The first train ride I remember was at the age of 4. My dad lifted me onto the step and followed me aboard. I 
remember the train being high, the smell of the engines, and how fast it was moving. It would be one of many trips from Chicago to the suburbs in my lifetime.
The next image I recall was stopping in Brookfield, Il. The sound of the horn could be heard as we entered town. The brakes stopped us so abruptly. The train squealing on the tracks was high pitched. I felt small and looking back, I was little in comparison to the high seats and the big engine.
The train stopped in front of Prince Castle. We lived in Brookfield for the next 10 years and frequented that site for purple, orange, and lime sherbet cones. They were square scoops of color that make for a wonderful memory of Saturday evenings with the family.
As a small business owner I think of that town often and the street of stores. We walked to our new house that was a mile away. The corner drug store had a soda counter and became a place we would stop at for a small bite. My brother would buy me their delicious version of a Black Cow, a root beer float. The stools were high and it was a first for me to sit at a counter. Of course, my feet dangled. It was years before they’d touch the step beneath.
The local department store was named after a local family. Here we’d come to buy our underwear, towels, and cotton handkerchiefs for Dad. The store had creaky wooden floors and big black and gold cash registers for the cash. Receipts were hand written and there were carbon copies. No doubt all the bookkeeping was hand written in journals too. Families often named their businesses after themselves and the succession planning was a given for the children.
People working were always dressed up and greeted the customers as they entered. It had a personal and welcoming touch. Everything was in labeled boxes on the shelves or layered on wooden tables with large side drawers for storage. End of the season sales were enticing, even to the smallest consumers. Colorful hats were displayed on wooden model heads with painted on expressions. Stunning!
Then there were hosiery stores that were tiny in size with glass display windows. Inside you’d see stacks of flat colorful little boxes. Sizes and styles were listed on the sides. I still have one of these boxes in my sewing room! They also sold women’s scarves there. Most of the nylons had seams in those days and came in shades of taupe or black.
One year in an icy snowstorm, I walked with my mom to the dime store. We bought plastic molded ornaments and a few gifts like felt slippers and plastic model kits for Christmas . Walking was our means of getting around town since my mother did not drive. Dad used the train in emergency, but usually had an old used beater to travel to the Stock Yards Post Office everyday. He worked there for 30 years before retiring.
A lawyer and CPA had offices above the other stores. Very impressive gold lettering on the doors stood out. The steep climb up the stairs was a workout whenever I followed my parents up to the next floor. No elevators existed back then that I ever saw. Many of the buildings had the second floors and often apartments were up there for the owners of the businesses.
On the one corner was a large red brick building that housed a “back doctor” and dentist. I am not sure there were other doctors there, but we used that dentist and my dad that Chiropractor on several occasions.
Today’s businesses are so different. Physically, buildings are one floor or have elevators. Sales people are behind cash registers and often not as personal. One has a rushed feeling whether it’s in doctors offices, a grocery store, or department store. Credit cards have replaced purchasing items on time, by installment or on layaway.
So what can be learned from this by business owners now-a-days?
1-We might be more considerate of our clients, patients, or customers by welcoming them and not keep them waiting. 2- Try not to rush the people. 3-Recognize each person likes unique issues and solutions will be different too. It’s not a one size fits all approach. 4- While receipts may be printed out, it still works for me to give them hand written receipts with dates and times filled in by pen. A carbon less copy insures I don’t double book patients; we both have a receipt with days and times as well. 5- Cleanliness meant a lot in the past and continues to be important now. Keeping reception areas neat and clean say a lot about what we want for our customers. 6- Cash may be seldom often used these days, but options to accept credit cards, insurance plans, and checks may make payment easier.
Every generation sees advancements, but we can learn from our past and hold onto the value of honesty and integrity for those who use our services. We can help make a pleasure and not a frustrating experience.