Here’s a blast from the past: Does anyone remember Hess’s, the department store that used to be at one end of the (then-new) West Manchester Mall? I believe it was at the end that they expanded out and built the Wal-Mart at, but I could be wrong – I was pretty little.
Anyway, I was looking that up today and didn’t realize until now that the Hess’s chain, when it went out of business, was bought out by several other retailers, and among them was The Bon-Ton. Our location wasn’t included in that, of course; it just closed, but still. While I had been sitting around today thinking it’s a shame that Hess’s is gone, I’m now sort of happy to know that it lives on through another York County retailer.
Anyone else remember Hess’s? I think if SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY is reading this blog, they might have some memories to share, say of working there for a good bit of my childhood??
Subtle, aren’t I?
My name is Joan and I'm a lifelong Yorker. Throughout high school and college, I swore I was getting out of here as soon as possible. Now, a few years later, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be. I love my town. And, as a local editor, I hear every day how much you love your towns, too. So please, connect with me and let's share what makes life in York County great. I'm here to help you enjoy this place as much as I do!
I remember Hess’s. And you are right it was on the end of the mail before they built Walmart. I remember at Christmas (i think) they put big toy soldiers outside the doors.
i was also pretty young during the Hess time. And Gee Bee’s which used to be where Value City was.
I remember Hess well…but here some more deep thoughts on long-gone York stores…Does anyone remember Mailman’s and Two-Guys? We always went to Mailman’s for back to school clothes shopping and Two-Guys was one of my dad’s favorites…one of my fondest memories of my childhood was the occasional trip I would make with my dad to Two-Guys and was allowed to choose a new Matchbox car from the display after we would be finished shopping. Somethings in life will never be so well remembered!!!
I do remember Hess’s & Gee Bee’s. I remember the the WM mall had fountains, as did the York mall when it was a “mall” as well as the North Mall (Manchester Crossroads (Old Navy)). There is some good “Remember when” stuff over on the exchange with photos and stories from the real old days to the no so far, but almost-already-forgotten past.
I remember Hess’s and GeeBee’s! I was so excited when we got a Hess’s down here in Virginia because I liked the one in York so much. I was sorry when they closed.
Mark, I also remember Mailman’s and Two Guys! I remember going to Mailman’s with my aunt and grandmother a few times when I was young.
Does anyone remember People’s Drug Store? I’m pretty sure there were a couple of them in York…I worked for them in Virginia for a long time before I quit to raise my kids. I still miss their soda fountain. They served the best milkshakes.
People’s Drug!!! Now there’s a memory…wow really digging deep! I remember going there with my mom for a real fountain soda. My mom (a child of the 40′s and teen of the 50′s) said it always made her feel young! BeeGee’s there is another store I almost forgot about. I also remember the ‘scare’ when the West Manchester Mall opened…the folks at the York mall thought they might be put out of business..but I think that was just an urban legend rumor. Every now and then, when I used to still live in the states, I would visit my dad in York and go to the York antique mall, when you bought something there and needed a bag, you would get paperbag from Mailman’s…how cool is that!? The memories are wonderful!
Linda and I were talking and wondered if anyone remembers the J. M. Fields store in the old North Mall and of course everyone should remember Hill’s department stores in Delco Plaza and the east end. Yes, your sister Linda did work at Hess’s for about 7 years. She worked cosmetics and then misses’ clothing.
In Easton, PA in the 1950′s ( yes, I matured many years since then) Hess’s was “The” store in Easton and surronding cities such as Allentown.
That was when the downtown shopping areas dominated. Actually, “shopping malls” were not part of our vocabulary.
In Easton, the Hess store was across the street from Woolworth’s 5 and dime. At Christmas, the store display windows were the thing to be seen for Christmas displays.
And, you took the bus or(now I am really showing the extent of the aging process) you walked there from your house.
Less that three blocks away on the same Main street was the Easton Movie Theater that offered 25 cent Saturday afternoon matinee specials.
I bet that if I went through my Mom’s (God rest her soul) jewelry box, I would find some costume jewelry she bought at Hess’s.
PS. In the 1950′s, labels saying “Made in China” were non-existent. And, WWII had just ended, so the ‘Made in Japan” era had yet to start.
The building were Hess’s was in downtown Easton is still standing but Hess’s is long gone. Memories remain.
Pappy John
How could I forget working at Hess’s. I remember Mom bringing you in to visit Pauline and I. Do you remember Pauline? She was so sweet. I miss her.
And now we’ll have memories of working together at the paper.