Downtown Altoona

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Downtown Altoona

by Matthew Villani
(Altoona, PA, USA)

11th Avenue

Here's a picture of downtown Altoona on 11th avenue. Mostly what I remember is that although downtown was past its heyday, it was more active when I was little than it is now. For example, Woolworth's was still open and doing great.

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Downtown Altoona

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Memories of Downtown Altoona
by: Patricia

Hi Loretta & David,

Isn't it wonderful to share these memories of good old Altoona? I grew up in Altoona and my dad had a produce business on 7th Ave. and 12th Street, I'll bet you might remember that David.

Yes, Loretta coming from Bellwood in those days seemed like a big trip, I remember going to Bland Park (now DelGrosso's) and traveling down the highway through farm country and seeing all the cows out in the pastures and so much corn growing.

Gable's was the place to go in downtown Altoona, I remember smelling the seafoam candy every time you went through the doors that went round and round. I had to laugh when you mentioned Holly's Loretta, I remember my mom getting our first credit card there and I got to buy peddle pushers and a new top to go skating...ha!

And Shulman's was where all the men loved to go shopping. Always buying work clothes to work in the shops.

Talk about the good old days, I remember every Saturday during summer I'd get $1.00 allowance and go get 2 hot dogs and a coke for $.35 at Coney Island Hot Dogs on 11th Ave. then go to the Olympic and see 5 scary movies for $.25 and buy plenty of snacks and still had change left over for Sunday root beer float at the Meadows.

Just thought I'd share some memories too, it's such fun,

Patricia

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Road trip!
by: Loretta

I can remember as a child when my mother and a neighbor lady would take all of us children to catch the bus in Bellwood and we would go to 11th Avenue in Altoona to spend the day! That was a really big road trip for us in those day! I can remember shopping in Gables and eating lunch at McCrory's five and dime store! We used to sit in a booth and they had the best lunches you could ever imagine! My dad always bought his work clothes, he worked on the railroad, at Schulman's! Years later, I bought my wedding dress at the Holly Shop for a whopping $10! I have great memories of downtown Altoona, thanks so much for letting me share them with you!

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Gable's
by: David Winstead

My first job was at Gable's as a card writer. I made up the cards showing price of item and what it was. Robert Powers was the president then. His son Jamie, was friend and we went to grade school together. His home at the time was on Southey Ave just up from my grandparents home. Gables was the premiere place to go for anything.

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Downtown Altoona Photo
by: Patricia

Thank you Matthew for sharing your downtown Altoona photo with us.

Yes, downtown Altoona was once a goldmine for any business. I can remember when everybody walked through the downtown and the streetcars ran right down the middle of 11th Avenue. Gable's Department Store was like Macy's in NYC.

I wonder how many visitors remember the good old days in Altoona.

Don't be shy, tell us some of your memories.

Patricia (webmaster)

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Downtown Altoona

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Downtown Altoona