F. W. Woolworth and the Five and Dime

"F.W. Woolworth and the Five and Dime: From Nickels to Dimes to Dollars" tells the story of a great American institution, the Five and Ten Cent Store. Utilizing his private collection of Woolworth publications [some dating from 1917], researching numerous books, magazines, newspaper articles, and websites, plus calling on his own personal recollections, Mr. Nelson has written an engaging story of not only the first Five & Ten, F.W. Woolworth, but other chains in the industry who contributed so much to the American consumer.

"F.W. Woolworth and the Five and Dime: From Nickels to Dimes to Dollars" tells the story of a great American institution, the Five and Ten Cent Store. Utilizing his private collection of Woolworth publications [some dating from 1917], researching numerous books, magazines, newspaper articles, and websites, plus calling on his own personal recollections, Mr. Nelson has written an engaging story of not only the first Five & Ten, F.W. Woolworth, but other chains in the industry who contributed so much to the American consumer. These stores include S.S. Kresge, J.G. McCrory, W.T. Grant, G.C. Murphy, S.H. Kress, J.J. Newberry, Ben Franklin, and others. He provides the narrative of their founding, their growth, their impact on society and unfortunately their demise as the retail landscape changed. Now they are only memories. If you worked or shopped in one of these chains, this book will put a smile on your face.

George William [Bill] Nelson was born in Monmouth, Illinois, in 1946. Growing up with family working at Woolworth, he developed an affection for the company that continues to this day. After 14 years [full-time], Bill left Woolworth to go into the candy business. The dynamic changes in the candy business over the last 40 years might make an interesting subject for his next book. Retired since 2013, Bill resides in Gallatin, Tennessee, just north of Nashville. This is his first book.