Woolworth/Woolco Hallowe'en

[Hepcat]

Sadly though it sounds as if it's all gone and hardly anything interesting remains downtown.



What about the south side? Has it lost its predominantly Polish-Ukrainian makeup/flavour?

[skully]

Yes, Hepcat, sadly, it has.  Most of the historic stores that once lined Penn St. have been torn down, Reading had at one time an economic plan which turned sour shortly after it was implemented. Downtown Reading is now virtually, in my opinion, a vast "ghost-town" of "the way it used to be" memories, and the stark realization of how it is really now, a place where you don't want to be walking around after dark. The Polish and Ukrainian have long since died off, or moved out.

[Hepcat]

Without a doubt the downtown five-and-dimes were certainly Halloween central right through the baby boom years.

[Allhallowsday]

Here in New Jersey the idea of the "downtown" shopping area had died off in just about every community I can think of that had once been shopping destinations: Newark, Asbury Park, Bloomfield...(Irvington Union South Orange) most of the store fronts are empty, occupied (always briefly) or maybe torn down.  There have been efforts at rehabilitation, most apparent in Asbury Park which has nice restaurants, a nice theatre, and the boardwalk on the ocean.  I think people who sell in Asbury Park struggle to survive, and usually don't last.  In "the old days", people avoided driving to some "downtown" when you could just go to the mall... think '70s '80s even '90s...
Apparently now, they shop online. 

http://youtu.be/QvqCInXB7Dk

[skully]

When the Berkshire Mall was built in Wyomissing here either in late 69, or early 70 (can't remember exactly),  it was always crowded because of the "new" concept of shopping like this, it was really something.  I honestly couldn't wait to go there to shop, or just look around at all the stores. It lasted for a while, but eventually the "luster" wore off, like anything else.  Now, many malls, this one included, seems to be more of a hangout of sorts, I can even say that for the King of Prussia Mall not too far away, really big, many up-scale stores, but now I mainly walk the mall with my Starbucks coffee in hand and just browse some stores.

[Hepcat]

The last operating Woolworth luncheonette in America can be found in what is now the Five & Dime Antique Mall in Bakersfield, California:

The Last Woolworth Luncheonette

[marsattacks666]

The last operating Woolworth luncheonette in America can be found in what is now the Five & Dime Antique Mall in Bakersfield, California:

The Last Woolworth Luncheonette

Awesomeness!

[Kidagain]

So sad these places are gone from across America. Time for a time travel trip,who has the machine?Thanks for the pics Hep.

[Hepcat]

Another exquisitely preserved Woolworth luncheonette counter can be found in Peaches Records in a funky neighbourhood on historic old Magazine Street in New Orleans:

Time Capsule Diner - MessyNessyChic





Peaches Records is attempting to raise the funds to bring the dinette back into operation:

Save the Woolworth Counter - Peaches Records

[marsattacks666]

Another exquisitely preserved Woolworth luncheonette counter can be found in Peaches Records in a funky neighbourhood on historic old Magazine Street in New Orleans:

Time Capsule Diner - MessyNessyChic





Peaches Records is attempting to raise the funds to bring the dinette back into operation:

Save the Woolworth Counter - Peaches Records

Wow! I really thought Peaches was gone.

[Monsters For Sale]

          FRANKENSTEIN - Ad - Woolworth's - October 24, 1963 *

I really like this ad, but it would look better with some color.  Any members want to tackle "colorizing" this one?


* Click on picture for larger image.

[marsattacks666]

          FRANKENSTEIN - Ad - Woolworth's - October 24, 1963 *

I really like this ad, but it would look better with some color.  Any members want to tackle "colorizing" this one?


* Click on picture for larger image.

Maybe in neon green or orange

[Hepcat]

I really like this ad, but it would look better with some color.  Any members want to tackle "colorizing" this one?

Will this ad do in its place?

[Monsters For Sale]

Will this ad do in its place?... 

I'm BLIND!

[Kidagain]

Maybe if we keep staring at them we will be transported back to Woolworths for a short time just to walk around and relive our youth again.