An Urban Explorer's Guide to the Buffalo-Niagara Region: Unique Landmarks, Historic Gin Mills, Old World Neighborhoods, History, Nickel City Oddities, Tours and More!
NOTE: Due to increased threats by antique dealers, collectors and thieves, Forgotten Buffalo has chosen to not publish the addresses or neighborhoods of these "Forgotten" locations. The museum quality interiors of these business are in great demand. Forgotten Buffalo hopes to include these locations on future tours.
The Corner Store Experience - JANUARY 2009
On January 3, 2009, Forgotten Buffalo discovered two examples of urban American life thought to be lost...the family owned, neighborhood corner store. Both of these businesses are rare relics of retail. They are located within a mile radius of each other in a forgotten buffalo neighborhood, but are worlds apart from strip plazas, chain stores and supermarkets. Welcome to the Corner Store Experience.
CORNER NEIGHBORHOOD STORE #1
The interior of this corner store is vintage 1940s. Current owner and her family have operated this business for over 75 years. This picture was taken on Jan 3, 2009.
Corner store owner holds a pair of ice tongs that were used to fill the ice box on left.
more information coming soon
Urban views like this are living examples of 20th century America.
In a scene repeated thousands of time over the decades, a young neighborhood customer counts out his change to purchase Pepsi. A candy bar bonus from the owner is part of the attraction of a corner delicatessen.
Business is slow nowadays says the 90 year old owner. Candy, pop and the Buffalo News are the biggest sellers.
A Coke ice chest sits ready for action
Last of hundreds of like businesses in Buffalo
CORNER NEIGHBORHOOD STORE #2
Our second corner store discovery of the day (Jan 3, 2009)
Owner, 69, was born upstairs of the store and has carried on the family tradition started by his parents
story coming soon
Forgotten Buffalo has chosen to crop this picture to protect the store’s name and location due to antique dealers and collectors.
Penny candy in displayed in glass dishes still is a favorite of neighborhood children 1/3/09
Smokes, greeting cards, playing cards, pipe cleaners and school tablets are still offered for sale.
The vintage cabinetry was made in Buffalo by J. W. Kawczynski
Greeting card display.
One of the traditions of this neighborhood store is its elaborate displays for holidays.
