For those of us growing up in Greenfield Gossett's was the go to place for many things. There was the yearly trip for school supplies, toys that glowed in the dark and I even attended a meeting with my parents for the yearly vacation bible school review. I also got my first Bible at Gossett's and it was sent out to have my name put on the front cover. It was covered in a white leather like cover and at that time was a special time. I also bought one of my first calculators at Gossett's and if I am remembering correctly my electric type writer that I took to college. You knew the people working there and they knew you. Yes, the smell and creaky floors were consistent and something that is ingrained in the brain. Jenny M. Turner 7/26/10 Gossett's

Thanks for the pleasant stroll though good recollections and memories about independent dime stores. Berdine's, now 102 years in the making, is doing well and happy to yet be of service. 
We indeed do sell many things for under $1.00. We have penny candies, bins of toys that are a whopping 29 cents or 50 cents and so on. We also have pricey things soaring to well over $20!
Marbles continue to be a popular item as does our 1920s bulk candy case. We would be happy to mail off some comp marbles to Ohio is asked! Again- thanks for mentioning us! Dean Six, Berdine's Five & Dime, 7/26/10 A Tale About Dime Stores

Last month, I spent a week in Boston. I visited many of the Revolutionary War sites on the "Freedom Trail" - Faneuil Hall, Boston Massacre, Copps Hill, Bunker Hill, Old North Church - just to name a few.

Our tour guide was a retired history professor from Boston University who pointed out the fact that the original Tea Party was essentially a protest against "taxation without representation". He also pointed out that the current Tea Party movement has nothing to do with "taxation without representation" because we are no longer ruled over by King George III or the British Parliament. We have regular elections in this nation and if you aren't happy, vote the current crop out - it's actually pretty simple.
I believe the "Tea Party" movement should simply change their name out of respect to those colonists who boldly challenged the British throne and created a nation like no other in the world. 

My question to the Tea Party crowd is this - if you cut taxes to the bone - what government services are you going to cut or eliminate to balance the budget? Is it our schools, cops, firefighters, roads, traffic light maintenance, snow removal during the winter, pothole repair during the summer, court systems, the CIA and FBI, prisons, Social Security, Medicare, national parks, the Marines, the Air Force, the Army, the Coast Guard, libraries, disaster relief efforts, the VA or city water departments?

Let me know how it can work and I will gladly become a member and put a sign in my front yard proclaiming my support of a Tea Party utopia. Harry Truman Fan 7/26/10 Tea Party Hypocrisy

Ah, how well I remember those days. Sally, do you remember right after I got back from Japan and you and Dana came over to where I was babysitting after you got off work one night? When the little wind up turtle that ended up hopelessly entwined the poodle's fur? I can't for the life of me remember how we finally got it loose! And I remember a couple of those bus rides I took with you to see Dana's roommate. In the end, that time would have been much better spent on other endeavors but hey, I was young, what did I know? Your piece really brings back some fond memories. Carol Ann Curren 7/12/10 Bob's Super Valu

This is the first time I've seen this. It is wonderful. I also remember the five and dime, I believe I bought my first Elvis record there. I also remember Sagar's, the Rand, Gary's Pizza, Gossett's (wonderful smell, nothing else like it), and Blake's Coffee Shop. There was also a bakery in the alley behind Gary's Pizza, don't know the name of it, but they had the best chocolate cookie I've ever eaten. Also, we used to go to a place for lunch called Teen Town. Does anyone remember these places from the 70's? 

Thanks for the articles, keep up the good work. Teresa Wehner Minzler 7/12/10 Five & Dime Stores

 The Greenfield store that I remember as a kid was Bay's Variety on Jefferson St. Ralph Bays came from Cedar Grove, WV because he heard we needed a store, and my uncle Don Davis worked there. They had a little bit of this and that, and I think one side of the store was for clothing. They were happy to help me find a gift for my father or mother's birthday, a little box of handkerchiefs worked just fine. It was the thought that counted. Once in a while I could persuade my parents to buy a plastic car model or monster model to assemble and paint. I bought a pocket watch there once for about $1.95. It still runs and I keep it in my coin box with other "valuables." Kelvin Bryant 7/12/10 Five & Dime Stores

The story does bring back memories.. I, too worked at Bob's Super Value from around 1976-78, following in my sister, Krista's footsteps. It's strange to actually like working, but I loved the people that I worked with, had a wonderful boss, loved getting to talk to the customers as they came through my line and liked getting a paycheck. Stocking shelves and changing prices didn't bother me except when it came to the frozen food section : ) I even wrapped meat once in a while if they were short handed. 

Other than working at Karnes Apple Orchard in the fall and some odd jobs on the fairgrounds when dad was the Ohio State Fair Manager, this was my first long term job - had it all the way through high school. Thanks, Sally, for stirring up some great memories! Kathy Lucas Nutter 7/5/10 Bob's Super Valu  

My uncle now owns the old building in which Gossett's use to be. Every time I walk in the place I can't help but to think back on going there to get my school supplies, the smell, and yes the old creaky wood floor which is still there today. ZachA1 7/5/10 Gossett's

Amen Larry. Nice to see some rational and realistic comments in this polarized era. Seems most of us are paying more attention to the politics of this disaster than to the reality of it. amwb123 6/25/10 Obama isn't doing anything!

I'm glad to read there is someone else around the community with a passion for fine guitars. I am 24 years old. Music has been in my family for generations so I grew up with it. I started playing when I was 12 years old. I just purchased my first high end guitar a few months ago. I picked it up in a guitar shop that opened up here in Greenfield Ohio and told the owner that I was not leaving without it. That guitar is a 1992 American Fender Telecaster with a Gibson humbucker in the neck position. It is the finest playing and sounding guitar my hands have ever had the pleasure of holding. I believe I will be holding on to it for quite a while. Not one to let go of a good thing. ZachA1 6/25/10 Me and My Guitars