THE PTSD GENERATION VIETNAM : WOOLWORTHS

In 1878 F.W. Woolworth built his first store in Lancaster Pennsylvania. He picked Lancaster for its busy location and the store was an immediate success making an astounding $127 on its opening day. In 1879, after opening several more stores, the name was changed to Woolworth 5 & 10 and three store policies were instituted. 1. Cater to the customers who were willing to pay cash, 2. Offer the best bargains possible, 3. Openly display all wares. Woolworth became famous for buying bulk chocolate and selling it by the piece. The name Woolworth became an American Institution but eventually succumb to larger corporations, the last one closed in 1997.

Asheville's Woolworths, established in 1938, was restored in 2007 and has received numerous awards for historic excellence. Known for it's Soda Fountain and Luncheonette style counters Asheville's Wooworths is fully operational serving some of its original favorites.

I walked into Woolworth's today and I was eight years old again holding my mothers hand in downtown Flushing New York. Immediately I recognized the smell. Even without being there I could close my eyes and smell the hot dogs sizzling on a griddle. I'm a vegetarian but my senses were running ramped and the pressure was to much to bear. All I could think of was those oversized hot dogs nestleled in a square sided bun which was toasted to perfection on both sides and an egg cream sitting alongside. I thought I died and went to "little fat kids heaven".Thank you Mr. Woolworth wherever you are.

There it was, the hot dog and the egg cream right in front of me, do I dare or should I order the Hummus? F@/&(:/ IT, I went for it. Once again, thank you Mr. Woolworth wherever you are !

Asheville