Having lived in this area for five years, I decided it was time to learn about our neighbors who are in business here. Several friends thought I should share my adventures with readers who might not be as well informed either. In fact, one woman wants to accompany me on my future visits because, after all, we want to get to know our neighborhood first! Maybe later I’ll start guided tours or run an information service.
My first stop was Bol Yarn Knit Shop, 6167 Delmar (721-6138), where Charlotte and Irma Glessner have been helping knitters for over twenty-five years.
Ladies come and knit during the afternoon in the friendly surroundings. Comfortable chairs and a large table are provided for the ladies to sit around while the helpful Misses Glessner peer over their shoulders to offer advise and to help pick up stitches or smooth over other difficulties.
For those ladies lacking the ability to finish the item, the shop owners will crochet pieces together, block, and put in zippers. This helps the knitter to feel a sense of pride in the creation of sweaters, dresses, ponchos, booties, hats or anything else that can be knit. The owners also will write out instructions in order to help a knitter create a new pattern or a variation on an old one.
All in all, I wished I knew how to knit so I could profit from these ladies’ services. I certainly did appreciate their taking time with me during this busy pre-holiday season when so many were busily making gifts.
Moving from a well-established business on the north end of our neighborhood, I headed to the south side and a newcomer, the Neighborhood Market, 6006 Pershing (721-0298). On October 5, members of the neighborhood took over the management and heralded their arrival with a newly painted sign which also announced the addition of Eagle stamps to the regular services of the grocery store.
Because Rickie and Mary McClennon are interested in the neighbors, they will order special items on request with only a few days notice and stay open seven days a week.
Originally published in The Paper, February 1971.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1971_02.pdf, printed page 3.
