Woolworth's Grand Opening

by Mary Jane Dougherty
(California)

4th and F street

Do you remember Woolworth's?


As I walked into Woolworth's for the first time, I saw the café on the left, makeup, and school supplies in the middle and my favorite aisle… the toy section.

Woolworth's was just a few doors down from the 4th Ave Theater, and that made it a happening place to go.

My entire family went to Woolworth's Grand Opening in Anchorage when I was in grade school.

It was back in the 60s.

The grand opening was very crowded, and I had a lot of fun walking around with my father, “Big Sammy.” He said we could walk down each aisle together and look for something that I would like to buy. We even walked downstairs, where the home furnishings and the clothes were located.

After walking back upstairs, I ran into my school friends, and they were having as much fun as my father and me. My mom and brother's and sister were also scattered throughout the store, and I wondered what their first purchase would be.

After pushing my way through the crowd, I walked down the toy aisle about half a dozen times. Then I made my decision. I kinda wish I kept what I bought because I see it now in our Antique Stores. For some reason, when I was a young girl, I loved miniatures or tiny things. I still do.

What I found in the toy section of Anchorage's Woolworths on that grand opening day was a small Barnyard decorated oval lunch box with a matching thermos. It was small and cute!

My father asked if I was certain that was what I wanted. I smiled and happily answered yes.

That was such a fun day.

Later, when I was back home, I went into the kitchen and poured hot chocolate in my thermos, packed graham crackers in wax paper, and placed them in my small new Barnyard lunch box.

Then, I went into the living room, and turned on the television. I sat down on the couch and put my new lunch box full of treats on the coffee table.

Anchorage's Woolworth store became a meeting place for me and my school friends during my growing up years and by gosh their chocolate ice cream sundaes were the best!

Yours Free

Anchorage and Alaska History, Facts, and Pioneers

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