December, 1958
Sherwin-Williams
Harvey's Credit Store
Jon'N'Ree Jewelers
December, 1955
The Crisfield Post And Somerset News
December, 1921
1950's .. During the Christmas season the Coffman-Fisher clothing store at the northwest corner of Second and Market Streets in Pocomoke City set up a large toy department on the upper level of their store. Children of that era may still recall climbing the flight of stairs above the balcony level to visit the once a year large display of toys. In Salisbury, "Jolly Jack's" toy department at the R. E. Powell clothing store was a favorite visit.
Jolly Jack was a cooperative effort between R. E. Powell and WBOC. The TV station had constructed a large Jack-In-The-Box affair and Carrol Long would turn the crank and Jolly Jack (Ralph Pennewell) would jump out and read letters from local children asking for toys for Christmas. Jolly Jack wore huge circus clown-type shoes and one night, on live TV, Jolly Jack's shoelace got caught on the box and Jolly Jack (Ralph) fell on his head. Ralph uttered a few choice words and, it being live TV, there was no taking back those words. Shortly thereafter Ralph was converted from Jolly Jack to weatherman, sponsored by Atlantic-Richfield and gave local weather reports while wearing the uniform of an Atlantic gasoline station pump jockey.
I'm sure very few readers can remember a time when you pulled into a gas station and a uniformed attendant emerged to fill your tank, wash your windshield and check your oil. If really looking for a tip they would even check the air pressure in your tires.
tk for PPE says:
Thanks to the above reader for those memories.
A couple of others who played the part of Jolly Jack were John Rahe (Club 16 host) and Harry Naugle (a master control room director). For those who remember Ralph's Atlantic weather report (with their jingle "For business..for pleasure..Atlantic Keeps Your Car On The Go") you might also recall that the program was on at the top of the hour leading off the 11p.m. news.
The former gas station that's on Market Street by the Delmarva Discovery Center was operated by Elmer Williams when I went there for gas, and the other services you mention, in the early 1960's. In later years Elmer was the attendant at the nearby Pocomoke River Bridge.
(Reader comment)
Anonymous said...After more thought I am wondering if my recollection is a bit off.
Coffman-Fisher, later becoming R E Powell, had a toy display on the second floor and also sold the scouting uniforms for the Cub Scouts, Boy and Girl Scouts. But I now think that Jolly Jack was sponsored by White and Leonard on the north side of Main Street in Salisbury. What do you think?
