Where would we be without the neighbourhood corner store?
Where would my childhood memories be without the corner store? When I was a kid, the one in my neighbourhood was a wonderland – filled with every imaginable food item, homemade baked goods, a butcher counter, and a massive candy display. It was at that candy display that I probably learned my most important math and budgeting skills – how to stretch a handful of coins into a plentiful and long-lasting collection of sweet treats!
And in my various neighbourhoods over the years, the corner store has provided flowers, last-minute birthday cake mix and frosting, and replacement turkey gravy for a failed attempt right before Thanksgiving dinner. It also has been the place for a quick conversation about local news and the weather, told with a smile.
For my next 3-miniature series, I’m featuring some Toronto corner stores that have maintained their historic features after several decades and are still going strong. First up, this colourful convenience store in the east-end Cabbagetown neighbourhood, featuring a whimsical mural by artist Ryan Dineen.
Enjoy this new miniature as I am off to the corner store for a popsicle!
“Parliament & Carleton, Toronto” – purchasing info here
Art We Wonderful by Marion Younan 
I do remember those corner stores … you would be sent to the corner store with a quarter for bread which cost 21 cents and be able to spend the remaining pennies on candy. A whole quarter in candy would put you in a sugar coma. The shop owners were so patient when dealing with little children picking out candy- there is a special place in heaven for them.
You’re so right – I’m sure we drove our store owner crazy, especially when a group of us came in to select penny candy!