Ed, so beautiful, so well told. Oh, the city that was so vibrant and now like most cities are in despair. Ed, those memories that linger only to fade when the young never had a chance that you and many of us enjoyed. Love your stories, so well written. You couldn't buy those experiences for all the tea in China.
SUCH INCREDIBLE MEMORIES! SO MUCH LIKE MY OWN! My father used to take us downtown at Christmas time, to look at the Christmas windows, go to Sears basement for our "toy ogling" and a visit with Santa, and stop at Shepard's for a treat! Do you remember the cream puff filled with ice cream and topped with hot chocolate sauce? Now I might opt for the custard pie, but THAT was my treat of choice as a kid! I wish our grandchildren could have those experiences now.
No, Elsie, I don't remember he cream puff, but I wish now that I had tried it. I forgot about Sears. That too was a destination, but my father came along as he was driving.
While I never made Christmas shopping trips with either mother or father; I did make other trips, with mother, on the bus to "down city". Always included the Chinese meal, at the restaurant on second floor (don't know the name). Remember having to climb a million steps, food smelling great and how I loved the "funny" bread.
It was such in a different world, simple life, hard to believe we lived it.
Love this story about going downtown with your mom. I can relate to that, because my mom would take me to the city every so often also. I do remember riding in a trolley around 1947, I had my arm resting on the bottom of the open window. All of a sudden the window came crashing down on my arm. It did hurt, but it was fine. Another memory was at the Outlet Company, There was a big clown face with an open mouth with grab bags inside. I believe there was one for boys and girls. The cost was 25 cents.
Your story brought back so many memories! Mom and I would take the bus to Providence from Bristol occasionally, but always at Christmastime. The Outlet store had a Christmas wonderland set up with a train children could ride, and of course Santa was there. We would have lunch in the Shephard's Tea Room..Waldorf Salad was my favorite! Woolworth's had a lunch counter..hot turkey sandwiches..yum!!
Thank you so much for taking us on a stroll down memory lane. My recollection was almost identical to yours. I especially remember stopping for lunch (eat in) with my mom and sister while we were shopping downtown. As though it were yesterday.
Wonderful, teary-eyed nostalgia, Ed. We had a place in our home town to which my two brothers and I shopped with mom at Christmas. Woolworth's, Montgomery Ward's, Kresge's and a couple of local department stores all in a couple square blocks. Two had soda fountains! Exciting times! Thanks, as always, for sharing, and Happy Holidays.
A lot of great memories, my mom's go-to was Shepards Tea Room, Miss Dutton's was a special occasion, there was also a Coffee shop on the fifth floor of the Alice Building, a tiny spot. My Mom would drive us downtown, park in the Municipal Parking lot, and we would walk through that nasty train tunnel with the dripping water and the pigeons! I had forgotten those grab bags. We thought those were so great. I always had to go to the Outlet's Ladies Room; the waiting area was so elegant to those 11-year-old eyes. Thanks for the trip.
I'm pleased that I rekindled your memories, Mary Jane. We never made it to The Alice Building. A blessing for me as my mother wiped me out with all her stops.
Everything seemed so elegant in those days. Providence was bustling. Ahh, no longer.
Great memories! My Mom was noted for her beauty and got a temporary job at The Outlet every year at the perfume shop!
Nice note, Jim. As were all the other ladies, my aunt was hired at CalArt for her beauty. They were taught the skills of making artificial flowers
Ed, so beautiful, so well told. Oh, the city that was so vibrant and now like most cities are in despair. Ed, those memories that linger only to fade when the young never had a chance that you and many of us enjoyed. Love your stories, so well written. You couldn't buy those experiences for all the tea in China.
Thank you, Peter. Those were the days when the vibrant City of Providence was a destination, especially at Christmas. Merry Christmas.
Indeed. Merry Christmas to you Diane and family.
Those were the Days, my friend! We thought they’d never end! “”””🥰💕
Oh Yes
SUCH INCREDIBLE MEMORIES! SO MUCH LIKE MY OWN! My father used to take us downtown at Christmas time, to look at the Christmas windows, go to Sears basement for our "toy ogling" and a visit with Santa, and stop at Shepard's for a treat! Do you remember the cream puff filled with ice cream and topped with hot chocolate sauce? Now I might opt for the custard pie, but THAT was my treat of choice as a kid! I wish our grandchildren could have those experiences now.
No, Elsie, I don't remember he cream puff, but I wish now that I had tried it. I forgot about Sears. That too was a destination, but my father came along as he was driving.
While I never made Christmas shopping trips with either mother or father; I did make other trips, with mother, on the bus to "down city". Always included the Chinese meal, at the restaurant on second floor (don't know the name). Remember having to climb a million steps, food smelling great and how I loved the "funny" bread.
It was such in a different world, simple life, hard to believe we lived it.
Biagio, the restaurant may have been The Ming Garden. Yes, life is so much more complex these days. We were sheltered. Buon Natale.
Love this story about going downtown with your mom. I can relate to that, because my mom would take me to the city every so often also. I do remember riding in a trolley around 1947, I had my arm resting on the bottom of the open window. All of a sudden the window came crashing down on my arm. It did hurt, but it was fine. Another memory was at the Outlet Company, There was a big clown face with an open mouth with grab bags inside. I believe there was one for boys and girls. The cost was 25 cents.
Yes, Ed, trolleys, grab bags, etc. All memorable.
I'll do a story about trolleys soon.
A masterpiece - well done Doc!
You are most kind, my friend. Merry Christmas
Your story brought back so many memories! Mom and I would take the bus to Providence from Bristol occasionally, but always at Christmastime. The Outlet store had a Christmas wonderland set up with a train children could ride, and of course Santa was there. We would have lunch in the Shephard's Tea Room..Waldorf Salad was my favorite! Woolworth's had a lunch counter..hot turkey sandwiches..yum!!
Lovely. Wow, Waldorf Salad. You had "class" from the beginning. Merry Christmas, Joanne
Haha! Thank you, Dr. Ed! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever". -Unknown
Oh, I love it. Hugs
Thank you so much for taking us on a stroll down memory lane. My recollection was almost identical to yours. I especially remember stopping for lunch (eat in) with my mom and sister while we were shopping downtown. As though it were yesterday.
A destination. Such wonderful memories. I'm happy to have conjured up yours, Jan
Might we have crossed paths?
BTW lunch was always at the Hon Hong Restaurant.
Wonderful, teary-eyed nostalgia, Ed. We had a place in our home town to which my two brothers and I shopped with mom at Christmas. Woolworth's, Montgomery Ward's, Kresge's and a couple of local department stores all in a couple square blocks. Two had soda fountains! Exciting times! Thanks, as always, for sharing, and Happy Holidays.
Thanks, Ed. Lovely days to cherish. Some "criticize" me for living a world of nostalgia. And I say, "Thank you."
Is was a beautiful world for me in those days.
A lot of great memories, my mom's go-to was Shepards Tea Room, Miss Dutton's was a special occasion, there was also a Coffee shop on the fifth floor of the Alice Building, a tiny spot. My Mom would drive us downtown, park in the Municipal Parking lot, and we would walk through that nasty train tunnel with the dripping water and the pigeons! I had forgotten those grab bags. We thought those were so great. I always had to go to the Outlet's Ladies Room; the waiting area was so elegant to those 11-year-old eyes. Thanks for the trip.
I'm pleased that I rekindled your memories, Mary Jane. We never made it to The Alice Building. A blessing for me as my mother wiped me out with all her stops.
Everything seemed so elegant in those days. Providence was bustling. Ahh, no longer.
yup Doc exactly and the hon hong was special
Yus, that place was a destination in those days.