Even in the '60s hamlets maintained some sense of identity. There were trips to Auburn, Red Creek or Wolcott for major purchases, to be sure, but running to the “corner store” was the same as borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor. The grocer knew the circumstances of everyone. It was common to treat a child to an ice cream or piece of Double Bubble gum 'cause they always seemed to keep track of birthdays. And a youngster could spend 10 minutes choosing from Popsicle flavors and then deciding who to split the double stick with. ...

Working behind the counter somehow gave credibility #- Saelis or Behms would certainly give their opinion as to which cough remedy would be best or which liniment would cure aches and pains. Sometimes the grocery would be the closest telephone and messages would be sent and received for a phoneless neighbor. You would walk to the store to fill your gas can if you were out of gas.

Even before gas prices zoomed, the grocery in Springlake would be where you would shop for a neighborhood birthday celebration including the paper to wrap it in and a card and ribbon to go on top. In 1963, Roswell Saeli even ran a Mother's Day promotion featuring an orchid corsage with a tank of gas!

I wonder just how many moms remember getting that exotic corsage? Those were the days and the times when the promotional stamps (remember being trusted to lick the Green Stamps and put them in the book?) and the free dishes in the soap flakes were appreciated and treasured.

Weekly advertising was just becoming important. Sales were infrequent and products were offered for the prices paid plus a bit extra. Store owners did not have goods delivered on a regular basis and had to drive to a wholesaler to fill their shelves. Local eggs, vegetables were welcomed and fresh.

Neighborhood children could make a few cents by picking cherries or strawberries to be sold at the store. Blackcaps were too numerous and tiny and were best enjoyed right from the bushes according to my sources.

Shoplifting did happen but was dealt with quickly and firmly. Youngsters were collared by the storeowner and given a stern talking-to. Parents were sometimes informed or sometimes the parent would march the culprit back to the store to return a pilfered candy bar or toy. There was no question about involving authorities #- children were shamed into never again taking anything without paying for it.

That is what was meant about “taking a village to raise a child” - everyone was involved.

More Saeli stories next month - please call if you have a memory to share.

Joni Lincoln is the town of Conquest historian