Memory Lane

DOWN ROYERSFORDS' MEMORY LANE TO... ALLEN'S CANDY STORE

The birth of a town is usually documented in it's history starting as a small settlement. Typically near a major topographical feature such as a river or railway which is the heart that brings it to life. Royersford is no exception. A visit to the Spring-ford Area Historical Society will provide the facts that are responsible for Royersford's beginnings and continual growth.   

As time went on and the population grew there were numerous small businesses that catered to the towns needs. It is these smaller enterprises that capture my attention. They are or were the entrepreneurs that helped Royersford grow and prosper into what we have today.   

Growing up in Royersford during the 1950's and 1960's I witnessed, what was the beginning of the end for the bustling factories located on First Avenue and the property adjacent to the railroad tracks. See if you remember as we go back to those times and visit the "Little Men & Women" that continued to build this town! 

(Note: This article is not intended to be an advertisement or endorsement of any kind for businesses mentioned here. Nor will it be a fact filled history lesson. It is just a nostalgic look back with a personal touch.)   

During my pre-teen years I was not a very big spender due to the lack of funds other than very loose change. Picking up a few discarded "returnable" soda bottles provided all I needed for a visit to "ALLEN'S CANDY STORE" for some penny candy treats. Allen's was fairly new, if not just opened, and located on Main Street just down a bit from Forth Avenue. The tiny store front was elevated by two or three steps and there was very little room to roam once inside. (If memory serves me correct the picture shows ALLEN'S first location) 

A large counter with a slopping glass front provided a view of the available choices one could make. Favorites at the time were, Turkish Taffy, candy cigarettes, Bazooka Bubble Gum, Squirrel Zippers, malted milk balls and licorice of assorted flavors. Also were the more expensive, five cent, full size Hershey, Clark and Milky Way candy bars. After pointing a finger to the selection desired Mrs. Allen, that's what we called her, would drop the various goodies in a small brown bag and smile as you departed. Years later I would keep the local Dentist, Dr. Funk, very busy with his practice.  

Anyway, I remember a particular incident that I got myself into by taking on a little job offered to me by Mr. Allen, that to, being what we called him because, well, we didn't know his last name. Seems that Mr. Allen had published a sale flyer and asked if I would distribute them around town for a reward. Payment for my hard labor would be, what I thought to have heard him say, a new Bat and Ball! Now at this time baseball was one of my passions and I jumped at the opportunity. The next two days I was putting his green colored sale announcement in mail slots and under wiper blades as fast as I could. To my dismay upon returning to collect my reward, Mr. Allen handed me a "Batter Bowl". I never had any hard feelings but a lesson learned in listening and paying attention was obviously never forgotten. I believe my mother made use of the batter bowl as intended. Allen's store soon out grew the cramped location as they diversified their inventory. Moving to larger quarters they continued to serve the community for many more years. 

This blog will continue with other establishments that kept people coming to Royersford back then and even now.