When we were kids we always went grocery shopping with mom and dad on Friday evenings. It was a popular time to shop as the store was always crowded. I remember that the floor in the store was just bare concrete, and that it wasn't level. As soon as we arrived at the store mom would tell Tommy and me to go and pick out our cereal. This took a fair amount of time as we had to look at the back of the boxes to see what would be interesting to look at when we ate breakfast. When we made our selection we'd find mom and put our cereal in the cart. Then it was time to wander around the isles and play. I don't remember what we played, but we didn't get too rambunctious as no one ever said anything to us. At that time the store was known as Loblaw.
One time I remember mom giving the man in the meat department a can of cooking grease that she had saved. I think people did this during WWII.
I remember mom saying that when she was a kid that she and Johnny would take their wagon and go to the same market with their mother. In those days it was known as the Parade Street Market. It was made up of many stalls operated by different people. I think that they sold meat, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, bread, etc. - everything except packaged items.
Here's a coincidence. This picture of the market was taken 53 years ago today - May 29, 1956. I remember when it was taken. They were going to start demolishing the building the next day, but my dad had a problem with his camera or didn't have any film. Being historically minded he wanted to photograph the building. Mom suggested that he use my Brownie. He reluctantly agreed and we went up to 10th and Parade after supper. As you can see it's not very sharp.
