Editor's Note: The response to this series has been so overwhelming, we just had to include another this week...Welcome to EverythingCroton, a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.
INTRODUCING CROTON MEMORIES, a new series that will focus on Croton from the 1940's through the 1970's. Fourth installment:
POP BERGER’S STATIONERY--With special thanks to The Croton Historical Society
Closed by the late 1970’s, Pop Berger’s Stationery, (located on the same block as then Wondrous Things) is still remembered with a smile. Owned by Maurice Berger, it was THE place to go to for the latest comic books and a "great after-school hangout".
One resident recalls fondly how she would look forward to the latest edition of Archie coming out. For another, it was whatever superhero ruled the day. Others remember the seemingly endless variety of penny candy and wondering what to choose, then the bliss of being handed a fresh paper bag filled with Mary Janes, marshmallow “ice cream cones”, “orange slices”—a Chuckles type confection--and root beer barrels.
One resident recalls fondly how she would look forward to the latest edition of Archie coming out. For another, it was whatever superhero ruled the day. Others remember the seemingly endless variety of penny candy and wondering what to choose, then the bliss of being handed a fresh paper bag filled with Mary Janes, marshmallow “ice cream cones”, “orange slices”—a Chuckles type confection--and root beer barrels.
Places like Pop Berger's are largely gone today, more’s the pity, but will live on forever fondly for those lucky enough to have had the experience. Stay tuned for more Croton Memories.
9/19 UPDATE--POP BERGER'S EPILOGUE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-croton-memories-pop-bergers.html
To see past editions of this series, click:
Pops was a great guy, real salt of the earth. He knew money was tight for us and would always throw in an extra piece or two of candy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to a lovely man.
ReplyDeleteHe was a no nonsense kind of guy with a big heart.
ReplyDeleteHi got this up on facebook for you guys because everyone needs to see this great series. Thank you so much! Now this is a website Croton can be proud of. Excellent stuff!
ReplyDeletetony c
Before my time but my older brother told me when pop came home from WW2 he opened the store and gave free ice cream to all the kids
ReplyDeletePop was the best. When I was about 7-8? I went into his store to buy some gum (Bazooka , which came with a comic wrapped around it)...
ReplyDeleteWhen I got there I realized I left my nickel at home. I decided for the first time in my life to stick the gum (worth a penny) in my pocket because I really, really wanted it...
As luck would have it, I had a hole in my pocket and the gum fell through my pants hitting the floor with a thunk! I was incredibly embarrassed.
George saw the gum on the floor and must've realized what had happened. He came out from behind the counter and said, "Oh, would you look at that...candy is jumping off the shelves!
I really loved George and I felt so ashamed....I just looked at the ground and George waited the necessary amount of time for me to feel all those bad feelings before saying,
"Jo Jo, why don't you take this," giving me a playful-serious look that said , 'I know exactly what you were up to, but let's let it go this time.'
I never stole another thing in my life---I felt so, so bad. His kindness only made me feel worse. It was a very sweet and effective lesson that I remember to this day
used to buy model cars there when I was a kid he always had a large selection
ReplyDelete@Jo Ann what a great story...I did the same thing! I grew up in croton ( class of 81' ) I'm so glad to see this wonderful tribute to "POP" I visited croton for the first time in 30+ years in 2007... Nice to see the town again...what a innocent time..at age 14, I wanted to leave.."Cali here we come..!" now back in 2007, I was able to say a proper goodbye...
ReplyDeleteI purchased my first Barbie from Pop Burger .I got all my Beatles cards there. I love Croton but sadly moved when I was 11. Croton will always be my home. I love this site .
ReplyDeleteGlad you are all enjoying the nostalgia...the village is is fortunate to have so many great volunteers at The Croton Historical Society--without whom many of these posts would not be possible.
ReplyDeleteI remember buying my first Super Hero comics there and many model kits of all types. It was a real short walk in the late 40's and early 50's.
ReplyDelete