When renovating our house in Charlemont, my husband and I found old price tags from Wilson’s in a wall we took down. Mice had collected them! The tags were handwritten and had little pins at the bottom that could be pushed into a garment. I have no idea what era these were from. I think they might still be in my attic. If you know anyone collecting Wilson’s memorabilia, they would be welcome to them.
Kathe Geist
Charlemont
I am so sorry and sad to hear about Wilson’s closing. We have visited Greenfield several times in the last few years and always shopped at Wilson’s. I operated a small shop on Main St. in the mid ‘70s. The street was busy lots of people on the sidewalk and Wilson’s was always busy. I have a Wilson’s shopping bag here in New Zealand. Guess I will keep it as a fond memory of my old hometown.
Dean L. Tator
Orewa, New Zealand
I grew up in South Deerfield in the late ‘60s into the ‘70s. Back then, traveling to Greenfield (the big city) and shopping at Wilson’s with my mom was a real treat. After all, Wilson’s had an elevator! How exciting for a young child like me growing up 50-plus years ago. I felt like I was on a Magic Treehouse adventure by riding the elevator between three floors. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Magic Treehouse books, they are about two children, Jack and Annie, who go on adventures through time travel.)
Also, I still have my original Wilson’s charge card issued to me when I was a young adult. It was my first charge card! It was an honor to receive this unique card from Wilson’s; unique as it is slimmer and longer than the traditional credit card. I felt honored because I was now a member of the local shopper’s club.
Susan Pelis
Greenfield
Two year old Ollie’s eyes were wide with longing as we entered Wilson’s for the first time through the unassuming back door on a snowy November day 18 years ago. The candy counter had caught his attention. Holding his soggy mittened hand, I tugged him toward the sturdy, steel, salmon-colored stroller, promising him he’d get his choice of chocolate after we looked around. I was delighted with everything about Wilson’s. The sound my wet boots made on the linoleum, the customer service-perfect balance of attention and courtesy-vast array of goods, reasonable prices, and oh the feeling that I was transported back in time warmed my imagination.
For 18 years, Wilsons has provided items that got me through many changes — homes, marriage, divorce, birthdays, deaths, births and graduations. Wilson’s has been my go-to when I needed anything — Cub Scout uniforms, French Press, sheets, shower curtain, dress pants, socks, cards, perfume, Legos, salt and pepper shakers, bathing suits and winter coats.
I counted on Wilson’s. I savored the experience as much as the deals. Leaving with my white plastic bag with the blue Wilson’s logo, I felt proud, like I was part of something grand.
Monday I called looking for an electric blanket for the futon that now 19-year-old Ollie sleeps on when he returns home from college for Thanksgiving. Today we’ll stop by and choose one. Then I’ll buy him a piece of chocolate.
Myck LeMay
Leverett
My fondest memory of Wilson’s, and always will be, in our ‘34 Buick. My foster mother Gertie Billings of Montague, only shopped in three stores in Greenfield! Driving over in summer and winter, her fist stop – Wilson’s!! What I remember, was the creaky stairs and all the toys and a Santa. I still climb those stairs today at age 82 and hope I can hear a stair step squeak. Then to Goodnow’s and last, the Buster Brown shoe store.
Wilson’s was the best. Thank you for all these years.
Patricia Leah
(Billings) Babbitt
Montague