A Memorable Christmas Gift

In those days the dime store had an ample supply of children’s toys and games.

   Back when we were youngsters (which for me would have been late 1950s and early 1960s). my mother would take us—her three children—to the D & C Dime Store in town to Christmas shop. The idea was that each of us would buy gifts for the other two.

    The store was not that large, so Mom would stand in a strategic location, keeping an eye on each of us to make sure we remained apart.

    After we made our choices, she took the items to the check-out counter to pay for them. When we got home, she returned our selections to us for wrapping.

   In those days the dime store had an ample supply of children’s toys and games. Nothing too fancy. They were more of the stocking stuffer variety than a special, longed-for present—the kind advertised on TV or in the catalogs. Those came from Santa who, I assume, obtained them from Sears in Frandor or Arbaugh’s in Downtown Lansing, places my mother also shopped during the holiday season.

   A lot of other merchandise was on display as well at this establishment. It’s amazing how much stuff could be stocked on the shelves or hung from the walls in this modest-sized building. The wide assortment, along with low prices, made this retail outlet a popular place, not only at Christmastime but year round.

    Of special interest to me—and probably every other kid in the Fowlerville area—was the bulk candy display at the counter. All manner of treats were visible behind the glass windows. Mom, being a responsible parent, did not indulge our every whim. Still, every now and then, she’d order a bag, making us realize our nagging did bear occasional fruit.

    I remember one gift I got. I think I was ten years old, which made Carol nine and Craig five. When I unwrapped the present from my little brother, it was a red toy tractor. Now at age ten, I’d outgrown a desire to play with toy tractors. In fact, I’d started driving real ones on a limited basis, mainly my grandfather’s Ford Ferguson.

   This tractor was—surprise, surprise—just what Craig wanted for Christmas. Apparently, not sure if Santa would come through, he hedged his bets and bought it for me. Sure enough, before long he asked if he could play with it. Much to his delight, I said, “Why don’t you keep it.”

   I received several memorable presents as a kid—a western fort with a set of soldiers, a toy six shooter complete with a holster and cowboy hat, Lincoln logs, and an erector set. But none of them were more memorable than this red toy tractor. As you’ve just read, it made a lasting impression.

Steve Horton is a mid-Michigan journalist and editor-publisher of the Fowlerville News & Views.