Tag Archives: Laurel Shopping Center

Jan 24 2012
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Artifacts, Directories, Stores

Laurel Centre Mall: 1986

For several weeks, I tried to track down any copies of vintage Laurel Centre Mall and/or Laurel Shopping Center directories, in hopes of documenting exactly which stores inhabited the spaces throughout the years. There’d been nothing of the sort online; and attempts to get any information from Laurel city officials, as well as current property managers, was like pulling teeth. Maybe worse—at least something is actually accomplished by pulling teeth, but I digress.

I suddenly had an epiphany. The Laurel Library, where I’d worked throughout high school and college as a clerical aide, might have something. I remembered an obscure publication that the Laurel Area Chamber of Commerce used to publish annually (I’m not sure if they still do, as my messages weren’t returned. Like pulling teeth, remember?)—a Community Guide, rich with contemporary ads and phone numbers of local merchants. As I haven’t lived in Laurel for quite some time now, I hadn’t been back to the library in probably a decade or more. This was worth the trip.

Sure enough, they did indeed still have a number of old Laurel Community Guides—dating all the way back to the late 1970s. I eagerly photographed hundreds of pages, before finally hitting the jackpot. There, on the inside cover spread of the 1986 edition was what I’d been looking for—a complete directory of both Laurel Centre and Laurel Shopping Center. Not only a listing of the stores and their phone numbers, as had been in several of the other guides, but an architectural key as well.

Finally, I could begin to definitively show where each store had once been located. And of all the years to start with, 1986 was perfect—because it was exactly “The Mall” as I remembered it most, walking daily to open lunch as a freshman at Laurel High School. As I pored over the listings, there were a number of places I didn’t remember, however. Sofro Fabrics? What was that? Playland Toys? I only recalled Kay-Bee.

Likewise, there were a number of apparent typos—some shops were listed twice with different numbers; some numbers (like “189”) appear in the directory twice, while others (like “15”) are mysteriously absent altogether. Some shops were split into two, resulting in “A” and “B” suffixes. However, some stores have been assigned an “A” without having been split at all.

And then there are the phone numbers. Of course, you’ll notice that there were no area codes listed in 1986—but suffice it to say, these were all area code 301. I doubt very seriously if the phone number of Pic ‘N Pay Shoes really was “000-0000”, but that’s what was printed in the directory. With all due respect, I wonder if perhaps whomever originally designed these pages may have spent a bit too much time at Astor Home Liquors (#131 on your directory).

Because of the small size and poor quality of the printed directory, I decided to redraw the entire thing—flaws and all. You can click on the top image to see a larger version, or download the full-sized PDF below, and explore 1986’s Laurel Mall to your heart’s content. I’m sure you’ll find your way.

Download the full-sized PDF:

LAUREL-MALL-DIRECTORY-1986_33X33

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Jan 15 2012
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Architecture, Artifacts, Photos, Stores

Fotomat

Photo: John Floyd II

This 1973 photo of Laurel Shopping Center shows a Maryland State Police medivac helicopter on the scene near what was at the time the Hecht Co. parking lot. In the distance is the iconic Giant Food sign (which still stands), and the massive movie screen from Wineland’s Drive-In (which closed in 1984). But if you look closely, you’ll spot another familiar building—albeit a tiny one. Here’s another hint: its yellow roof almost matches the helicopter.

Yes, despite the flurry of police and medical activity in the picture, we’re going to focus instead on that tiny little building that sits just below the Giant Food sign. The Fotomat.

Laurel had two Fotomats that I can recall: this one in Laurel Shopping Center, and another in Montpelier Shopping Center. Fotomat buildings (if you can call the tiny structures “buildings”) were nearly identical across the country; a trait that was brilliantly incorporated into their brand. I was always rather fond of those buildings, and to a child, it somehow seemed a bit more exciting to drop our film off there for processing… as opposed to the dreary pharmacy counter at the back of the Dart Drug. The concept of a drive-thru photo place—which also sold film, batteries, and other camera needs—still seems awesome. But even as a kid, I imagined that working at a Fotomat must have been a special kind of hell—especially during the sweltering Maryland summers.

Fotomat was a pioneer in rush-processing, and became massively popular by offering one-day turnaround, which had previously seemed unheard of. Unfortunately, by the mid-1980s, the competition had caught up and passed them by—with one-hour turnaround. Soon thereafter, abandoned Fotomats could be spotted more often than operational ones. Some were briefly turned into mini ice cream stands, coffee shops, locksmiths, and who knows what else—but most were simply left to wither away.

Photo: Wikipedia

Photo: Roadsidenut (WordPress.com)

Photo: muledriver (Flickr)

Still, whenever I look at photos of Laurel from the early 80s, I often wonder about where they might have been processed. Undoubtedly, many of them came from Fotomat—maybe even this one.

Photo: gatsbyiris (Flickr)

Photo: Christian Montone (Flickr)

Photo: photoslipdesigns.blogspot.com

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Jan 13 2012
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Artifacts, Stores

Laurel Shopping Center, 1977

One year later, in 1977, the Laurel Shopping Center’s phone directory added another four listings (bringing the total to 88, while still touting “90 stores to serve you!”) And evidently, still no one noticed that misspelling of Montgomery Ward at the top. Hmm…

The most notable addition has to be that of Hair House, with their catchy phone number: 498-HAIR. It’s part of Bart’s Barber Shop, and is still in business today—with the same number.

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Jan 12 2012
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Artifacts, Stores

Laurel Shopping Center, 1976

If you lived in Laurel in 1976, chances are, you probably had to call one of the stores at Laurel Shopping Center at some point. Maybe to check what times Rocky was playing at the Cinema; or perhaps to see if Suburban Music had that new Bee Gees record in stock yet. And to do that, you probably referred to your standard Laurel yellow pages, or the annual Laurel Community Guide distributed by the Laurel Area Chamber of Commerce. Within either of those publications, you would have found this handy phone directory—which included an alphabetical listing of all “90 stores to serve you!” in the Laurel Shopping Center. (You probably never noticed that there were only 84 listed, but I digress).

You probably did notice, however, that the busy typesetter misspelled Montgomery Ward in the masthead banner. And you may also have wondered what the difference was between “Dentist Office” and “Dentist’s Office”, but again I digress.

Glancing at this list over 35 years later, you’re probably most surprised now at how archaic these once-common phone numbers suddenly look… without an area code.

At the time, everything in Maryland was area code 301—and more importantly, you never had to dial it for local calls. Seeing a phone number in print without an area code today looks almost as antiquated as those old telephone exchange names from the 1940s.

This was the heart of Laurel retail at the time, and it would be another three years before Laurel Centre Mall even came along. There are some unforgettable names on this list, and some that have have probably faded from memory over the years. And incredibly, there are a few that are actually still in business there to this day. How many do you recognize?

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Jan 11 2012
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Architecture, Photos, Signs

Signs of the Times: Disappearing Neon of Route 1

Route 1 has seen a change or two over the past century, hasn’t it?

The black and white photos above are from the Laurel, Maryland Centennial Souvenir Historical Booklet (1970), and show what—for most of us who grew up in Laurel in the last quarter of the 20th century—is a very familiar scene from 1970. However, the current street view is almost as unrecognizable as the sparse 1907 tableau.

There probably isn’t another stretch of road in Laurel that was more densely populated with over-sized neon signage than this particular corridor; and slowly but surely, they’re disappearing from the landscape. A savvy photographer (with the right telephoto lens) might have been able to capture quite a few of them in a single shot from the right vantage point. At one time—within less than half a mile from each other—one could see not only the Tastee-Freez/Big T and Texaco signs shown above—but those of Arby’s, Giant, and the Laurel Cinema marquee.

Photo: Maryland Route 5 (Flickr)

Photo: Maryland Route 5 (Flickr)

photo: apricotX (Flickr)

The Arby’s and Giant signs are still fully functional, and both are fortunately still open for business. While the Laurel Cinema marquee is technically still standing, it’s in poor shape—and with the movie theater officially closed (again), it’s probably only a matter of time before the old sign is finally torn down.

One interesting detail I noticed in the 1970 shot is the wording of “Big Tee Burgers”. At some point after, it had been skillfully modified to read “Big T Family Restaurant”, as it remained until its ultimate demise.

Photo: stgermh (Flickr)

Another reader noted that the road doesn’t appear to have been widened much over the years, either. Apparently, somebody reasoned that if it was big enough for all those neon giants, it’d be big enough for whatever vehicular traffic might pass through.

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Jan 08 2012
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Artifacts, Restaurants

Laurel’s Pizzas Past: Pappy’s

I have to say, really good pizza was abundant in Laurel throughout the 1970s and 80s. Delaney’s/Irish Pub, Pal Jack’s, Village Inn… even Pizza Movers wasn’t bad. (And hey, they delivered!) We’ll explore each of them in time, but let’s start with one of the earliest departures—a place that countless kids who grew up in Laurel retained countless memories of birthday parties, balloons, styrofoam party hats, and yes… really good pizza. This was Pappy’s—alternately known as Pappy’s Family Pub.

Pappy’s was located directly across from the Laurel Shopping Center, in the building currently occupied as of this writing by a Wells Fargo bank. (Yawn).

As many have fondly recollected, an additional treat at Pappy’s was the fact that one actually had a very good view of whatever happened to be playing on the big screen at Wineland’s Drive-In theatre, which was situated literally just behind the restaurant. For a kid, particularly, getting a free peek at an outdoor movie playing on a massive screen from the cozy confines of a pizza parlor only added to the mystique.

And there were some unique features within those cozy confines, as you might recall. Some of our Facebook friends have pointed out their favorite memories—including the player piano, the unique kitchen window that allowed customers to watch the pizza-making magic, the balloons with “feet”, allowing them to stand on the tabletops, funhouse-style “fat and skinny” mirrors, and those styrofoam Pappy’s hats.

Believe it or not, there is a Pappy’s still in business in Johnstown, PA. And from what I can tell, it’s got quite a bit of that familiar charm that Laurel’s Pappy’s once had. Minus the drive-in movie screen, of course. But they do have the player piano, the pizza-viewing window, the funhouse mirrors, and some of that familiar signage:

Photo: Josh L. (Yelp.com) 

Photo: Josh L. (Yelp.com)

Photo: Josh L. (Yelp.com)

I’ve come across a few other Pappy’s artifacts from the Laurel location, including coupons and newspaper ads:

And while perusing another popular Laurel nostalgia Facebook group, I came across the following unique Pappy’s photos:

Photo: Bradley Frederick Holmes, via facebook.com/groups/147258845411/photos/

Pappy’s staffmembers (Photo: Bradley Frederick Holmes, via facebook.com/groups/147258845411/photos/)

Another great shot of Pappy’s staffmembers (Photo: Bradley Frederick Holmes, via facebook.com/groups/147258845411/photos/)

An original birthday mask from the Laurel Pappy’s! (Photo: Bruce Brandon, via facebook.com/groups/147258845411/photos/)

Pappy’s was indeed a fun and happy experience for nearly everyone who had the chance to enjoy it. It also benefited from a strategic location, being directly across from the Laurel Shopping Center exit. That’s my perception, at least—as I know from experience that I’d vehemently crave pizza as soon as my parents would reach that traffic signal. It’s probably safe to assume that the current Wells Fargo doesn’t possess that same enticing Pappy’s charm and mystique. But then again, could anything?

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Jan 05 2012
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Uncategorized

Laurel’s Lost Movie Theaters

Growing up in Laurel throughout the 70s and 80s, there was never a shortage of places to catch the latest films.

I lived at Steward Manor for most of this period, and while my parents and I did occasionally venture out to Greenbelt and New Carrollton, it was rare. Because right at home, technically within walking distance, were three theaters: Laurel Twin Cinema, tucked away in the northwest corner of Laurel Shopping Center; Laurel Town Center, at the corner of Rt. 197 and Contee Rd.; and arguably best of all, a drive-in—Wineland’s Laurel Drive-In on Rt. 1, directly across from the Shopping Center and mall.

While the drive-in unfortunately shut down not long after I had the unique chance to watch E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial there (Wineland’s closed in October, 1984), Laurel made up for it the following year with the addition of its biggest theater yet, the brand new Laurel Lakes Cinemas 8—a venue that would eventually expand to 12 theaters (Hoyt’s Laurel Lakes 12).

There were some changes over the years, particularly with Laurel Town Center. The 700-seat twin theaters (where I’m not the least bit ashamed to admit having watched Rocky III half a dozen times when it came out—it was that awesome) were acquired by Paul Sanchez—”a local moviehouse operator (who) made great gains in attracting crowds to his growing empire with a maverick 99-cent admission policy.” (Film Talk by Jeffrey Yorke; The Washington Post; Dec 19, 1986; WK37.) In the late 80s and early 90s, Laurel Town Center became known as the place to watch movies for 99 cents—the only catch being that the movies weren’t brand new releases, but rather, films that had been out for several weeks. But hey—99 cents! I’m also not ashamed to admit that I saw Roadhouse there at least twice during that period, but I digress.

Yes, Laurel had the movie market pretty well covered, back in the day.

But incredibly, not a single one of these movie houses survives as a functioning theater today. Ironically, the newest of them—the massive Hoyt’s Laurel Lakes 12—barely lasted 15 years. The entire Laurel Lakes Centre was bulldozed in favor of the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center that occupies the space today.

I’m trying to contact various property managers to inquire about any possible photos of Laurel’s old theaters in their heyday; likewise, if you have any snapshots you’d be willing to scan and share, kindly let me know; or post them on the Lost Laurel Facebook page.

In the meantime, here’s a quick look at some movie memories, Laurel-style.

photo: apricotX (Flickr)

Despite the dysfunctional selections on the marquee, the 2007 photo above does a great job of capturing the essence of the iconic Laurel Twin Cinema sign. This was taken during a brief reopening, but the theater closed once again shortly thereafter. The marquee, which still stands at the entrance to the Shopping Center, has lost its “CINEMA” neon, and the rusting hulk is likely on borrowed time. When I stopped by and snapped the photo below just before Christmas 2011, it was advertising the new L.A. Fitness center (albeit in a rather dyslexic manner) currently being built in the former Hecht Co. building nearby.

Especially at night, this sign was typically the first and last thing you’d see when passing by Laurel Shopping Center. For some reason, I’ll always picture it with The Breakfast Club on the marquee… probably because that’s where I first saw it, and I’ve loved it ever since.

If you click on the fascinating photo below from 1975 (and look beyond the spectacle of the parachutist landing not far from where Gov. George Wallace was shot just three years earlier) you’ll get a glimpse of the theater itself off in the distance. If I had to guess, I’d bet that Dog Day Afternoon and The Apple Dumpling Gang were playing at the time. Laurel was always pretty good about ensuring film fare for both adults and kids.

photo: Capt. John Floyd

 

A Laurel Leader front page from 1984

Speaking of iconic signs and iconic movies, here are some rare shots of Wineland’s Laurel Drive-In, where I (and apparently every other kid in Laurel) saw E.T. for the very first time. According to sources, the drive-in had a capacity for a staggering 800 cars, and a 250-seat patio viewing area for walk-in customers. It was also it cost a whopping $650,000 to build, including a 10,000 square-foot concession/projection building. The drive-in originally offered motorized golf carts (the “special shuttle service” described on the opening night advert below) to transport walk-ins to their patio seats. (driveins.org)

photo: drive-ins.com

Opening night ad for Wineland's Laurel Drive-In, June 16, 1966. (photo: driveins.org)

photo: Washington Post, July 1977 (drive-ins.com)

Box office at Wineland's Laurel Drive-In, 1966 (photo: drive-ins.com)

The photo below shows the empty drive-in grounds in October 1984, shortly after it closed down. As some have remembered, there was indeed a small playground directly below the screen—you can see it in this stunning shot.

photo: Ed Bunyan. © 1984 The Laurel Leader (driveins.org)

I actually only went to the drive-in for that one movie; probably because it was a double-feature, and my parents were wary of ever getting stuck in the car for that long again. Strangely enough, however, I have an equally strong memory of the back of the drive-in screen. It was a common vantage point from my Steward Manor neighborhood, as my friend Jeanette’s photo from her apartment in the early 80s clearly reflects.

photo: Jeanette Blume-Straley

Others have fondly recalled watching movies (sans sound) from the vantage points of the Laurel Centre Mall upper-level parking garage, Burger King, and Pappy’s, all of which provided an unimpeded view of whatever happened to be playing that particular night.

Below is an aerial comparison (which I highly recommend exploring for yourself at historicaerials.com) showing the drive-in complex as it appeared in 1980, and in 2006 (which is essentially how it remains today).

It’s safe to say that I might never have the chance to watch another movie in Laurel, even if the plans for this new Laurel Town Centre (or whatever they’re ultimately calling the new shopping center that’s scheduled to replace the old Laurel Mall) do include the state-of-the-art theater that’s promised. Regardless, I’ll always associate memorable films with Laurel. My very first movie date was at Laurel Lakes Cinemas. The last movie I saw in Laurel was there, as well—Twister, in 1996, with my future wife.

It’s kind of fitting, Twister being the last film. Every one of those theaters have been swept right away…

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Oct 25 2011
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Architecture, Artifacts, Stores

What the Hecht’s?!

And speaking of Hecht’s, here’s a great find from The Department Store Museum: an architectural rendering of the actual 84,000 square-foot Hecht Co. building at Laurel Shopping Center!

Also, one of our Facebook friends submitted a Polaroid photo taken as construction was nearly finished:

Photo: Tom Baker

The building was originally designed specifically for Hecht’s, and was one of only 11 branch stores in the Washington, DC area. Hecht’s relocated with the advent of Laurel Centre Mall, where it would become one of the anchor stores for more than a decade (ultimately becoming Macy’s—which is surprisingly still open in what’s left of the mall). Meanwhile, the original building at Baltimore Ave & Montrose St. would go on to see new life as Jamesway and Toys R Us, among other things.

As of this writing, it’s sadly being gutted… and turned into an L.A. Fitness center.

Logo, 1960s–70s

Logo, 1980s–2000s

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Oct 24 2011
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Photos, Stores

Air Show: Laurel Shopping Center, 1975

Can you imagine an air show being performed at Laurel Shopping Center? It actually happened in 1975, and by the looks of these fantastic shots by John Floyd II, the show was a big success—both in crowd turnout and the perfect landing by the Firestone Precision Parachute Team.

The Giant Food sign—which is still in use today—does look a bit younger in this  photo, yet surreal beneath the overflying trio of red biplanes.

In the images below, we get a glimpse of The Hecht Co. (the original building and signage), Laurel Cinema, and Equitable Trust bank.


(Photos: John Floyd II)
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