If I remember correctly, in the early ’70s, the “Food Mart” in the center of the 1975 picture was owned by a man named “Tony.” I worked as a stock boy at Reisch Shoe Shop on S. 5th fron 1971-73 and they would have me go up the alley to the right of the store to get things. As I don’t leave in Springfield anymore, I have no clue as to whether the same family owns the store. (Reisch’s is now a parking lot.)
I believe Tony retired due to health reasons in the late 1990s. I thought I heard that he passed away, but I could be wrong. The last I saw him in 1998 or 1999, he appeared to be having great difficulty doing the work he did effortlessly before. If he is still with us, I can’t imagine that he’s still working the register like he used to. In any event, he was a great character. It was always fun to grab lunch at the Food Mart and chat with Tony.
I took piano lessons from a studio whose entrance was just to the right of Ackerman’s Music. Up a long stairway to a main sitting area. Miss Verco (sp?) taught me there. I think she played piano for a Presbyterian church….
If I remember correctly, in the early ’70s, the “Food Mart” in the center of the 1975 picture was owned by a man named “Tony.” I worked as a stock boy at Reisch Shoe Shop on S. 5th fron 1971-73 and they would have me go up the alley to the right of the store to get things. As I don’t leave in Springfield anymore, I have no clue as to whether the same family owns the store. (Reisch’s is now a parking lot.)
Paul Davison | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Paul, I think the same Tony still runs the place today, and he still has great food too!!
Elaine | Apr 26, 2008 | Reply
I believe Tony retired due to health reasons in the late 1990s. I thought I heard that he passed away, but I could be wrong. The last I saw him in 1998 or 1999, he appeared to be having great difficulty doing the work he did effortlessly before. If he is still with us, I can’t imagine that he’s still working the register like he used to. In any event, he was a great character. It was always fun to grab lunch at the Food Mart and chat with Tony.
Scott | May 9, 2008 | Reply
Well, somebody named Tony is still there, must be his son or some other relative.
Elaine | Jun 1, 2008 | Reply
I don’t live in Springfield anymore. I live in Florida and looking at these old pics make me so miss old bldgs. I love the tops of old bldgs.
Lynn Horrighs-Hatcher | May 17, 2009 | Reply
I took piano lessons from a studio whose entrance was just to the right of Ackerman’s Music. Up a long stairway to a main sitting area. Miss Verco (sp?) taught me there. I think she played piano for a Presbyterian church….
Laurie | Apr 7, 2010 | Reply