Ambridge parade, west side 500 block Merchant

Before I started doing research on Ambridge history, I didn't realize how often businesses moved from one Ambridge building to another. I have learned that while I may remember or find a business' address at one location, it may have been in other buildings too. If you check my Ambridge List of Lists page, you'll see two or more addresses for a number of businesses.

Another thing I've learned: Ambridge loved parades and held them frequently, including some huge ones, which amazes me knowing how much effort holding just one small-town parade a year takes. Holidays, the start of the Christmas shopping season, the summer playground program, savings bond and united fund promotions, Nationality Days, the start of Little League baseball season, the Soapbox Derby, and sports team victories--Ambridge held parades for them all and more.

In October 1938, Ambridge held a mile-long parade to celebrate the competition of street lighting on Merchant Street and Beaver Road and the resurfacing of Duss Avenue from 14th Street to Baden. The Daily Times reported that officials estimated 25,000 - 40,000 attended the parade (that's a wide spread, but either way, it was a lot of spectators).

The photos below show examples of both Ambridge traditions: businesses that moved and a parade. The photos are from the collection of the late Lillian Turney.

I don't know why or when this parade was held. On the date, I'm guessing 1940s. If you know more about this parade, please leave a comment.

Parade
500 block of Merchant Street
circa 1940s?
photo courtesy of Lillian Turney
used with permission

The above photo shows the Ambridge Fire Department and stores on the west side of the 500 block of Merchant: Kinney Shoes, 545 Merchant Street; Thrift Apparel, 549 Merchant; Fashion Hosiery, 551 Merchant; Timney Electric Company, 553 Merchant; and Novice's Shoes, 555 Merchant.

Many of us probably remember Timney's later, large appliance and furniture store at 612 Merchant Street. That building was recently razed and replaced by a new Dollar General store.

Thrift Apparel also had a second address, 410 Merchant, but I'm not sure yet about whether the 549 location was earlier or later. Later, Tamers Feminine Fashion and Health City were at 549.

The building with Novice's Shoes, 555 Merchant, was later Book's Shoes and Terner's Men's Wear. Both of those businesses moved to 555 from other locations.

Parade

500 block of Merchant Street

circa 1940s?

photo courtesy of Lillian Turney

used with permission

The above photo shows the same stores as the previous one with the addition of Rand's Deep Cut Rate Drugs, 559 Merchant Street. Later, Herman's Bakery moved there. A number of businesses were in that building before Rand's, possibly including the Colonial and Majestic theaters.

Parade

500 block of Merchant Street

circa 1940s?

photo courtesy of Lillian Turney

used with permission

Parade

500 block of Merchant Street

circa 1940s?

photo courtesy of Lillian Turney

used with permission

The above photo shows an Ambridge Fire Department truck in front of the G.C. Murphy store that was at 561 Merchant Street. The last time I was in Ambridge the building was vacant.