Inverness in Citrus County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Dime Store
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2014
1. The Dime Store Marker
Inscription.
The Dime Store. . This building, best remembered as Allen’s 5, 10 and 25 Store, was built by Jack Kibler in the early 1920’s. Occupants included the Inverness Post Office, Vann’s Drug Store and Ernest Johnston’s Restaurant prior to Allen’s 5, 10 and 25 opening in 1932. For 53 years George A. “Pop” Allen and son Otto operated the store, that in 1932 was billed as “one of the most modern department stores in south Florida.” “You could get everything there,” hardware, farm supplies, yard goods, clothing for the family, footwear, glassware, toys and stationery. , During its peak, 6 employees served customers and Saturday was the day most families came to town to shop. Stores would remain open until midnight to served families who attended a late movie, or to pick up their purchases after visiting friends on “The Square.” In the early 40’s every youngster in Inverness would buy their comic books and toys at Allens. , The successful Allen family also owned and operated a hardware store and lumberyard. Otto Allen closed the store in 1985 and donated memorabilia to the Citrus County Historical Society where they are currently on display at the historic 1912 courthouse. The building was then occupied by A-Z Furniture, Seaweed Sam’s Restaurant, Main Exchange Restaurant, and at the time this plaque was dedicated, Stumpknockers on Square Restaurant. ,
Dedicated July 2001, City of Inverness, Florida.
This building, best remembered as Allen’s 5, 10 & 25 Store, was built by Jack Kibler in the early 1920’s. Occupants included the Inverness Post Office, Vann’s Drug Store and Ernest Johnston’s Restaurant prior to Allen’s 5, 10 & 25 opening in 1932.
For 53 years George A. “Pop” Allen and son Otto operated the store, that in 1932 was billed as “one of the most modern department stores in south Florida.” “You could get everything there,” hardware, farm supplies, yard goods, clothing for the family, footwear, glassware, toys and stationery.
During its peak, 6 employees served customers and Saturday was the day most families came to town to shop. Stores would remain open until midnight to served families who attended a late movie, or to pick up their purchases after visiting friends on “The Square.” In the early 40’s every youngster in Inverness would buy their comic books and toys at Allens.
The successful Allen family also owned and operated a hardware store and lumberyard. Otto Allen closed the store in 1985 and donated memorabilia to the Citrus County Historical Society where they are currently on display at the historic 1912 courthouse. The building was then occupied by A-Z Furniture, Seaweed Sam’s Restaurant, Main Exchange Restaurant, and at the time this plaque
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was dedicated, Stumpknockers on Square Restaurant.
Dedicated July 2001, City of Inverness, Florida
Erected 2001 by City of Inverness, Florida.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 28° 50.166′ N, 82° 19.872′ W. Marker is in Inverness, Florida, in Citrus County. Marker is on Old Main Street east of North Pine Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the subject building, just to the left of the main front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 West Main Street, Inverness FL 34450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Marker detail: Historic Dime Store building front (view from across Main Street)
sectionhead>More about this marker. Marker is a large metal plaque, mounted horizontally on a waist-high metal post.
Regarding The Dime Store. Building is currently occupied by a seafood restaurant.
Also see . . . The Dime Store. City of Inverness, Florida, official dedication web page for this marker. (Submitted on October 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2018
3. The Dime Store Marker (tall view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2018
4. The Dime Store Marker (wide view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2018
5. Current Dime Store building front; (view from across Main Street - compare with marker photo)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2018
6. The Dime Store Marker (wide view of current building front; looking east along Main Street)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.