Murphy's Five and Dime 1929

[Bill Whitaker]

When I was growing up in the 1940s and 50s, Murphy's was the place to shop for inexpensive gifts. I recall tables of colored chicks at easter, painted turtles (very bad for them), open tables of plaster of paris manger scene figures for 10 cents at Christmas--except I think the camels cost 20 cents.

[tim leary]

Bill Whitaker wrote:

When I was growing up in the 1940s and 50s, Murphy's was the place to shop for inexpensive gifts. I recall tables of colored chicks at easter, painted turtles (very bad for them), open tables of plaster of paris manger scene figures for 10 cents at Christmas--except I think the camels cost 20 cents.

When I was a kid I couldn't wait for my Mom to take me there at Christmas time. They always went all-out.

[Grant Beattie]

Bill Whitaker wrote:

When I was growing up in the 1940s and 50s, Murphy's was the place to shop for inexpensive gifts. I recall tables of colored chicks at easter, painted turtles (very bad for them), open tables of plaster of paris manger scene figures for 10 cents at Christmas--except I think the camels cost 20 cents.

Bill---Thanks for the wonderful picture of Murphys in the 1940's and 50"s. I always looked forward to visiting Murphy's especially during the Christmas Holiday. My fondest days were during the early 40's. These were the good old days for New Ken.

[xnewken]

Hey Grant Beattie !!! Were you originally from N.K & your mothers name was Sylvia & your Dad John who passed away sometime ago????

[Valley Heights59]

I worked at Murphy's after school, during my high school years (57 - 59). Wages were 10 cents an hour. During the Christmas Holidays Murphy's, as well as 5th Avenue, was alive with the excitement of the season. New Ken was a wonderful place to grow up in the 50's.

[Mary Ann Kobelenski]

I worked in Murphy's 5 & 10 in
1957/58 after school and on
Saturdays along with my sister,
Wanda. She had the next counter
over from mine and the wages were 10 cents an hour. It was my first paying job! What memories this all brings back of bustling New Kensington, especially on Saturday nights!

[Laura]

I did my Christmas shopping there when I was a kid in the early 70's. I had a paper route and not much money but I remember being able to get something nice for my mom & dad .

[Karen]

Correct me if I am wrong. There was a Murphy's 5 and 10 at the Hillcrest Plaza in Lower Burrell? I remember the downtown Nu Ken store very well. The clerk trying to calm my grandmother down when I snuck behind the candy counter and stuffed my mouth full of malt balls. I was probably four years old ... cute kid with chocolate droll running down my chin. I am sure someone has to remember me. She usually bought the pink wintergreen lozengers (that tasted like pepto bismol), sugared mint leaves or orange slices.

[tim leary]

Karen wrote:

Correct me if I am wrong. There was a Murphy's 5 and 10 at the Hillcrest Plaza in Lower Burrell? I remember the downtown Nu Ken store very well. The clerk trying to calm my grandmother down when I snuck behind the candy counter and stuffed my mouth full of malt balls. I was probably four years old ... cute kid with chocolate droll running down my chin. I am sure someone has to remember me. She usually bought the pink wintergreen lozengers (that tasted like pepto bismol), sugared mint leaves or orange slices.

Hee hee! I remember the Tarentum 5 and dimes wonderful Christmas displays. Hope you all had a great turkey day.