Thread: science goodies at dept. stores 60's

Hey guys, I'm a fourty six year old, and I was just sitting, thinking fondly about when I was a kid, how I would go to Mervyn's department store to look at the cabinet full of science stuff. It had a picture on the front of the two sliding doors with all the contents. It had test tubes,slides, litmus paper, chemicals, even bunsen burners, and microscopes in it. Not to mention the dead frogs. I dont remember the companys name, but I do remember the fold out paper with the price list and inventory on it. I used to day dream for hours looking, and wishing for what I might accuire. Does this ring a bell for any of you guys? As near as I can remember the cabinet was about five feet tall, and maby four or five feet wide, and two feet deep, or so. That was a great time growing up in Ca. in the 60's, playing with that stuff, and J.I.Joes, Green army men, and my trusty Daisy BB gun that held a ton of BB's, lever action of corse. Thanks for the memories. What can you guys add? Tim

I'll be 36 in October. We did not, and still do not have Mervyn's. We had TG&Y Family Centers, OTASCO, and one other place I can't recall but seems like it started with a W. While GI Joe's were a little before my time, I distinctly remember little green army men and that trusty Daisy lever-action BB gun. My little brother's (33 in October) big deal was Hot Wheels & electric racetrack sets.

Tim:
I'm about your age, and I remember all the truly nifty lab stuff that company had. They had at least three or four different chemistry sets you could buy, varying in complexity from neophyte to mad scientist. Of course you could also buy reagents from them too. I seem to remember that the magnesium ribbon was one of the more expensive (and fun!).





Wayne

magnesium ribbon was one of the more expensive (and fun!).



Burn Baby Burn!!!

Oh yes, I remember. I'm 46 too, and used to have a pretty good chemistry set. I really wanted some of that fancy glass I used to see in that damn cabinet so I could save the world.

Originally Posted by bbqncigars

Tim:
I seem to remember that the magnesium ribbon was one of the more expensive (and fun!).

Wayne

I loved the magnesium ribbon. In high school I ripped off a roll from my science class and took it with me to a Blue Oyster Cult concert. While most people were flashing thier Bic lighters in appreciation to Don't Fear The Reaper, I lit my magnesium ribbon and lit up the whole section. Of course the Fire Marshal confiscated my stuff.

I wanted to be a scientist when I was a kid and spent alot of time looking at those same cabinets. How I ended up a Broadcast Designer I'll never know. I'd love to have a collection of those creepy looking jars with the fetal pigs and other disection specimens.

I'm 51 and in NYC we had small local toy stores where I grew up. Places where you knew the owner and he knew you when you came in. I remember the chemistry sets too, I remenber getting the beginner set I seem too remember losing it after destroying my sisters doll with it. Oh well the joys of being a big brother.

It wasn't "Gilbert" was it?

I'm also 51 and spent a lot of my childhood on Long Island, Remember the Sandy Becker Show? Didn't they give away a lot of those Remco Toys each day, kinda like a shopping spree thing? I wanted so bad to get on that show!

Then I moved down here and became very well aquainted with TG&Y and OTASCO!

How I miss the old days.....

The company you are thinking of is "Perfect Parts Co." right here in Baltimore. They made that disply with all the science goodies, chemicals, slides, lab glassware, etc...... Their stuff is still found in hobby shops around here and online. They also made hardware for U-control airplanes, nuts, bolts, nylon crank control arms, etc.....

I still have one local shop with that same old display. Gilbert was also popular and made complete sets.

Tony Miller

I think it was Gilbert. Geez Sandy Becker I haven't thought about him in years. Good memory for another old man.