31 | PUP SUN I T E .ORG familyvalues through the Boston Store and into the Bancroft Hotel for a bite to eat. When I was feeling prosperous, I would take in “The Tea Room” at Wren’s. Other times, a quick hot dog and root beer at “The Orange Café”. On the way back to Woolworth’s, I remember the smell of fresh roasted peanuts passing by “Mr. Peanut”. Wow! These are great memories that will always stay with me. As I write this, I am wondering what other people’s memories are. Yes, it’s true, folks of a certain age have fond memories of downtown Springfield. It seemed those days would never end. Then, in 1971, the Upper Valley Mall opened, and we bid our wonderful downtown an affectionate farewell. So it was downtown…a place where “We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares, Downtown.” Our downtown is trying hard to make a come back. Let’s hope it brings us to another look at our Downtown. Photo credit: Sharon Springer Shawver and Susan Springer
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