TALES OF THE DOCKSIDER
You asked for it - back by popular demand - it’s NYC shop switcher X-8688 and her plucky crew!
Today she is shunting a Spag’s TOFC to the team track. Spag’s, located in Shrewsbury, MA, was one of the original discount department stores.
A “warehouse” store before the term was invented, it was a strictly a no frills operation located in an old garage. Merchandise was displayed in shipping boxes; the empty boxes were left for shoppers to use for their purchases. The store had narrow aisles, no shopping carts or bags and accepted cash only. It was probably best known for a wide selection of tools and hardware.
The owner, Anthony “Spag” Borgatti, could be seen in the store wearing his signature cowboy hat and khaki work uniform (sometimes with his German Shepard too, well before Menards!). He was a very well respected figure in the community, known for his philanthropy and generous treatment of his employees.
Your Yardmaster has a couple of particularly fond memories of Spag’s (sadly, now gone, unable to compete with the big box stores). One was going every Spring with his Dad and brother to buy a new baseball glove for the coming season. Best of all however, was seeing the stacks of orange and blue Lionel boxes right next to the fish and tackle counter. Dad couldn’t afford to indulge his son in new trains often, but my entire small postwar collection came from Spag’s.
John
