I read the on-line story today about the closing of Stiles/Ace Hardware after 43 years in business and wanted to offer up some remembrances of a by-gone period in downtown Muscatine.
I remember when they tore down the old Grand Hotel on the corner of 2nd and Sycamore. In it's place went Stiles which at the time was pretty upscale in terms of a one shop pharmacy. For years, Stiles hired some very attractive high school girls to work their counters. My heart still flutters when I think back on some of the cuties who worked there with their white smocks and name tags.
The one thing I'll always remember about Stiles is their friendliness and their parking lot. That angled parking was also something new to downtown Muscatine. Stiles served the community well in those 43 years of service and reading about their closing was like reading an obituary of an old friend.
I remember all of the stores listed in the Journal article and even some others. Woolworth's (great food counter), Fox's, Western Hardware, Schreers Music (where you could take the 45's in and have a private listen), Batterson's, and so many, many more. Things change as progress moves forward and unfortunately Stiles was a victim of progress.
In my own way I say goodbye to an old friend who was always there when I needed them. Thank you for the many memories you have left with me.
I am the Toast of the Town.
I remember when they tore down the old Grand Hotel on the corner of 2nd and Sycamore. In it's place went Stiles which at the time was pretty upscale in terms of a one shop pharmacy. For years, Stiles hired some very attractive high school girls to work their counters. My heart still flutters when I think back on some of the cuties who worked there with their white smocks and name tags.
The one thing I'll always remember about Stiles is their friendliness and their parking lot. That angled parking was also something new to downtown Muscatine. Stiles served the community well in those 43 years of service and reading about their closing was like reading an obituary of an old friend.
I remember all of the stores listed in the Journal article and even some others. Woolworth's (great food counter), Fox's, Western Hardware, Schreers Music (where you could take the 45's in and have a private listen), Batterson's, and so many, many more. Things change as progress moves forward and unfortunately Stiles was a victim of progress.
In my own way I say goodbye to an old friend who was always there when I needed them. Thank you for the many memories you have left with me.
I am the Toast of the Town.