YPSILANTI, Mich., -- The room once smelled sweet like fresh fruit and honey. Displayed were all colors of the rainbow and countless shades of the color wheel collage through out the novelty shop. Collectibles, childhood favorites, and most of all candy were the strong hold of this establishment.
Everything had it’s place at Gordon's Five & Dime. Dozens of fish bowls with lids containing sugary tastes many remember from childhood sit eagerly waiting to be chosen. A blast to the past the candies costing only a penny each were plainly decorated and of no popular 21st century brand. Majority of the morsels found here were of an earlier generation. Parents and grandparents could visit this five and dime and remember the “good ol’ days” when penny candy was all they knew.
The store was once filled with old figurines and candies you couldn’t find at local grocery store carried: Necco Wafers, Sugar Daddy Pops, Abba Zappas and the Sky Bar.
But the vintage candies are no longer available at 23 E. Cross St. in Depot Town. In it’s place is the Nelson Amos Studio. What used to have toys hanging in the windows underneath a white 23 over crimson awning, now displays paintings in frames and photos.
Gordon’s closure about a year ago was unexpected and rather sudden. Two woman who preferred not to give their names were disappointed the store had closed and aimlessly walked the streets of Depot Town convinced they had overlooked it. After realizing Gordon’s was no longer they settled for The Rocket (similar to Gordon's ), which is on Michigan Avenue.
“Small talk and the buzz from other owners around is all we essentially know about one business or another,” Dennis Unyon said. He said they don't necessarily share personal information, but if there were talks of a store being in trouble someone more than likely would hear about it.
Co-owner of Dennis’s Music Sean Robinson said he thought the closure of Gordon's was voluntary. Dennis’s Music has been happily stationed in Depot Town for four years.
“Depot Town is a pride spot of Ypsilanti,” said Robinson, who was born and raised in Washtenaw County and currently a resident. “It would be great to see all the current business owners come together. We aren’t real close, but we are friendly and know each other by face and name. Businesses here on Cross Street really creates a sense of community.”
Business owners tend to keep to themselves while running their businesses. “You may hear we had a good day or bad day, a good month or a bad month," Robinson said. "But right now I don’t think businesses are in the position to take risks. They have to stay conservative and provide excellent customer service all the time, not just because of the economy.” “And that’s why I think the strip is staying alive."
Gordon’s Five & Dime is only one of many stores to leave the historical town, but it will certainly be missed and remembered, but never forgotten.
Nelson Amos Studio which is now in place of Gordon's Five & Dime.
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