Being a Rockfordian since 1981, I have seen many stores that have opened and closed in the Forrest City. Do you remember a few of these?

 

With the announcement this week that Hancock Fabrics would be closing their Machesney Park and Rockford locations according to WREX TV-13, I started to remember so many great stores that have opened and closed here in the Forest City.

Of course the reasons vary, but nevertheless they are missed. Their shadows remain on the streets of Rockford. Do you remember these?

The Bombay Bicycle Club at East State and Bell School Road, where Thunder Bay Restaurant stands today. Such a great atmosphere of collectibles and antiques in a cozy and comfortable environment. The margaritas were incredible as well.

Steve Summers, Townsquare Media Photo
Steve Summers, Townsquare Media Photo
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How about Bishops Buffett on Newberg Road and South Alpine. The Share It Store lives there today, but this restaurant had the best corn swimming in butter ever. The fried chicken was great, and the desserts were top-shelf .

Steve Summers, Townsquare Media Photo
Steve Summers, Townsquare Media Photo
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How about Bergner's and the Colonial Village Mall. Rockford Career College and Heartland Community Church took over the property and convert a mall into a wonderful church and education facility along South Alpine. One thing about the Colonial Village Mall, you could always count on a great petting zoo and the Easter Bunny sitting on his white bench in the middle of the mall early Spring thru Easter.

Steve Summers, Townsquare Media Photo
Steve Summers, Townsquare Media Photo
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Here's a location you drive by everyday. The Magna Food Store and Osco Drug Store on East State Street next to Don Carter Lanes. The location was once a massive food store with the coolest candy section, ice cream section, and meat department. With the Osco Drug store to the left of the front doors on this picture, you had one stop shopping that was convenient.

Do you remember other stores that have come and gone in Rockford? Please share your memories below. Lundgren's Camera and Video? Marshall's? Sizzler Steak House?

Change is inevitable, by it's great to flashback every now and then to educate our newest neighbors in the Stateline.

 

 

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