Kent Memories

Scanned from a photograph taken a few years ago




We felt very safe when we went to Kent in the 50s.

Our family only had one car and dad needed that one to drive to work. If we wanted to go to downtown Kent we walked. We would go in pairs or small groups that formed as we traveled down Wolcott Ave. toward Mantua St. When we got to the Van Allen store it was time to cross the street and go over the humped Crain Ave. bridge.  There was often a long train passing by on the tracks that ran through town when we got to the other side of the bridge. Many times the train slowed to a crawl at the Crain Ave. bridge to let off a worker and pick up another. It was a good time for talking while we waited.

A right turn onto North Water St. got us into town. We had to pass the mill shown above. A group of workmen from the mill were always happy to hoot and whistle at any girls that might pass by.

There was an Isaly's store, Standard Drug, Donaghy's Drug, Grohe's and Lee's Drug where we could get a cherry phosphate, root beer float or a piece of candy if we had a few cents. I did not always have money but enjoyed the walk.  Looking through the merchandise in the McCrory's 5 & 10 cent store and Grant's store was a treat. We looked at everything and made a mental wish list.  Other stores were not as tolerant of groups of youngsters with no money who were just looking. Not all stores had public restrooms during the 50s. We used the Kent comfort station that was next to the train depot. It was not very comfortable or nice but it worked.

Movies were only 10 cents at the Opera House and 15 cents at Shine's Theater.

 Standard Drug and Grohe's burned down. Other drug stores have been replaced by tattoo parlors and bars. The Opera House was torn down years ago. Shine's theater still exists as the Kent Stage. There are live performances there on a regular basis. A bypass was constructed over the railroad tracks just about the time that the trains quit running.  Things do change and not always for the better.

Comments

Claire said…
I found your blog today looking for a good place to find Spring Peepers in Kent to observe with my children. I'm a Kent native myself, for 27 years! I love seeing old Kent, in your photos. It sure does look different now, especially lately with the mass construction =( I miss old Kent, myself. Sometimes new & bigger is NOT better!
April 12, 2011 at 1:14 PM
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