Above is a particularly handsome ad that ran in the Journal on October 28, 1964. I like the various type fonts and the ad has great nostalgic appeal. It really puts you in the mood for cider and donuts.
(I even had to go get a glass of cider out of the fridge while preparing this post. It's Honeycrisp Cider from Burnham Orchards on Route 113. Very tasty.)
It's funny how so many of us have fond memories of Lawson's, as well as Convenient Food Mart out of Elyria. Both chains maintained a high degree of quality, with clean, well-stocked stores. I really liked the Sunshine Farms milk sold at Convenient.
Open Pantry was another local chain, but it didn't have the same allure as the other two.
Today, it's somewhat depressing going into most convenient stores, even 7-Elevens. You feel like you'd have to be nuts to buy anything to eat there. They seem to exist just to sell alcohol and lottery tickets. No chipped, chopped ham or Dutch Loaf there.
On the other hand, I have no problem getting a sub at a GetGo Café. In fact, I stopped at the Avon store recently and picked up my favorite sandwich – The Pilgrim.
Gravy and everything. Looks pretty good!
ReplyDeleteDid a lot of shopping as a kid at the Lawson’s across from the creamery. Later on as an adult it was the Convenient store on Cooper Foster. You’re right Dan both were great at what they did. Todd
ReplyDeleteOpen Pantry was my favorite go-to convenience store as they had the best selection of candy and sports cards.
ReplyDeleteI recall when the Lawson's opened in our rinky-dink Pennsyltucky town. Caused quite the stir among the established groceries -- you woulda thought it was the end of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I recall us ever buying there was their chip-dip. There are many imitators, but the original's still the best!
There was a convenience store called Fast Foods, just north of Mister S on Broadway; it stayed open until eleven, and became Open Pantry within a year.
ReplyDeleteAt least around here, the convenience stores caused a stir because they were, well, convenient. Those were the days when supermarkets closed at 6 p.m.
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