World War II had just ended in 1945. Military personnel were returning to civilian life. Many weddings put on hold during the war were taking place, and families were growing during the Baby Boom years. Families needed stores to shop for children's furniture and toys of the day. It was a time when Holyoke saw the growth in toy stores, including Krispy Spuds and Stein's Kiddies World, alongside mainstays such as Walker's, Carlisle's, and 5-and-dime stores.
It was 1946, and Jay's Juvenile Center would be added to the list of children's toys, games, nursery, and furniture stores. The store was located at 410 High Street and had Krispy Spuds Toy Store as its immediate neighbor. There was an apparent demand for children's toys and furniture.
Jay's Juvenile Center was founded by Daniel Hendel, who, along with his wife, Rose (Cohen), and two sons, resided at 234 Oak Street. Mr. Hendel's brother-in-law was Samuel Resnic, who would later become the mayor of Holyoke.
The store featured tricycles and bicycles, metal wagons, dolls and doll carriages, cribs and mattresses, an assortment of toys, and children's furniture. The company offered a layaway plan that allowed customers to make purchases by paying over time. Children's photography was available on occasion.
In May 1953, Daniel Hendel opened a second Jay's Juvenile Center store in Norwich, Connecticut. He sold the Holyoke Store to a Springfield corporation, Lobardy Inc., in July of that year and relocated to Connecticut.
Less than a year later, Lloyd Yabsley of Ludlow purchased the Holyoke store and added children's educational games. He had over 10 years of experience working in youth-oriented stores in Springfield and Worcester.
In March 1956, the concern went out of business and liquidated its remaining inventory. In May 1956, Service Typewriter Exchange relocated from 398 High Street to the former toy store location.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): Price & Lee Holyoke, Massachusetts, City Directories
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