This Is Framingham

It’s finally here!  My work, the Framingham History Center, is holding their monthly History Roundtable discussion and this month we’re discussing the sorely missed original Shoppers World.

Saturday, December 5
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Edgell Memorial Library (3 Oak St.)

Tell you own stories or listen to others and check out the display of photos and artifacts, including the old route 30 sign which was “fun” for my gracious volunteer crew to move into the display area:

We’ll be serving “Jordan Marsh” blueberry muffins provided by the culinary students at Keefe Tech and Panache coffee will graciously be supplying the joe.  So before you go to battle route 9 to do holiday shopping at the current stupid “Shoppers World”, stop by and remember the original!

A thoughtful reader wrote to me about an artist she follows Flickr who created some designs based on our sorely missed Shoppers World.
Brandon Schaefer makes insanely creative images that are mostly retro-inspired re-designs of movie posters, book covers and miscellaneous subjects, like Shoppers World and made these fantastic designs:

Of course I had to write to Brandon and ask him how he got to making these, what inspires him when designing images and what his background is.   Being the nice guy that he is, he answered all my questions and told me about his work.  Brandon is a 25 year freelance graphic designer who has been designing since high school.  While various subjects inspire him, he has an appreciation for American Modernism during the 40’s and 50’s which clearly comes through in his style.  He has a special place in a his heart (like most of us do) for the old Shoppers World, which I think is great for someone so young.  If you like what you see, you can buy it by clicking here. And if you like these, be sure to check out the rest of his work at http://www.seekandspeak.com, it’s just fantastic stuff- enjoy!

Last month I started my awesome new job at the Framingham History Center and we recently began a monthly event called “History Roundtable Discussion”.  I suggested having one about the old Shopper’s World and my boss was very supportive of the idea.  So now I’m looking for any old photos and artifacts to display (I love my job!).

We’d love it if people would loan or donate anything for this event, a few people have already submitted some great old photos and items but there’s always room for more.  We’ll also be showing the old neon sign that was on route 30 and serving Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins!  The event will be December 5th so I’ll be posting again as we get closer, but if anyone wants to contribute you can email me at: michelle@framinghamhistory.org

A reader sent me this photo which is so funny that I had to post it.
Thanks reader!

As I’ve mentioned these stills were taken from a video camera in a moving car and these screen shots were, believe it or not, the best I could get from this tape.  The reason I’m posting these is because I’ve had a few requests from people who would like to see them and even through the blurriness, I found these to evoke crystal clear images in my head of how these places really looked, it’s funny how  the brain works with what it gets. So hopefully someone can also get some enjoyment from these shots. 

Classic dome of Jordan Marsh

The Jordan Marsh Car Care Center

Caldor (and CVS to the far right)

This one I think is the worst picture but I would have totally forgot about the Mr. Donut on route 9 if I hadn’t seen this.

The hotel that was where Trader Joe’s is now.

 Also, even though it’s not Framingham I could’t resist posting some of Natick. 
Sears with it’s multiple flags

Side entrance of the mall next to Anderson-Little

Of course the legendary York’s Steak house.

Star Market where the Container Store is now.

Thats it really for Route 9 footage.  I owe you Mitch : )

 In my internet travels I found an old ad for Rohm and Haas Plexiglas signs for sale on ebay.  The ad boasts that “Three-fourths of the stores at Shopper’s World use Plexiglas signs”.  I remember I did actually wonder what kind of factory could make those humungous letters for the “CINEMA” sign.

This ad was interesting because of what seems to be the presence of enclosed walkways, which were before my time and I think I remember being mentioned in great the documentary “Shopper’s World: A look back“.  I forget the reason they did away with these, maybe it got insanely hot in the summer.

I always liked the exposed walkways, even in the winter.  It’s no different than shopping in the city in the winter and it was kind of fun before leaving a store to make the game plan of what store to run to next.  I know it wasn’t fun for some people but I think it was a fair trade off to have such a unique shopping experience as S.W.

Any new readers can click on the Shopper’s World category to read my feelings about Shopper’s World.  I’ll save my usual rant…for now!

Flipping through the channels last night I came across our new cable access again, not that I counted it out because of the victrola but I usually forget to even check what’s on there or I just never happen to catch anything that keeps me there for a while unless I count Jim Pillsbury’s last show which I was so mesmerized by I didn’t even answer my phone. (Note to self: Never tick-off Jim Pillsbury)

To my surprise there was a documented trip to Shoppers World in it’s final days.  The program’s host talked about it’s glorious past and a little about it’s “warehouse” future and took the viewer on a tour inside and out.


I think this was such a great use for Framingham public access and just goes to show there really is something for everyone on it.  The more local people get involved in it the better it will be.  I’m still thinking of a show to contribute myself.

If anyone is interested,”Shopper’s World- A Look Back” is on again at 6pm tonight(1/21) and 11am tomorrow.