More memories of Franklin Discount Mart, Feder’s News Stand and Spangler’s Drug Store
As we were talking about some of the many businesses that were in downtown York in years past, I heard from many people who were able to contribute more memories of these stores.
Specifically, I’ve heard more recently about Franklin Discount Mart, Feder’s News Stand and Spangler’s Drug Store and wanted to share those!
Elizabeth wrote: “Thanks for the memories! Does anyone recall the shopping center on Pine Street, Franklin Discount Mart I think? Block away from the old Pepperment Patty Co. where you could buy a bag of patties cheap. Also Jim’s out on West Market Street You could get a bag of burgers for $1.00. Does anyone recall a toy store that was downtown on E Market Street I think? Not sure of name. Or Spangler’s Drug Store on S George and E South St . And Bab Fadders (not sure of spelling) on the other corner across the street, or Gem’s Bakery – best baked goods around, caramel and lemon buns. Or the bowling alley on Pine Street and pizza shop across the street – best chop steak sandwich. Oh what fond memories of when we were children!”
Commenter Holmes was definitely on the same page! Holmes writes, “Elizabeth: I remember Franklin Discount on Pine Street and the one that was on West King St. The one on West King had (what I thought at that time) a long stairway up to the main entrance. I remember Spangler’s Drug Store at the corner of South George and South Streets. Mr. Spangler had a good reputation of ‘discounting’ prescriptions to needy persons who needed the medicine but did not have enough money. ‘Bab Fadders’ – The store across the street from Spangler’s was Feder’s News Stand. It was owned and operated by Silas ‘Babe’ Feder. He sold fountain sodas, ice cream, candy, cigarettes and cigars, and newspapers and magazines. He had one pinball machine there too. He was a good man! May he rest in peace.”
Thank you both for sharing! I’m especially thrilled that Holmes knew who the people “behind” the stores were. That’s a big deal to me – to remember not only these establishments, but the people who made them what they were!
Thanks for sharing – Luther Spangler was my great uncle married to my grandmother’s sister Anna Mae Smith Spangler. I grew up right down the street from the drug store amd have many fond memories of playing behind the counter as a child. Also remember the other businesses in the neighborhood such as Babe’s, Gem’s and also Eisenhart (?) sewing store, Viola’s card shop and Smith’s music store.
I was talking to a friend today about businesses in York from the 60’s. I went to school at St. Mary’s and worked at Babe’s from 67 to 69. His newsstand was Babe’s and his brother had a newsstand farther out George Street called Fader’s Newstand. Babe was a good man. Loved golf and eating at Moser’s Restaurant in West York.