With fall sports practice barely underway, thoughts turn to Back-to-School. As a youngster in Bladenboro, meant a trip to a clothing store moved to top of ‘must-do’ list. Back-To-School Sales were popular, as they are today. Would receive $’s for working in tobacco and head to town for school clothing and supplies. And, as time permitted, my mom would make shirts from feed sacks for me and my siblings. It was a big deal.
There was the Cash Store (Fisher’s), Bullocks, Fowler Simmons, Collin’s and Bridger Corporation that I recall in Bladenboro, at one time or another. In Elizabethtown, Fowler Simmons, Mann’s, Leinwands Parker-Farris and Belk’s, yes, Belk’s on Broad Street next to Leinwands, and there were others over the years. Clarkton had a couple, then there was Whiteville and Lumberton nearby. For my family, Raylass in Lumberton was on the must-visit list, had a relative employed there.
No Walmart, but Registers 5 & 10, Jones, Pope’s, as well as others for school supplies……My, my how times have changed. I know I missed some, but memory has dimmed over the years.
Back to School sales later became more attractive when the NC Legislature ceased collecting sales tax on school items for a few weeks. Later that was eliminated.
Today, Walmart, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, & Family Dollar stores are everywhere, as well as some locally owned outlets, like Leinwands and Fishers and others.
Just a few ‘thoughts’ from yesteryear at back to school time, 2018.
Like many parents after a long family holiday, I usually welcome the moment when my kids head back to school. Jose Andres
I had to decide if I wanted to race full time or be an architect. I decided I could always go back to school. Kevin Harvick
Education is not just about going to school and getting a degree. It’s about widening your knowledge and absorbing the truth about life. Shakuntala Devi
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