The Five and Ten

When I was growing up in Brooklyn,
Which was way back when,
We’d always get just what we needed
In the Five and Ten:

Cosmetics, stockings, pots and pans,
Greeting cards and games;
Curtains, tablecloths and vases,
Clothes and picture frames.

Sundries (who knew what they were?),
45’s and candy;
Mops and brooms and other things
A housewife would have handy.

It was fun to browse the aisles
With friends right after school,
And sometimes have a malted
Sitting on a fountain stool.

The Five and Tens have shut their doors;
New stores cannot compare.
I sometimes need an item
That I can’t find anywhere.

Of course, there is the internet
To help me in my search,
But in the Five and Dime, I’d never
Be left in the lurch.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011



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Date: 4/9/2013 3:53:00 PM
Woolworths was a treasure, we didn't know what we had. Now there gone before ours eyes. It really is quite sad. I guess we have to be grateful for what we had. Too bad.
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Date: 3/19/2012 4:56:00 PM
The 5 and 10, JJ Newberry's and so much more when we knew the people working there and you were a name, not a number. I grew up in a mining town in Pa. I wouldn't trade that for a Castle.
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Date: 12/11/2011 5:25:00 PM
Hey ya I remember those! Cool memories, Ilene
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Date: 12/10/2011 9:21:00 AM
I grew up in Toledo, Ohio but we share this memory. We have a great old time 5 and dime not too far from us and we go there sometimes just to buy fun things.
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Date: 12/9/2011 4:51:00 PM
Real nice nostalgia, you brought it back for me, much preeshed, write on, ilene!~N
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Date: 12/9/2011 4:35:00 PM
Such fond memories. I remember stores like that. Enjoyed your poem, Ilene. Kim
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