Hard to believe there used to be a 5 and 10 cent store. My Mom used to go there and they had a large variety of wares to choose from. Closest thing to it down here is the Dollar Store.
It was amazing what you could buy in that store. Anything from kitchen wares to curtains, to yarn and thread, to clothing, to Christmas trees, to Halloween costumes, to candy. to you name it!
I used to love wandering around this store. With the variety of what was there it was like I could go to KMart on my bike as a kid. Of course I noticed the owner (or his wife) sort of following us around to make sure we didn't steal anything! I was somewhat offended at the time but in hindsight I can certainly understand their concern.
Actually, I grew up in Franklin in the 60s, and rode my bike down here.
Best part of Klompus was the .33 cent record bin, 45 RPMs with holes punched in the label, signifying they were used. I think they were recycled from jukeboxes. SOOOO much great music for so cheap.
I think my coolest purchase was "Flight of the 2000 lb bumble bee", a fuzzed up instrumental by the Ventures...
My Aunt Helen used to work there at Klumpus 5 and dime for the Husband & Wife team. Before that she also worked at The Tri-R Coffee Shop in BB for many years along with 2 other Aunts Ann & Marie.
-- Edited by RollingStone on Monday 26th of April 2010 09:39:50 AM