Remember Penny Candy?
Remember Penny Candy?
This is a space for quiet reflection and shared experiences
June 11, 2026
Dear Friend:
One of the treats from my childhood was going to the corner store. Mom would give us a dime to buy penny candy. Remember when candy cost a penny? Even the walk to the store was an adventure. It was a little bit of independence. I would walk along and dream about what my life might look like when I become an adult. I would be greeted by adults and children along the way and we would stop and chat. We would pass by the local fire department. Sometimes the firemen would be sitting out in front and would wave at people passing by.
I remember walking along with anticipation hearing the bell over the door and the great smells when you walked inside. Then I was standing at the counter. The penny candy was sitting in a glass case next to the register. Not a computer, an actual cash register. My sisters would make me go last to pick my candy because I always had a hard time deciding. With great anticipation I listened to my siblings order and deliberated over what they choose. The choices were many including Root Beer Barrels, Tootsie Rolls, Bubble gum, Taffy, Swedish Fish and my favorite Red Hot Dollars. It was finally my turn. Ten pieces of candy what could be so hard? I wanted to get it right. The owner of the store Charlie was so patient. I still remember the sound of each candy hitting the bottom of the small brown paper bag. Then there was the walk home. We were only allowed to eat one piece of candy on the way home so we did not spoil our lunch or dinner. Yet another decision.
In my neighborhood there were a few corner stores. Charlies corner store was our favorite. The store owner’s name was of course Charlie and he insisted that all the children call him by his first name despite what our parents taught us about addressing adults. He was an older man with a ton of patience. The store was a very welcoming place for children and adults. The adults would stand at the counter and talk to Charlie about all kinds of subjects. Charlie had two store keeps, teenage boys working at the store after school and on Saturday. Stores were not open on Sundays back then. One of the girls from my school met her first boyfriend at Charlie’s store. Yet another girl from my school met her husband at Charlie’s store.
Looking back now, I realize Charlie's store was never really about the candy.
It was about the people.
The neighbors who stopped to talk.
The firefighters who waved as we passed.
The children deciding how to spend a dime.
The patient store owner who always had time for one more question while a little girl tried to decide which candy to choose.
Places like Charlie's store helped build a sense of community. They reminded us that life wasn't meant to be rushed and that taking a few minutes to talk with someone mattered.
Sometimes the people who shape our lives aren't famous or important. They're simply the people who show us kindness, make us feel welcome, and teach us what community looks like.
Who do you remember from your childhood that made a difference in your life?
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, a blog dedicated to honest conversations about life in later years. She writes about everyday challenges, meaningful decisions, and the importance of staying connected.