A Childhood Obsession with Garbage Pail Kids! (And Why I Never Had Them)

Hey there, fellow nostalgics! Today, I’m taking a little detour from the usual grind. My book, Under the Lifeguard's Watch, is still calling my name and Casper and Soren are really pushing me to get their story just right. And while Saturdays are typically reserved for my beloved Saturday TV memories (hello, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling!), I've got so much on my plate right now that a GLOW post will have to wait for another day. Saturday GLOWcase will be back, I promise!

But today, I just had to talk about something that was a massive part of my childhood wants, a true relic of the 80s that drove some parents absolutely bonkers and kept teachers on a constant hunt for contraband: Garbage Pail Kids. Now, before you start picturing my own childhood collection, let me clarify: I never actually got Garbage Pail Kids as a kid. I knew better than to even ask Mama. Daddy's reaction was a dismissive wave and a pronouncement that they were "stupid" and that baseball cards were a far superior investment. He even started a collection for me, which I mostly ignored, more interested in the cute players than the stats. Daddy eventually took them away from me and continued collecting cards throughout the years. I think Becki still has Daddy's card collection. As for Garbage Pail Kids, much like every other kid showing theirs off, they likely would have been confiscated by my teachers anyway. So, while I didn't own them, their legend definitely loomed large in my late elementary school years.

Do you remember those wonderfully disgusting trading cards and stickers? Man, they were everything to a 10 year old! Released by Topps back in 1985, these bad boys were a hilarious and utterly gross parody of the incredibly popular Cabbage Patch Kids. While Cabbage Patch dolls were all about sweetness and adoption, GPKs were their ugly, booger-picking, eyeball-popping counterparts. And we absolutely loved them!

The creative minds behind these masterpieces were Mark Newgarden and the legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman, among others. The main creative artist, John Pound, truly brought these characters to life with his perfectly grotesque illustrations, and he had a fantastic team helping him out, including talents like Tom Bunk, James Warhola and Jay Lynch.

They were all the rage, and it felt like every kid in the cafeteria and on the playground was trading them and showing off their latest finds. But, as you can imagine, something so delightfully rebellious wasn’t going to fly everywhere. Schools all over started banning them left and right. I remember the constant threat of confiscation; it was like a secret mission just to bring them to school! And then, of course, the inevitable happened: the creator of the Cabbage Patch dolls slapped Topps with a lawsuit. It was a whole big thing, but it honestly just made them even cooler to us kids.

From the iconic Adam Bomb, whose head literally explodes, to the delightfully morbid Ghastly Ashley, there were over 600 cards released across 16 different series. And get this – they were produced in tons of countries, so kids all over the world got to revel in their gross-out glory. What was really neat was that most cards came in two versions, "a" and "b," with the only difference being the name of the character. So, you'd have, say, Nasty Nick and Evil Eddie, both featuring the same awesome artwork. It added another layer to the collecting craze, trying to get both versions of your favorites!

While they had their heyday, GPKs definitely faded from the mainstream for a while. But here’s the cool part: they started making a comeback in 2003 and Topps has even re-released some of the original series for special anniversaries. You can now find them in their "Chrome" edition, released in 2023. And for those of you who held onto our childhood treasures, well, you might be sitting on a goldmine! Recent auctions on eBay have shown just how much some of these can be worth. I saw one Nasty Nick sell for an astonishing $8,049! And his other identity, Evil Eddie, a little behind but still going for an eye popping $2,224. Of course, these are definitely rare cases, but it just goes to show you that if you still have your old Garbage Pail Kids tucked away somewhere, you never know – they just might be worth a pretty penny. It makes me wish I hadn't spent my extra money on tapes, candy and gum!

So, what are your Garbage Pail Kids memories? Did your teachers confiscate them? Did your parents think they were a waste of money? Share your stories in the comments below! And if you enjoy these little trips down memory lane, or if you're just looking for more unique content, consider chipping in a little something to keep this blog going. Every bit helps me dedicate more time to these fun dives and, of course, stay tuned for more updates regarding my progress on getting Under the Lifeguard's Watch out into the world for Casper and Soren!

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Time Capsule 1969: Digging Deep into a Year of Massive Change and Groovy Vibes

Hey everyone, Adrian Duarte here! Let's take a wild ride back to 1969. This wasn't my era either, but I'm absolutely fascinated by it. There's just something about 1969—it feels like a cultural explosion, a year of incredible highs and some heartbreaking lows, all wrapped up in a truly transitional time. So, let's grab our virtual time machines and dive deep into everything that made 1969 unforgettable.

Cost of Living in '69
Okay, first off, can we talk about the cost of living? It's mind-blowing! The average yearly income was $9,433 and minimum wage was just $1.60 per hour. A new home? A "whopping" $27,900. An 18-inch color TV was $288, a Polaroid camera $23.68, Foster Grant sunglasses $1.68 and a postage stamp $0.06. Gas was $0.35 a gallon, a movie ticket $1.42 and a whole pound of Oreo cookies? Only $0.51! Just imagine what you could have bought with that income compared to now.

Popular Books of 1969
The literary scene was incredible. We had "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo, "The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton and "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin. What a lineup! Each of these books left a huge mark on literature and still resonates today.

Billboard Hits That Defined the Year
Oh, the music! The airwaves were filled with "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies, "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" by The 5th Dimension, "I Can't Get Next to You" by The Temptations, "Honky Tonk Women" by The Rolling Stones, "Everyday People" and "Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly & The Family Stone, "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" by Tom Jones. This soundtrack is pure joy and speaks volumes about the era.

Top News That Shook the Nation
Richard M. Nixon was president, with Spiro T. Agnew as vice president. The U.S. population was about 202.7 million and the world population was around 3.6 billion. Tragedy struck when a rocket accidentally detonated on the USS Enterprise in Pearl Harbor, killing 27 and injuring over 300. Golda Meir became Israel's first female prime minister. The horrific Sharon Tate murders by Charles Manson's followers shocked the nation. But there was also triumph! "The Eagle has landed!" Apollo 11 made it to the moon and Neil Armstrong took his first steps, watched by 500 million worldwide. Finally, the Chappaquiddick incident with Ted Kennedy created a huge national scandal.

Pop Culture Moments That Changed Everything
The Beatles gave their last public performance on the roof of Apple Records and released "Abbey Road," a masterpiece. John Lennon and Yoko Ono got married. Woodstock brought half a million people together for a weekend of peace and music. Willie Mays hit his 600th career home run. And let's not forget the premieres of "Scooby-Doo," "The Brady Bunch," and "Sesame Street!" Pop culture was on fire!

Sports Highlights of 1969
The NY Mets won the World Series, the Kansas City Chiefs won the Pro Football title, the Boston Celtics took the NBA Championship and the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup. Rod Laver and Ann Haydon Jones won at Wimbledon, UCLA Bruins won the NCAA Basketball Championship and Texas Longhorns won the NCAA Football Championship. Steve Owens won the Heisman Trophy, George Archer won the PGA Masters, Majestic Prince won the Kentucky Derby and Mario Andretti won the Indy 500.

Top TV Shows
"Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," "The Red Skelton Hour," "Gunsmoke," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "Here's Lucy," "Bonanza," "Mayberry R.F.D.," "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," "Family Affair," and "The Doris Day Show" dominated TV screens. These shows offered a mix of comedy, drama and family entertainment that defined the era.

Oscar Winners of 1969
"Midnight Cowboy" won Best Picture. John Wayne won Best Actor for "True Grit," Maggie Smith won Best Actress for "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," Gig Young won Best Supporting Actor for "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?," and Goldie Hawn won Best Supporting Actress for "Cactus Flower." A star-studded year!

Popular Toys and Cars
Kids loved G.I. Joe, telescopes, Knit-O-Matic, Betsy Wetsy doll, Corgi die-cast vehicles, Wham-O Shrink Machine, Barbie and Lite-Brite. And the cars! Classics like the Chevrolet Chevelle, Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang, Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Camaro and Plymouth Road Runner were cruising the streets.

The Magazine Scene
TV Guide featured "The Mod Squad," Life covered the Apollo 11 mission, Sports Illustrated showcased the World Series and Lew Alcindor, Time delved into the Chappaquiddick incident, Tiger Beat spotlighted Bobby Sherman and Circus magazine featured Frank Zappa. These magazines captured the essence of the era perfectly.

1969 was a whirlwind of events, culture and change. It was a year of contrasts—amazing achievements alongside tragic moments. I've had an incredible time exploring this year with you all. What strikes you most about 1969? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you loved this deep dive and want more explorations into different eras, or if you're feeling generous and want to support my historical adventures, a small contribution would be greatly appreciated—it helps keep this blog going! Stay retro!

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The Fascinating World of 1970: A Retro Journey 6 Years Before I Was Born

I wasn't born yet in 1970, but it was the year my sister Becki was born, and I have always been fascinated by the past. Growing up, I developed a love for all things retro and found myself drawn to the history and culture of eras gone by. 1970, seems to be a remarkable year filled with significant events, unique trends, and unforgettable moments. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore what life was like in 1970, a half a decade before I was born.

The cost of living in 1970 was quite different from today. The median yearly income for all families was $9,867, and the minimum wage was $1.60 per hour. The median cost of a new home was $23,400, and a postage stamp was just $0.06. Gasoline cost $0.36 per gallon, and everyday items like VO5 shampoo (15 oz.) were $0.99, Kleenex (200 ct.) was $0.25, and margarine (1 pound) was $0.39. Pork chops (1 pound) cost $0.79, a movie ticket was $1.55, and an ounce of gold was valued at $37.44.

The year was filled with significant news events. In February, the five-month trial of the Chicago Seven ended with all seven acquitted of criminal conspiracy, though five were found guilty of crossing state lines to incite a riot. In March, New York postal workers went on an eight-day strike, resulting in collective bargaining rights and increased wages. April saw the explosion of an oxygen tank on Apollo 13, leading to a miraculous return to Earth for the crew led by Jim Lovell. Americans celebrated the first Earth Day in April, founded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. President Richard Nixon authorized U.S. troops to cross the border into Cambodia. In July, British soldiers enforced a curfew in Northern Ireland following clashes with the IRA. September witnessed Palestinian militants hijacking planes, triggering the Black September conflict. Finally, in November, Pope Paul VI survived an assassination attempt during his visit to the Philippines.

In 1970, Richard Nixon was the President of the United States, with Spiro Agnew serving as Vice President. The U.S. population was approximately 205.1 million, while the world population was around 3.7 billion.

The Isle of Wight Festival, Europe's answer to Woodstock, took place for the final time until 2002, featuring performances by Jimi Hendrix and other legendary artists. Tragically, Hendrix died of an accidental drug overdose shortly after the festival, followed by Janis Joplin's death the next month. Both were just 27 years old. The Doors' lead singer Jim Morrison faced legal troubles and was sentenced to six months in jail for indecent exposure and profanity during a Miami concert, but he died the following year before serving his sentence.

In sports, umpires went on strike for the first time in Major League Baseball history, and Patricia Palinkas became the first woman to play in a professional football game. The New York Times pioneered its op-ed page, and Simon & Garfunkel released their final studio album, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," before breaking up.

The 1970-1971 TV season featured popular shows like "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Flip Wilson Show," "Here's Lucy," "Ironside," "Gunsmoke," "ABC Movie of the Week," "Hawaii Five-O," "Medical Center," "Bonanza," and "The FBI." Notable series premieres included "All My Children," "McCloud," "The Flip Wilson Show," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Dan August," "Make Room for Granddaddy," "The Odd Couple," and "The Partridge Family."

In 1970, several beloved TV shows came to an end. On March 13, "The Ghost & Mrs. Muir" concluded on ABC, having initially premiered in 1968 on NBC. "Land of the Giants," which also premiered in 1968, aired its final episode on ABC on March 22. "The Flying Nun," a show that began in 1967, wrapped up on April 3 on ABC. The long-running "Petticoat Junction," which debuted in 1963, ended its run on CBS on April 4. "Dragnet 1967," which started in 1967, concluded on NBC on April 16. The adventure series "Daniel Boone," which began in 1964, ended on NBC on May 7. The spy comedy "Get Smart," originally airing on NBC in 1965 before moving to CBS, had its final episode on May 15. Lastly, the magical sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," which also premiered on NBC in 1965, concluded on May 26.

Some of the popular movies of 1970 included "Airport," "Catch-22," "M*A*S*H," "Ryan's Daughter," "Love Story," and "Tora! Tora! Tora!" The Oscar winners for movies released in 1970 included "Patton" for Best Picture, George C. Scott for Best Actor in "Patton" (though he refused the award), Glenda Jackson for Best Actress in "Women in Love," John Mills for Best Supporting Actor in "Ryan's Daughter," Helen Hayes for Best Supporting Actress in "Airport," and Franklin J. Schaffner for Best Director in "Patton."

The Baltimore Orioles won the World Series, while the Baltimore Colts were the Super Bowl V champions (determined in January 1971). The New York Knicks were the NBA champions, and the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup. Other notable sports achievements included Nebraska Cornhuskers winning the NCAA Football Championship, Billy Casper winning The Masters Tournament, and Jim Plunkett receiving the Heisman Trophy.

Some of the top Billboard hits of 1970 included 

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel
"(They Long to Be) Close to You" by The Carpenters
"American Woman/No Sugar Tonight" by The Guess Who
"Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" by B.J. Thomas
"War" by Edwin Starr
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross
"I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5
"Get Ready" by Rare Earth
"Let It Be" by The Beatles.

Popular books of the year included 

"Love Story" by Erich Sega
"The French Lieutenant's Woman" by John Fowles
"The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." by Judy Blume
"Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach
 "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison
"Ringworld" by Larry Niven
"Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl
"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West" by Dee Brown.

Popular toys in 1970 included the Mystery Date game, G.I. Joe, Tonka trucks, Karate Robots, Hoppity Hop, Walkie-talkies, Aurora cars, and Betsy Wetsy dolls. 

Popular cars of the year included the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Mercury Cougar Eliminator, Dodge Charger, Plymouth Barracuda, Pontiac Grand Prix, Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Torino, and Pontiac GTO.

The year 1970 saw the birth of many notable personalities. Skeet Ulrich was born on January 20th, followed by Minnie Driver on January 31st. March brought the births of Julie Bowen on the 3rd, Rachel Weisz on the 7th, and Mariah Carey on the 27th. Queen Latifah arrived on March 18th, and Vince Vaughn on March 28th. May celebrated the births of Will Arnett on the 4th and Tina Fey on the 18th. June welcomed Leah Remini on the 15th and Nick Offerman on the 26th. In August, Anthony Anderson was born on the 15th and Melissa McCarthy on the 26th. October saw the birth of Matt Damon on the 8th, and December welcomed Jennifer Connelly on the 12th.

The year 1970 also saw the passing of several notable figures. Bertrand Russell died on February 2nd, followed by Alfred Newman on February 17th. March brought the deaths of William Hopper on the 6th and Erle Stanley Gardner on the 11th. On April 28th, Ed Begley passed away, and on May 14th, Billie Burke died. June saw the loss of E.M. Forster on the 7th and Abraham Maslow on the 8th. Preston Foster passed away on July 14th. In September, the world lost Vince Lombardi on the 3rd, Jimi Hendrix on the 18th, and Erich Maria Remarque on the 25th. Janis Joplin died on October 4th. Charles de Gaulle passed away on November 9th, followed by Rube Goldberg on December 7th and Sonny Liston on December 30th.

On the Newsstand
Robert Redford lassoes his way to stardom following his turn in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Life, Feb. 6, 1970 
The Ohio National Guard opens fire on student anti-war protesters at Kent State University, killing four. Life, May 15, 1970 
"Masters of Sex" William Masters and Virginia Johnson continue their groundbreaking sexuality studies with the publication of Human Sexual Inadequacy. Time, May 25, 1970 
Fans are quick to blame Yoko Ono for the Beatles' split. Hit Parader, August 1970

Carnival Thrills and Fairground Nostalgia: 1992, the year Reithoffer took over the Pensacola Interstate Fair

Reithoffer's Kroon Dutch Wheel

Back in October 1992, I briefly returned from New York after spending a year hitting up Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Coney Island. To be honest, I was a bit jaded and felt like no fair could compare to those experiences, even though I'd always loved fairs. The buzz around the Pensacola Interstate Fair that year was off the charts, especially with WEAR-3 showcasing Reithoffer Shows rolling into town for the first time. The fair was set to run from October 22 through October 31. My parents had split up, so I was staying with my mom, but my dad came in from Mobile, and we met up with my sister and brother-in-law at the fair. Reithoffer was like a carnival on steroids, with rides and attractions straight out of a dream, some even featured in the film "BIG". As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a sea of bright colors, the irresistible smell of fair food, and the sound of excited screams from the rides. It was sensory overload in the best way possible.

In previous years, Goodings Million Dollar Midways had the contract, claiming 85 rides and attractions, but with Reithoffer, there were over 120. After a closer look, it turned out there were around 45 rides in past years, and with the new contract, there were about 60 rides. The higher numbers included games, food, and other fairgoer interests. The rides are the heart of the fair, with the Kroon Dutch Wheel on one end and the Sky Wheel (aka Double Ferris Wheel) towering over everything on the other end, both offering breathtaking views of the fairgrounds and the city beyond. The lineup was a good mix of kiddie, family, and adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Reithoffer owned most of the rides but also booked some from other carnival companies. Unlike Goodings' lineup, everything on the midway looked well-kept and clean. An old ride that had never appeared at the fair before, the Bayren Kurve, became one of my favorites that year, unfortunately it never made another appearance. Classics like the Enterprise, Sky Diver, Tilt-a-Whirl, Spider, Zipper, Kamikaze, and a similar ride called the Tomahawk were also present. The Tilt-a-Whirl and Spider were regular fixtures, spinning riders in every direction and leaving them dizzy. I learned my lesson the first time I rode them: never again. The Zipper had been a favorite for many years, and I often rode it alone at Coney Island despite the no single rider rule. This one was much more colorful than the Coney Island version.

For those preferring more leisurely rides, there was a carousel with beautifully painted horses, a smaller ferris wheel called the Aristocrat Wheel, a Round Up, and a couple of Gravitrons. Another new ride to the fair that year was the Huss Rainbow, a regular fixture at the Mobile fair and one of my favorites. It’s very rare in the US now, and despite the movement, it was huge, smooth, and didn’t involve restrictive restraints. Reithoffer seemed genuinely proud of their equipment, with almost all rides featuring signage with stats and insights about their origin. This added a special touch, making typical rides on this midway feel unique. Reithoffer showcased a Himalaya from France, a German-built ride called the Raupen Bahn with a canopy that covered the seats, and another German ride called See Sturm Bahn, which had boat-shaped cars that spun on their own during the ride cycle as well as a decorative water feature in the center. Compared to previous years, Reithoffer offered substance and power, with fewer filler attractions like funhouses, dark rides, and mirror mazes, though they did have a few. Game booths lined the paths, offering chances to win giant stuffed animals or quirky prizes. The 4-H animals were a hit with families, allowing kids to get up close and personal with friendly goats, sheep, and even llamas. I noticed fewer freak shows compared to previous years, but there was still one set up at the corner of the midway. I never really took an interest in freak shows, thinking it was rude to stare at people with defects. The food was impossible to resist, with corn dogs, Polish and Italian sausages, carnival pizza, funnel cakes, giant turkey legs, candy apples, and cotton candy. Reithoffer Shows didn't just bring rides and games; they brought a sense of excitement and wonder, creating an atmosphere that was magical and unforgettable. The debut of Reithoffer Shows at the Pensacola Interstate Fair was a game-changer, setting the bar high for future fairs and leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next year's extravaganza. For those who were there, it was an unforgettable experience that left cherished memories and a sense of community. Thirty-one years later, they still hold that contract.

Remembering TG&Y: The Store That Had It All

TG&Y Store Fronts

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, some of my best memories were from when my mom or dad would take my sister and me shopping. One of our favorite places was TG&Y, a beloved variety store. This "five and dime" was a staple in many communities across the United States, catering to people who weren't exactly well-off or just enjoyed an all-in-one shop. It predated the expansion of Wal-Mart and it's only rival at the time seemed to be K-Mart. I've heard it called Toys, Games & Yarn, Turtles, Girdles & Yo-Yos, and other variations because of its diverse departments.

TG&Y was founded in 1935 by Rawdon E. Tomlinson, Enoch L. “Les” Gosselin, and Raymond A. Young, whose initials formed the store’s name. The chain quickly grew, reaching its peak in the 1970s and 1980s with nearly 1,000 stores in 29 states. Known for its slogan, “Your best buy is at TG&Y,” the store aimed to provide a wide range of products at affordable prices. Walking into a TG&Y store was like stepping into a treasure trove of goods. The store was divided into several departments, each offering a unique shopping experience:

Toys: The toy section was a paradise for kids and for kids like me who weren't really taken to toy stores, it was THE toy store. From classic board games to the latest action figures (hello Masters of the Universe), TG&Y had it all. Popular items included yo-yos, dolls, and model kits. My sister spent hours in her preteen years gluing together and painting model cars with Testors glue and paint from TG&Y. Prices were incredibly reasonable, with many toys costing less than a dollar. Towards the end, I racked up on Masters of the Universe action figures because clearance prices were around a dollar.

Yarn and Crafts: For the crafty shopper like my mom, TG&Y’s yarn and crafts department was heaven. You could find a wide variety of yarns in different colors and textures, perfect for knitting and crocheting projects. A skein of yarn typically cost around 50 cents to a dollar. Unfortunately, my mom gravitated to budget-friendly acrylic yarns in orange, brown, mustard, white, and dusty rose that usually felt a little itchy. She enjoyed crocheting, and the prices were right for her, so that's what mattered.

Pets: TG&Y had a pet section where you could buy small pets like goldfish, hamsters, and parakeets. Pet supplies, including food and cages, were also available at budget-friendly prices. I always wanted a hamster, but my cousin Lynda put a nail in the coffin when it came to my mom deciding to get one for me after hers escaped several times. I honestly don't think my mom would have bought one anyway; she wasn't much of an animal person and was good at using other people's examples, no matter if the story happened or not.

Household Goods: From kitchenware to cleaning supplies, TG&Y offered a range of household items. You could find everything from pots and pans to brooms and mops, all at prices that wouldn’t break the bank. My mom's cleaning supply list was definitely fulfilled by TG&Y: Dutch Cleanser, 409, Lemon Joy, and Windex were her go-to products.

Clothing: The clothing department featured affordable fashion for the whole family. Whether you needed a new pair of jeans or a cozy sweater, TG&Y had you covered whether you wanted them or not. What you wore wasn't a big deal during elementary school unless it was dirty or stinky, and by the time I was in middle school, when kids began to worry about impressing others and not wanting to wear cheap clothes, TG&Y was already on the way out and not offering up-to-date clothing.

Hardware: They sold motor oil, tools, pesticides, bug killers, garden implements, and lawnmowers. My dad bought a riding lawnmower from TG&Y, and it worked for years.

Electronics & Records: The electronics section featured various brands and sizes of TVs, as well as different brands of stereos and record players. I don't remember if they carried high-end stuff, but I know they carried lower-priced brands like Soundesign, Emerson, and their own store-branded transistor radios. The record section covered top 40 pop, rock, country, soundtracks, and compilations. They carried records, tapes, and up until the early 80s, 8-tracks. TG&Y also carried 45 records but always seemed to be a week or two behind the new release selection at K-Mart, although they were a dime or so cheaper. I remember when my dad bought me Van Halen's Jump, my first "grown up" 45 at the TG&Y in Schillinger Road in Mobile, Alabama. I played it on my hand me down Emerson Disco 80 record player until the grooves were worn to the point where it sounded like it was being played on a radio station that wasn't quite getting full reception. I was so proud of it and I always looked forward to looking at the records in TG&Y. 

One of the most memorable aspects of TG&Y was its affordability. The store’s philosophy was to "have what people want at a price they can afford to pay," meaning shoppers could find great deals on a wide range of products. For example, a toy might cost 25 cents, a skein of yarn 50 cents, and a goldfish just a few dimes. This made TG&Y a popular destination for families looking to stretch their dollars.

Shopping at TG&Y was more than just a trip to the store; it was an experience. Entering TG&Y involved passing by a kid's merry-go-round and a car ride that took a quarter per ride, a few gumball and candy machines, and a couple of arcade games like Pac-Man and Galaga. The friendly staff, wide variety of products, and unbeatable prices created a welcoming atmosphere that kept customers coming back. Whether you were a child eagerly picking out a new toy or an adult stocking up on household essentials, TG&Y had something for everyone. Some stores had their own lunch counters. One in Mobile, Alabama, had one, and I obsessed over the fruit punch in the JetSpray Beverage Dispenser because something about it looked refreshing. Can't remember what the food was like, but I feel it might have been similar to the K-Mart restaurant or Woolworth lunch counter. The checkout experience was just like all the other stores at the time, with simple cash registers, credit card imprinters with slips, and flat paper bags that sounded super crinkly, which would get folded closed and the receipt stapled to by the cashier.

My last memory of an actual TG&Y, before McCrory's converted them to the short lived concepts of even cheaper dollar store concepts like Dollar Zone, was the Gulf Breeze, Florida location which always had pool and water floats fully inflated and stored just outside the front doors. I always wanted my parents to stop there to buy a float on the way to Pensacola Beach.

Though TG&Y stores have long since closed their doors, the memories of shopping there remain vivid for me. It was a place where my parents could find just about anything they needed while entertaining their kids, all at prices that made you smile. TG&Y may be gone, but its legacy as a beloved variety store lives on in the hearts of those who shopped there. For anyone looking for a similar shopping experience, minus the pets, records, lawnmowers, and crafting sections, the closest thing in modern times would be stores like Roses or perhaps a Walmart that hasn’t been converted to a Supercenter.

Record Stores a re-worked memory

Years ago, I posted a blog regarding my love for record stores. I revisited it and while I feel it's still relevant to my life, I figured I would write a new post about the subject from a fresh perspective.

Sam Goody Store "Goody Got It"

Oh, the golden age of record stores! 🎵 I would do anything to return to the hallowed aisles filled with music—where vinyl sat in upright shelves waiting for someone to flip through, cassette tapes lining the walls and CD long boxes that stood on it's own enticing music lovers to upgrade their collections from analog to digital. Tower Records, Record Bar, Turtles, Coconuts and Peaches—they were more than stores; they were portals to sonic wonderlands.

My memories of the limited-time being able to visit a record store during my mom's infrequent pilgrimages to the mall resonate with me deeply. If I was given a chance to pick out something, the clock ticking, the pressure to choose wisely—it was like a musical scavenger hunt. My sister’s lightning-fast genre coverage is legendary! Metal, rap (or '80s rap, as it was known), pop/rock, she was a musical connoisseur on a mission. And there I was, eyeing the “M” section, hoping for a new gem by Madonna. 🎤💫

Typical Set Up of a 1980's Record Store

The decline of vinyl hit hard, but oh, that snap, crackle, and pop—it was part of the experience. My Emerson dual cassette boombox I received in the 7th grade and Emerson stereo with a turntable and single cassette player I got for Christmas in the 5th grade may have mangled my tunes, but they couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm for music, or creativity and ingenuity when it came to tape splicing and repair 

And let’s talk about the evolution of record stores. From a team of knowledgeable staff to today’s sparse crew, it’s a different landscape. By gone are the days when you could walk into a store and say you are looking for a song that goes something like....blah blah blah...and the sales person knows exactly what you are asking for. Now you have to be specific and even still they will ask “Who’s it by?”—ouch! But fear not, because old-timers like myself and possibly you as well as vinyl freaks can find solace in used record stores, like Fantasyland Records or Media Mania if you happen live in the Atlanta area. 🌟

There’s something irreplaceable about the feel and sound of vinyl. The warmth, the crackle, the tangible connection—it rocks worlds and spins memories. So here’s to the vinyl groove, the hidden gems, and the joy of discovering music in its physical form. 🎶✨

By the way, have you stumbled upon any rare vinyl finds lately? Or perhaps there’s a specific album that still eludes you? Let’s keep the musical conversation going! 🎧😊

Remembering Record Stores

Remember the concept of record stores? It seems most people have forgotten what it's like to flip through vinyl records or stare at walls of cassette tapes and browsing the CD long boxes during the time they were placed near the registers due to their higher value. I love a good record shop...before digital downloads, FYE, amazon and B&N overthrew the market we had Record Bar, Turtles, Peaches, Coconuts and the Mecca...TOWER RECORDS. 

During my younger years, my sister and I were only exposed to the latest hits via WABB 97.5 or a vinyl 45 from TG&Y or K-Mart. Our full length albums were usually whatever was on clearance or those wonderful K-Tel collections jam packed with the shorter than edited radio versions. Once in a while, my mom would drive my sister and I to the mall but our mall visit came with strings attached...LIMITED TIME. My sister would cover the metal and rap (or what they called rap back in the 80s), pop/rock and new releases quicker than anyone I'd ever met. Even before she had an actual job, my sister also always managed to have a little cash to buy a tape. I went for the 12" singles and the M (for Madonna) section of pop/rock and hope my mom would buy something for me before she dragged us down to JC Penny's if we were at University Mall or Montgomery Wards if we were fortunate enough to be at Cordova Mall. Vinyl became obsolete toward the end of my elementary school years but I preferred snap crackle pop over the cheap tape decks and players we had eating or mangling my favorite tunes.

Record stores have definitely changed over the years for sure. There was a time went you walked in and the staff consisted of 5 highly knowledgeable sales people and 2 managers that were just as knowledgeable at any given time, now you are lucky to find 2 sales people anytime and most of the knowledge is of current top 40 or whatever they are performing on American Idol. I walked into FYE a few weeks ago and a generic rap track was blasting from the speakers, I asked the sales guy if they had "Love Never Dies" on CD and he asked "Who it by?" assuming it was just a song. When I worked in music stores I knew what all the new releases were several weeks before their release dates and would've known that it was not a group but a cast recording. Fortunately, there are a few old timers that know they have a corner in the market for vinyl freaks like me. Here in Atlanta, we have Fantasyland Records, the only store that I make sure I'm wearing comfortable shoes to shop. The selection rivals 4 record superstores in the space equal to a mall store. My days are Fantasyland are usually all day affairs. Breakfast at Einstein Brothers, flipping through vinyl, lunch at McDonalds, flipping through more vinyl...Then off to meet Terry and we're on our way home. There really is something special about the feel and sound of vinyl that totally rocks my world and no matter how many CDs I collect, I usually end up with the vinyl version spinning on my turntable if by any chance I can get my hands on it.