In 1968, a proposal at the City Hall was to consider opening a convenience store directly across from the CSDR football field on Maude Street. Dr Brill went to the planning department and lodged a protest. He argued that the proposed store is too close to the school, where high school students might buy cigarettes and girlie magazines. Although Dr Brill was a fiery orator, his words fell on deaf ears. The store soon proved to be a busy stopover for a quick purchase at all hours.
The brand-new Circle K store opened for business in 1968 for the neighborhood and CSDR people. A cut was made on the chain link fence for a new gate, allowing entrance and exit 24/7. Currently, the gate is now locked at all times.
I remember that in 1970, 6th and 7th grade boys and I had a weekly allowance of 35 cents. We walked in a procession from Lassen II to Circle K for snacks once a week. Only five boys could enter the store at a time while 25 boys waited outside. Each time a boy came out, the next boy in line entered. I bought a glass bottle of soda pop for 25 cents and a candy bar for 10 cents. This is a fond memory for many.
In the 1970s, I remember the store being always clean and organized. In 1994, I returned to CSDR 18 years later to work as a teacher. I was shocked that the store interior was not as clean and somewhat deteriorated.
After 33 years of operation, in 2001, the Circle K store was sold to a new and independent owner. The store was renamed JK Market, separate from Circle K. An internet search on the store indicates they have an annual revenue of $500,000 to $1 million and employ a few clerks to run the store from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm. The customers say the clerks are friendly. They take pride in a newly paved parking lot with the chain link fence on the unused dirt on the side, better than what I saw in the 1990s.
I'm sorry, Dr Brill, but we are glad the convenience store has been a good neighbor and an asset to the neighborhood and school community for over 50 years.
Kevin Struxness, ‘76, MA
Editor, CSDR Old Times
17 October 2024
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