Page 156 - lake-city-florida-a-sesquicentennial-tribute-(h-morris-williams-kevin-mccarthy)-2009

Lake City, Florida: A Sesquicentennial Tribute (2009) H. Morris Williams, Dr. Kevin M. McCarthy

McCrory’s five-and-ten-cents store

The local McCrory’s five-and-ten-
cents store was a downtown fixture from the
1930s to the 1960s. Located at 328 North
Marion Street, the store had a rulebook (see
picture to the right) with 40 rules that each
saleslady was expected to study thoroughly and
follow strictly. While most of the rules would
apply today, there are two exceptions. First,
McCrory’s hired only salesladies, no men,
except as store managers. Second,
“Salesladies, do not make change for any bill
larger than $5. If a bill is larger than $5, call a
floor person who will secure change for you.”
$5 was a lot of money in 1930 during the Great Depression.

Corporation founder and president J.G. McCrorey knew
how to save money. He dropped the letter “e” from his own name so
he could save money by not paying the cost of the extra letter on store
signs! McCrory’s was a fun place to shop. The prices were affordable
and the food counter was like a magnet to youngsters. Store employees
were always polite and helpful, even though the store could not pay
them much in lean economic times. Betty Williams Stoltze and
Bonnie Edenfield Joiner, two Lake City ladies, remember working
regularly at McCrory’s and never made as much as $3—PER DAY!
Yet, they were thankful just to have a job. Back then, the McCrory’s
block was filled with solid businesses that anchored part of downtown
Lake City, for example the State Exchange Bank, The Lovely Shop,

The Diana Shop, Bohrman’s dry goods store, and either the Wilson
or Gregory Hotel. None of those businesses exist today, but all served
our town well during their existence.

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