Shopping Then...

by Gail Balentine

            It will soon be time to dig out my spring clothes and decide what I need to buy – a task I dread because of the number of places I’ll have to go or search online for the color, style, and size that I want if I’m even able to find them. I try to start out being optimistic but invariably end up with a headache, often willing to settle for what I can find rather than what I wanted, and spend more money than I should just to end the process.

Thinking about the ordeal can easily bring on a wave of nostalgia for downtown Beverly and the Cabot Street of the 1950’s and 60’s. Its family-oriented stores were located within three to four blocks of each other, making it an easy walk from my house. For those who lived further away, a bus came to the center of town and a car could be parked in just one spot and be close to all stores.

During a typical spring shopping trip, I could start at Alcon’s, on the corner of Washington and Cabot Streets, where there were shoes for the whole family – Mary Jane’s, saddle shoes, penny loafers, pumps, wingtips, and more.  The salesmen, who made selling shoes their career, took pride in making sure the shoes fit, with room for a child’s foot to grow.

               Then it was on to the department stores: Almy, Bigelow & Washburn, known simply as Almy’s, which was located across the street from the YMCA or Webber’s, which was on the corner of Broadway and Cabot Streets or both. In each store the salesladies knew their inventory and could estimate size with one quick look, often making helpful suggestions about what looked good and what was appropriate to wear for certain events. Ship ‘n Shore blouses, Pandora sweaters, Pendleton skirts and other brand name clothes which lined shelves and filled racks. They came in mostly “basic” colors – black, navy, tan or white for skirts and pants (many with matching sweaters) and pastels and stripes for blouses. Since clothes lasted for more than one season, the following year I could purchase a new top or accessory to match what I already had, thereby slowly building my wardrobe.

             

              Last, just another few minutes walking beyond Almy’s, was Cor-Nix Rubber Company, on the corner of Pond and Cabot. They carried sports equipment and clothing, including my favorite bathing suit brand, Jantzen.

              It may be a trick of time, but it seemed that whatever I needed I found within these few stores, in a short period of time, and at a price that was reasonable. People say that you can’t go home again, and they are probably right. But that doesn’t change my memories and longings, it may even enhance them.