By Jane D. O’Donoghue
Special to PRIME
Recently in this column, I described some of the various places of business in the Downtown Springfield area I encountered as I rushed for something to eat or purchase on my lunch hour in 1946.
This month, I continue the journey.
I crossed East Court Street after Lerche's Drug Store and entered the Springfield 5 Cents Savings Bank. My new boss convinced me to open a savings account and buy some life insurance if I was to become an independent working citizen. Next to that was The Woman's Shop, geared to a more mature person and I wasn't ready for that. Stewart's line of merchandise was more appealing for my age. The elegant Union Trust Building housed a bank for financial dealings conducted under a vaulted ceiling.
Townsley Avenue marked an alley next to Brigham's that offered classic clothing displayed with understated design in their windows. This almost intimidated me with the rather snobbish aura of refinement. I rarely entered there.
Another dress shop, Grayson's operated at 1373 Main Street next to Whalen's Jewelers.
Johnson's Bookstore, one of my all time favorite places, drew me in often. With its stacks filled with books, a wide selection of greeting cards, anything for the office, personal writing needs, toys (especially beautiful dolls), games, hobbies and gifts for anyone, kept me going back. With any time to spare it was the browser's dream. In the rear, across Market Street, Johnson's Tea Room was the place for a leisurely lunch.
The Third National Bank with tellers working behind grilled windows, conducted essential monetary business. The building occupied the corner of Harrison Avenue and at that time was the tallest on Main Street. Upper stories contained offices of various professions.
Across Main on the corner of Court Street and headed north, was Stillman's Department Store. This large, rather stodgy emporium was not a teenager's dream. With limited merchandise it might have been your grandmother's favorite. What I recall especially was an elevator with a fancy open wrought iron cage-like design. Also there is a memory of the time I tried on a large-brimmed hat there which convinced me forever it wasn't my style.
Hadley Furniture Company plied their trade next door to Fanny Farmer's shop. I guess you would know which was my favorite place. I can savor the memory of that fresh chocolate-covered square fudge-filled with the half walnut. Yum.
A busy counter lunch at The Federal Bakery saved time with delicious sandwiches and soups served by waitresses wearing lacy handkerchiefs in their uniform pockets. A bakery counter also drew me in with aroma of freshly baked delights.
Wise Dress Shop and Morton's Shoe Store, lined up with Carroll Cut Rate selling almost anything you needed for personal items such as shampoo, shoe polish and hairpins. M.J. Kittredge Jewelers arranged lovely gems and watches in their shop windows to allure potential customers.
The Capitol Theater, I've been told, was built originally as an opera house. The spacious lobby and elegant stairways on either side made you feel special as you climbed up to the balcony, or entered at the main floor for first-run movies. Often, this was the place to spend time in the evening, never minding when you came in, as shows ran continuously. Once, a hilarious show with Danny Kaye made me laugh so much, a bite of the pineapple square I purchased at the Federal Bakery flew from my mouth as I reacted to his antics. Nearby patrons beware. Downtown movies were a special occasion for dates too.
Next time, I will cross the corner of Pynchon Street to continue my lunchtime stroll on Main Street, 1946.