Thinking back to 1966, when Patricia and I moved to Newton, I remember we had pretty vibrant and diverse businesses in the downtown area. There were several shoe stores (with no shoes from China), we had ladies’ and men’s ready-to-wear stores, at least three drug stores and three furniture stores I recall. Back then, Newton also had a number of eateries downtown, including two Mexican restaurants. Other stores, such as Hogan’s store and Johnny’s Confectionery, also come to mind. There was a Montgomery Ward store and a Penney’s department store, with a catalogue store to boot. Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply) and Western Auto stores also were in the core area. Seems like there was a Gambles store on the main drag, also. Readers probably will remember all the ones I haven’t mentioned. This piece is a salute to the hardy downtown survivors of the passing years (and Wal-Mart). Banks and funeral homes are not included. In a later column I’ll try to showcase some of Newton’s businesses that have passed from the scene. AAA pawn shop Royston’s AAAA pawn shop probably bears mention first. Jack always said he named it four A so it would always come first in the phone book. When I asked Jack why the sign only had 3 A’s now, he said one got washed off and he didn’t feel like repainting it. When asked how long he had been in business, he mused a bit and said probably since 1951 or ‘52. Jack felt, in his own way, he provided a service to the commu ...
Anytime
Thinking back to 1966, when Patricia and I moved to Newton, I remember we had pretty vibrant and diverse businesses in the downtown area. There were several shoe stores (with no shoes from China), we had ladies’ and men’s ready-to-wear stores, at least three drug stores and three furniture stores I recall. Back then, Newton also had a number of eateries downtown, including two Mexican restaurants. Other stores, such as Hogan’s store and Johnny’s Confectionery, also come to mind. There was a Montgomery Ward store and a Penney’s department store, with a catalogue store to boot. Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply) and Western Auto stores also were in the core area. Seems like there was a Gambles store on the main drag, also. Readers probably will remember all the ones I haven’t mentioned. This piece is a salute to the hardy downtown survivors of the passing years (and Wal-Mart). Banks and funeral homes are not included. In a later column I’ll try to showcase some of Newton’s businesses that have passed from the scene. AAA pawn shop Royston’s AAAA pawn shop probably bears mention first. Jack always said he named it four A so it would always come first in the phone book. When I asked Jack why the sign only had 3 A’s now, he said one got washed off and he didn’t feel like repainting it. When asked how long he had been in business, he mused a bit and said probably since 1951 or ‘52. Jack felt, in his own way, he provided a service to the commu ...