Over the last several years I have written stories about the different kinds of stores that Greenfield had to offer to its residents.
Two of them that I forgot to talk about were located on the west side of lower Federal Street, the first one was the Western Auto, managed or perhaps owned by the Snow family. There you could purchase larger bikes, scooters and all of your automobile needs. Back then, there were hardly any car parts stores in the area as there are today. This store was one of the best to purchase some items.
The second one was the F.H. Brown toy store that carried and sold many toys, games, etc., for the young children. In this store you could buy tricycles, small bikes, metal carts with a long handle and erector sets for kids to make their own creations. This store was family-owned for many years and they tried to have on hand a large quantity of the most popular toy or other items at that time.
Many of your older generations may remember your parents or friends and relatives taking you to this store. It was a great store, the only one in Greenfield until Wilson’s opened their toy department. Theirs was great also until their closing.
These stores were so necessary for parents to use to keep their family’s children entertained and provided education as well. They are greatly missed by so many as well as myself. Hoping you will all like this one of times past in Greenfield.
Robert Bitzer of Erving is a lifelong resident of Franklin County who is in his 90s, having been born in Greenfield. His columns are inspired by his memories.