In December of 1925 families in Longmeadow, MA were getting ready to celebrate Christmas (if they did celebrate the Christmas holiday). One hundred years ago, just as now, children were wishing and hoping to find that special gift(s) under the Christmas tree.
There were stores in nearly Springfield that advertised TOYS! The Eastern Cycle Company was located at the corner of 526 Main Street and Bliss Street. It had a "CHRISTMAS TOY STORE"- the "PALACE OF TOYS"! Dolls cost $1.25 and up. Electric-Trains costing $3.75 and more. The "Flexible Flyer" sleds in many sizes were available for purchasing! Toy Autos and Tool Chests were also advertised.
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| Springfield Daily News Dec. 4, 1925 (AI enhanced) |
The Springfield Typewriter Exchange located at 315 Bridge Street in Springfield offered another possibility for a gift. It was a Corona typewriter! Perhaps this was for the more studious child. The cost was $60 to "invest" in the future of your son.
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| Springfield Republican Dec. 6, 1925 |
Another store in Springfield to stop in to shop was Carlisle Hardware. It was located at 322- 326 Main Street- in the Carlisle Building. During the year this store sold radios, paint, flower and vegetable seeds and even sweaters. Toys were located in the area of the store named "Toy Town". Ice Skates sold for $1.25- $3.00 and Roller Skates cost $1.00- $2.50. Also available to purchase were Scooters, Wagons and Doll Carriages. More items were Blocks, Stuffed Animals, Steam Shovels, Games and Wind Up Toys. Choices and choices! There were so many choices!
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| Springfield Daily News Dec. 8, 1925 |
A favorite store for so many residents to shop in during all seasons of the year was JOHNSON'S BOOKSTORE at 391 Main Street in the Bookstore Building! What better time to walk into this bookstore and find those special gifts than before this holiday? The popular "Buddy L" line of Fire Engines and Trucks were located here, too. Also there were Dolls. Some were 50 cents. The most expensive Dolls were $15.98! There was a collection of Stuffed Animals for young children and babies. Yes, books could be purchased, too!
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| Springfield Daily News Dec. 10, 1925 (AI enhanced) |
In December the destination for many adults was the toy departments in stores located in Springfield. Some people drove into and out of the city and many others took the trolleys for transportation. The children would be excited and happy to look under their family's Christmas tree on Christmas morning!
~Written by Judy Moran/ Longmeadow Historian