Valley Girl Views: Tooley's Cash Store, Danville Pa

Tooley's Cash Store
316-318 [today the 500 block] Mill Street in Danville From c.1900-1932

In 1932, Tooley closed his store "after 45 years of active service in the department store business."

While attempting to place the old postcard photos of Mill Street in order, I came across an article about John Tooley, stating that he quit the mills at age 14, after being injured and went on to own a chain of grocery stores. Then I found mentions of his store being robbed, his home being robbed, Tooley being one of several business men scammed by a grifter, his recounting of a trip to the tropics, and more.

Tooley, whose parents both came to American from Ireland, was born in November of 1867.

"Before embarking on his grocery business, the likeable gentleman worked for the Reading Iron Works as a heater. He was forced to give it up - at the age of 14 - when he suffered a muscle injury.

Tooley remarks, 'I knew I had to get out of the mill when they started using a horse and cart to carry me home every night.' " - Danville News, 1954

In 1892, he married Alice M. McCann. In a 1954 interview he said "Look son, I've travelled, had eight wonderful children, and was married to the most beautiful woman God ever placed on earth. You can't buy that with money."

1904 advertisement. 316 & 318 Mill St

In 1888, at age 21, Tooley began working for the W.K. Holloway Company. "He managed the store of Vought Brothers at Hughesville for some years, then returned to Danville where he formed a partnership with O.R. Harris in the Lyon's building, now occupied by the American Stores Company." - 1932 Danville News

"A bishop I knew once gave me a book on etiquette. With that, and a trip to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone, I was set in life." - Tooley in a 1954 interview

In 1904, the store was enlarged and remodeled.

Three years later, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr Tooley moved across the street to the Loeb building. In 1907, he purchased the location.

"The grocery department was the first venture of Mr Tooley's business career. he then opened a dry good department. He opened chain stored in Shamokin and Bloomsburg." - 1932 Danville News

Tooley's store was located at 315-318 Mill Street. This box was used to deliver groceries, dry goods and other smaller items to surrounding stores in the mid to late 1800's.

"Something else he didn't mention was how he conducted his grocery business - a method which left him broke much of hte time, but well remembered in the hearts of residents. Tooley, sources have pointed out, would give his merchandise away if a person didn't have the money to buy it. In depression day there were many who didn't, which caused Tooley no small amount of financial setback." - 1954 Danville News

In 1911, Tooley purchased a Motor Truck for use in delivering goods.

In 1932, the Tooley store was closed out by a Philadelphia Auction dealer, and the store room was given over to H.R. Erwine, Bloomsburg, who was repairing the building in preparation for the A. and P. Company to occupy the locaion.