Back in 2011 (WOW – that seems long ago!) we talked about memories of shopping at various A&P grocery locations in York County.
More memories of former A&P groceries, plus a location correction was the more recent, and before that, I’d shared memories of grocery-shopping at the A&P.
In the past year, I received a couple more letters with A&P memories that I’d like to share today.
The first comes from Bessie Yoder of Dover Township. She writes, “There was an A&P store where Photo Greetings is now situated on North Beaver Street.) Next door, to the north, there was an Acme store; with apartments overhead. The Acme was right at the alley. I can still see the crates of fruits and vegetables. One Saturday I spent the whole day snapping string beans for 15 cents. My father thought I had been taken advantage of. I was a child, what did I know? (This happened at the Acme.) But the point is, I wanted you to know there was an A&P on the first block of North Beaver Street in the ’30s. In the winter there were crates of oranges outside. The A&P was in color red and the Acme, the color yellow. I didn’t realize all this when I was young, but your columns bring back so many memories for me. I look back now and realize we didn’t need a car. We walked everywhere!”
Bessie also shared some more memories of stores and theaters such as the Strand and Capitol, the Rialto, The Bon-Ton, Bear’s, Wiest’s, the five-and-dime (McCrory’s), Peoples Drug, Economy Meat Market, Central Market House… it was great to hear of all those stores of the past!
She continues, “Now to get back to the A&P store. There was an A&P store on the 1st block of West Philadelphia Street, on the right side going west. I think the manager’s (last) name was Brezzler. It was close to the corner of North George Street. My best girlfriend, Mary Velen Keller, worked there. I stopped in to see her often. Mary lived in the 200 block of North George Street over her father’s restaurant (Pete’s Restaurant), across the street from the Valencia.”
Bessie adds, “Going south from the restaurant was a bowling alley, Jimmy’s Restaurant and Direct Hat Shop. many other places also! I thank you for all the memories you have brought back to me!”
Interestingly, Bessie concluded with an “Only in York County” small-world moment. She mentioned that her granddaughter, Courtney Henry, was my daughter Sarah’s homeroom teacher last year! How awesome!
I also received a quick note from David Knisely of Galeton. He writes, “I am a native York Countian but have lived in northern PA for the past 13 years. My wife and I keep in touch via the York Daily Record online and subscribe to the Sunday News, which is mailed.” (That makes me smile, David – I’m so glad you’re keeping up on York!)
He adds, “The A&P article was of interest to me as I was a college student and part time employee at A&P from June 1959 until 1965. I worked at the A&P on Edgar Street in York. We had a shoppette consisting of A&P, Masters Discount Store, Rea & Derick Drugs, and Weis Market. At that time, A&P had this location and the East Philadelphia Street store in York. There was also one in Red Lion.”
David mentions that A&P was union and, in an attempt to compete with non-union stores, later had an A-Mart in the York County Shopping Center.
Many thanks to both of you, Bessie and David, for sharing your A&P memories. I love hearing them!
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!
If anyone knows the neighborhood and Old York it is Bessie–she was a dear friend to my Mom and StepDad and I miss seeing her. Bessie, all our best. Bill Landes Goshen Kentucky
Funny that you should write about A&P stores this week. In the past several days, I’ve seen several pictures and had several discussions about A&P stores on Facebook.
I had no idea until a few days ago that A&P stands for Atlantic & Pacific
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Re: A& P East Phila St. 500 block? My father James R Williams was asst. mgr there for years . Manager was (2) E Fraley than Mr. Young. Mr. Bressler was my fathers friend and family’s were friends ,they worked together for a long time. Before that store there was a A&P just east of Queen st on Phila. St. Next to what became a Kohrs custard on the corner of Phila & Queen. When they went to 500 block I do not know. Next to the A&P 500 block was a gas station ,I believe it was Millers.Used to play in the garage around the in floor service pit with Bressler and Allen Schraeder. No lifts in those days.
Gibby Bressler’s son, Allen Schraeder and I along with others joined the US Navy on July 4 1955 @ Kutztown Folk festival.If I remember right there were about 150 recruits sworn in and we were bussed to Bainbridge Md. Mr Bressler and family along with my family and many others were in attendance. Maybe some in the area remember The Distelfink Battalion .