I grew up in the mid 60’s. Times were a lot different. I was pretty independent for a 12 year old kid. Saturday morning, I would catch the bus on the corner going to downtown Reading, PA. Once I got off at Penn Street, I had until 2PM to be back home to deliver the evening newspaper. I always had a few dollars in my pocket to spend from my paper route.
I would walk up Penn to Pomeroys and take the elevator to the top floor, “Toy Land”. I would check out all the trains and toys and then head up Penn to the Toy Store above 7th Street (the Railroad tracks). Back down Penn to 6th and Haines Hobby Shop. I was always good for at least 1 hour in the store or until they gently kicked me out unless I bought a N scale Atlas boxcar or another freight car. Haines alway had a big layout in the window.
Back up to Penn and lunch at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. A fountain Coke, potato chips, a pickle and a hot dog.
Then I would walk a few blocks down to 4th Street and a few blocks off Penn. On the corner was Zocco’s Hobby Shop. A great store, run by a just as great a man who somehow took a liking to me due to my frequent visits. I usually bought another Atlas freight car and if I bought (2], John always gave me a free one.
The bus stop was right outside his door and I climbed on board for the trip back home to Shillington. Before I knew it, the papers arrived and off I was on my route.
With the family at Christmas. My Pop worked for the Reading Lines. We would all catch the train at the Outer Station and head east to Philly. My Dad always had free tickets and as we would get closer to Philly, I remember the Conductor telling “all the deadheads” to get up to “let the paying passengers sit”. Philly was a whirlwind of activity. Horn and Hardart Automat for lunch then all the big stores to look at trains and toys. Back home on the train sleeping all the way!
I miss those good old days.
Donald
