"...And if you're willing to play the game, it's comin' around again...' As I listened to Carly's voice singing the greatest love song lyrics ever, the 'Itsy Bitsy Spider,' I realize things in my early- life are coming around again. When I was a young boy growing up in East St. Louis, it seemed as if every street corner either had a Church, tavern or grocery store, which meant that nearby was either a preacher, priest, drunk or butcher. The neighborhood Church, tavern and grocery store were staples in our lives. My people were grocery store folks. My grandmother, Mammy operated a grocery store for years and later she held court at her dry goods store.
Aunt Irene and Uncle Bud Hughes took over the grocery store when Mammy opted for dry goods. I had another great Uncle Harry Hood that operated a corner grocery store on Peoria Road (Springfield). Those little neighborhood stores carried the many needed staples and fresh meats for families who depended on these nearby availabilities since many families had no automobiles; people walked to the corner store, tavern and Church.
This 1940's generation engaged in other less sophisticated activities. Most families sat together in living rooms every evening staring at a large console radio that challenged listeners' imaginations as they attempted to figure out what Fibber McGee & Molly really looked like, just how big was 'The Fat Man' and would 'Gangbusters' ever have a story episode about our own, East St. Louis' gangster, Frank 'Buster' Wortman.
Today, our dry good needs are met by Jo Ann's Fabrics, the gasoline (filling) station won't pump but they do offer some donuts / bakery products, pizza, bread and milk. If this gas-station-convenient store fails to offer all 'corner' needs just across the street on another corner is either Dollar General, Family Dollar or Dollar Tree. Like I said, it's comin' around again.'
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