an adventure for me. Sometimes I would cross Limestone Street, cut
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