Look what I found........

The day that Connor and I went out to the fair to do all the things that Fred doesn't enjoy doing (he only likes to eat and go to concerts....LOL), we stopped in at the old time general store that up by the Indian stuff, east of the Bud Tent (see how I can tell you where everything is out at the fairgrounds in relation to the Bud Tent...), to buy a couple of drinks, as Connor was deciding on an old fashioned root beer, I was perusing the candy counter and look what I found -



Candy polka dots on paper, Necco wafers, Boston Baked Beans and candy cigarettes?. It's been a long time since I've seen any of these candies. The cigs surprised me because I figured they quit making them. I know there are places online that specialize in vintage candy, but I've never checked them out.

These candies brought back memories of "Clevenger's" a mom and pop five and dime on Army Post Road in Des Moines that was within walking distance of where I grew up from age 5 to 13. We LOVED going to Clevenger's. They had EVERYTHING....from ladies perfumes and handkercheifs to Matchbox cars and notions, but best of all, they had a penny candy counter. One of those where the women behind the counter had to pluck what you wanted from the case and put it in a sack for you. In 1969, a quarter bought ALOT of candy and I always chose candy polka pots, candy necklaces and red licorice. Sometimes I would chose chocolate, but mostly only tootsie rolls.

We also had a soda fountain down Army Post Road from Clevenger's called "Whitaker's Pharmacy". First and foremost it was a pharmacy, but it was also a Hallmark store (which meant breakables...look out.....you break, you buy) and in the back was a soda fountain where we could get our fill of cokes, cherry cokes, green rivers or ice cream sodas. My friends and I bought plenty of mother's presents at those two stores. They had layaway and liked kids. I bought my first watch at Clevenger's. I was probably 11 years old and it was a Mickey Mouse watch with a red patent leather band. It was $20.00 and it took me forever to pay off the layaway but I did. Wish I still had the damn thing....LOL!

Hope everyone had a nice three day weekend. Mine was interesting...Connor was sick, poor thing, 2 weeks into school and he picks up some bug, I took him to Mercy East Thursday after school to rule out strep, he made it to school Friday, but by Friday night he was down for the count :( We were really looking forward to doing the pool on the last weekend we could, but that didn't pan out...Oh, well...I did get to the gym yesterday for a really good workout. I gave myself a break last week...I had been going strong for so long and was a bit burned out, but I found that I sorta missed it, so back at it I go until burn out happens again.

Well, I've certainly been a chatty today haven't I? Have a good week!