I do a lot of driving and it is mostly rural but I do log a lot of miles daily. I stop at a Marathon in Georgetown as it is about the halfway point of my drive. Today I noticed that since it was raining there were a few older men gathered to the side of the counter discussing matters of the community and the world and it got me to thinking back to when I was a boy and going to the store with my dad to what’s referred to as “mom and pop stores.” I don’t really recall that dad went to purchase much but in those little stores just about all that was ask for seemed to be in stock. Anywhere from lunchmeat to men’s work shoes or sugar and flour to garden seeds and much more. It seems we frequented Harold’s and Inez’s in Moscow, Blanton’s in Pt Isabel and down to Dugan’s in Neville. All were of similar size and had similar supplies.
In those days Eastgate Mall or Beechmont Mall had yet to be even thought of much less in existence. But the small store and I guess today what would be referred to as convenience stores cared for the customer’s needs. At least I want to look back and think they did. I have seen dad buy flour, sugar, salt, coveralls and a pair of size 11 A Wolverine high top work shoes. Now that was a shopping list with real diversity! But there was one more item in each of those stores that won’t be found in any big store today and that was the loafing bunch. In those days along with the trip to buy items (and maybe I could con dad into a Canada Dry Cream Soda) there was a stop at the area where the men gathered to converse and debate any and every topic. Sometimes if we weren’t in a big rush and I got the cream soda dad joined in and lent an opinion or two, although not too big of an opinion as he was a township trustee and certainly didn’t want to jeopardize a vote from small talk. In warm weather the store had a bench in the front by the door and if it was winter there was a bench by a coal burning stove, or maybe it was the bench from outside just moved in. No matter if it was hot or cold, sunny or raining there was always a gathering.
Most of the men were retired and maybe half or more were retired farmers. Almost all either smoked or chewed and many would get out their pocket knives and get a piece of wood and whittle while they talked. I found it very interesting that when an individual got deep into a heated topic their knife whittled faster, men puffed their smokes quicker and those chewing just got down right messy. Sometimes the topic would get too heated and one or two of the men would get up and walk out. (Of course they were back again the next night.) For a little boy standing off to the side just looking around the store and mostly at what was in the candy shelf to see and hear these men was interesting and downright humorous and if they got to upset words not heard at home might be heard and could bring about a snicker.
I’m pretty certain that the seating order was pre-determined also. I know that down at Dugan’s all seating was reserved seating only. Seating was by age and status in the community and only changed if someone moved away or passed away. Then I guess the next oldest got to move up. Not sure about that part. But for men like my dad and other non-locals they had to stand at the edge and mostly listen and maybe get to chime in maybe. Groceries, supplies and a dinner show all in one visit to your local village store!
The times have changed a lot since the mom and pop stores were in existence and I’m not too certain that is all good. There is more in existence to need and choose from and we all know we can’t survive without them (although we did then) but a group gathering in a public place to converse was a real and good feeling. Try today to go to a grocery and know everyone in it. I doubt if you can. But in the convenient stores of today on days when weather keeps a person from working or being outside and even though there is no smoking anymore and whittling has faded from the scene there are still men gathered in a certain area and they are covering the topics of the day be it local or global. Yes folks the mom and pop stores are gone. However the dinner show is still alive. I’m glad it is still going!
Rick Houser grew up on a farm near Moscow in Clermont County and likes to share stories about his youth and other topics. He may be reached at houser734@yahoo.com.