We were picking up laundry at Moore's which sits on the alley behind
Foolsewoode's SnapSnap shop over on South Montezuma. "What's that," the dotter said. I looked and immediately turned on the camera.
The
what turned out to be the rear exterior wall of a nearby building literally wallpapered with old
Prescott Courier aluminum litho plates. Circa 1963-4. I'm sure they've been there forever and a day, but this was the first time I realized what an historic treasure was sitting in front of me. The Barry above was, of course, Barry Goldwater, the 1964 GOP nominee for president.
His family was a Prescott family and, as I recall it, he announced his candidacy here in Prescott.
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to really read any of the plates; however, I couldn't miss the prices in the supermarket ads! How do you like that prime rib roast at 59 cents the pound? Or the washer/dryer combo at just $259? Ah, the good old days!
We were picking up laundry at Moore's which sits on the alley behind Foolsewoode's SnapSnap shop over on South Montezuma. "What's that," the dotter said. I looked and immediately turned on the camera.
The what turned out to be the rear exterior wall of a nearby building literally wallpapered with old Prescott Courier aluminum litho plates. Circa 1963-4. I'm sure they've been there forever and a day, but this was the first time I realized what an historic treasure was sitting in front of me. The Barry above was, of course, Barry Goldwater, the 1964 GOP nominee for president.
His family was a Prescott family and, as I recall it, he announced his candidacy here in Prescott.
Unfortunately, I didn't have time to really read any of the plates; however, I couldn't miss the prices in the supermarket ads! How do you like that prime rib roast at 59 cents the pound? Or the washer/dryer combo at just $259? Ah, the good old days!
Wow!!! Such things are just sitting there?!? Certainly they could be collectible. Wow!!
ReplyDeleteMe'thinks you'd better keep going back and checking on them.
Depending on how many local readers of your blog you have, and depending on their scruples... -grin- Wonder how long before they are *spirited away*...
Mari-Nanci
It's curious, Mari-Nanci, those plates have been there a long, long time. I was aware that periodically, newspapers used to give away their old aluminum litho plates (and before that, their halftones mounted on wood blocks.) It doesn't look like anybody's taken any of those plates over the years, tho that rip in the Barry Goldwater page suggests that someone might have considered it a worthwhile collectible.
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out that first picture. Looks like a tree is growing right through the wall of he building.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought as catalyst. Looks like they plastered around the wall where the tree came through. Or do you think the wall was built around the tree?
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Granny J.
ReplyDeleteI've have seen those plates before at a casual glance, but you have now documented them wonderfuly now for the blogosphere to enjoy. Thanx for the clarity!
What an amazing find!
ReplyDeleteThe Food Basket Market was the place to shop in the early sixties. There was a Safeway, but no other large chain. The FB was owned by a little, rotund Chinese man who spoke almost no english and managed by his cousin who belonged to the city council and was heavily involved with Prescott movers and shakers.
I worked there as a grocery checker off and on for years.
A cart heaped as high as possible with groceries ran about $25.00
When I first worked there, I remember little cans at the checkstand containg delicacies like fried grasshoppers and roasted bumblebees.
I loved that job. The Hings were great people to work for and they accommodated my whimsical work style with aplomb. If I called saying I wanted to work for awhile, I could count on a phone call the first time someone quit. When I felt I needed to be an at home mom again, they would say, "OK, find someone to take your place." I would scout around the mini-markets until I found a checker I thought would be good and they would hire her on my say-so.
Steve & Cat-A -- I was so intent on the photos that I didn't really check to see just how that tree was growing; however, I suspect that the plaster is more recent -- an accomodation for the tree's growth.
ReplyDeletePaul -- your experience is the same as mine; I knew they were there, but had never reall seen them.
Brain -- thank you for a fascinating insight into mid-century Prescott food shopping!!! What a fine deal for a sometimes working mom...
Brain -- PS, just where was the Food Basket located???
ReplyDeleteThe Food Basket was in the building just east of Safeway on White Spar. I think it's a furniture store now. The building was built in 1948 or so and started out as a roller rink. It was within easy walking distance from my home and I spent many happy hours there as a kid.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the building that has housed assorted junque & collectibles over the recent years?
ReplyDeletecould be..it was furniture last I looked, but that was some time ago.
ReplyDelete