These photographs require a bit of detective work. The original is not labeled as to place and date. However, the autos in the photo date it to the 1920's. A search of the newspaper database comes up with Max Haber operating a shoe shop at 15 East State Street, so I am going to make a leap of faith and surmise that this pristine R.C. Maxwell photo shows the store fronts along East State street from number 15 on the extreme left. Don't miss Karl Weidel's establishment, and be sure to examine the exquisite architecture as you pan to the roof tops of the buildings in the photo. Anonymous said...
I'm going to go along with your assuption, since the "Arcade Billiards/Bowling alleys is where I worked as a kid in the 40's setting pins for two cents a game.
The term "Arcade" came from the Arched passageway noted in the photo that had shops, and led to steps that took you down to the Front St. Entrance. Travers book store was in the vicinity of the Weidel building who in later years moved around the corner to South Warren St. just below the First Mechanics bank building at State and Warren.
Great photos, and another great job.
Be well
Mike Kuzma
Joe was a Junior Four and THS grad, and played ball for the Philadelphia A's Minor League system.
Tom:
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go along with your assuption, since the "Arcade Billiards/Bowling alleys is where I worked as a kid in the 40's setting pins for two cents a game.
The term "Arcade" came from the Arched passageway noted in the photo that had shops, and led to steps that took you down to the Front St. Entrance. Travers book store was in the vicinity of the Weidel building who in later years moved around the corner to South Warren St. just below the First Mechanics bank building at State and Warren.
Great photos, and another great job.
Be well
Mike Kuzma
HEY MIKE, FROM ONE PIN SETTER TO ANOTHER, I SET PINS FOR THE SAME 2 CENTS AT CARABELLI'S IN BROWNS MILLLS DURING THE EARLY 30'S. LATER ON WHEN WE INSTALLED AUTOMATIC PIN SETTERS AT OUR HAMILTON BOWLING LANES IN THE 50'S, IT WAS A COMPLETE CHANGE IN THE BOWLING BUSINESS. IT TOOK THE GAME OUT OF CONTROL OF THE KIDS. I RECALL THE ARCADE AND ALL THE EARLY BOWLING ALLEYS. THANK GOD FOR AUTOMATION.
ReplyDeleteHere's anpother. I set pins at Heil's for both sets of owners: John and Jake Heil, and then for Joe and Leo Derrico.
ReplyDeleteJoe was a Junior Four and THS grad, and played ball for the Philadelphia A's Minor League system.
I got 10 cents a line, and they let me bowl for 20 cents a line. Normal price was 40 cents to bowl. Mid 50s I would guess. I got along with Jake and John. Ralph, I had to hitchhike to your lanes, but always got a ride home after bowling, until I got my license and first car in '56. Those automatic pin setters cost me a 700 series when the rack came down and knocked down a FALLING 6 pin. LOL. Ron
ReplyDelete