Fort Worth

PHOTOS: These Fort Worth grocery stores disappeared decades ago, many now forgotten

Dec. 18, 1952: The opening of new Buddie’s Super Market No. 3, at 6825 Camp Bowie Blvd. (This address is near the split between Camp Bowie and Camp Bowie West.)
Dec. 18, 1952: The opening of new Buddie’s Super Market No. 3, at 6825 Camp Bowie Blvd. (This address is near the split between Camp Bowie and Camp Bowie West.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

All over Fort Worth are ghosts of grocery stores past.

Long-gone stores included some of the biggest names of their day — Buddies, Worth Food Market, A.L. Davis, Safeway, A&P. But for every one of those early “super markets,” there were scores of smaller neighborhood stores run by moms and pops for generations.

Most of these historic buildings in Fort Worth disappeared decades ago. A few buildings survive today, serving as a tire shop or a Mexican restaurant or a windowless warehouse.

We dug through thousands of photos from the Star-Telegram archive to find these images from the early 1900s into the 1970s. Most accompanied newspaper stories about openings or closings, or some notable event that happened there.

For example, a 1942 story about a new A&P Super Market on Hemphill Street described it as Fort Worth’s “first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market,” a modern marvel ushering in a new era of sanitary, economical shopping convenience.

That store, like many others, have been lost to history.

Sept. 15, 1958: Mrs. Mary Morrison shown at cash stand of Wrigley’s Super Market as the store was opening the new Town & Country Village shopping center at 2520 Jacksboro Highway, near Ephriham Avenue. The Star-Telegram reported that Wrigley’s “is one of the most modern stores in the Southwest, covering 25,500 square feet.” ”In addition to a full line of staple and fancy groceries and meats, the store will stock hardwares, toys, soft goods and wearing apparel, health and beauty aids, a full line of dairy products, frozen foods and party foods.”
Sept. 15, 1958: Mrs. Mary Morrison shown at cash stand of Wrigley’s Super Market as the store was opening the new Town & Country Village shopping center at 2520 Jacksboro Highway, near Ephriham Avenue. The Star-Telegram reported that Wrigley’s “is one of the most modern stores in the Southwest, covering 25,500 square feet.” ”In addition to a full line of staple and fancy groceries and meats, the store will stock hardwares, toys, soft goods and wearing apparel, health and beauty aids, a full line of dairy products, frozen foods and party foods.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 9, 1950: Bill Brey, left, manager, and George Kuehne, are shown as they check over stocks in the new Safeway Store, at 1600 N. 25th St. (The site today is a Pollos La Pullita restaurant.)
Aug. 9, 1950: Bill Brey, left, manager, and George Kuehne, are shown as they check over stocks in the new Safeway Store, at 1600 N. 25th St. (The site today is a Pollos La Pullita restaurant.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
May 30, 1952: The corner location of Wyatt Food Store with 20,000 square feet of floor space, opening in the Fair Oaks Shopping Center.
May 30, 1952: The corner location of Wyatt Food Store with 20,000 square feet of floor space, opening in the Fair Oaks Shopping Center. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Feb. 23, 1954: Wayne Presley, right, member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce committee collecting clothes and footwear for Goodwill Industries, leaves a bundle of sacks with Lloyd F. Hallaran, manager of Turner & Dingee Quality Foods. (The store, at West Seventh and Macon streets, is today a parking lot by First United Methodist Church.)
Feb. 23, 1954: Wayne Presley, right, member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce committee collecting clothes and footwear for Goodwill Industries, leaves a bundle of sacks with Lloyd F. Hallaran, manager of Turner & Dingee Quality Foods. (The store, at West Seventh and Macon streets, is today a parking lot by First United Methodist Church.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
May 31, 1950: Applying a final touch to displays of a new Clover Farm Store at 3705 Ryan Ave. are W.V. Haynie, owner and operator of the modern supermarket, and Mrs. Mary Oswalt, checker. (The site today is Amigo’s Food Mart, at the corner of West Butler Street.)
May 31, 1950: Applying a final touch to displays of a new Clover Farm Store at 3705 Ryan Ave. are W.V. Haynie, owner and operator of the modern supermarket, and Mrs. Mary Oswalt, checker. (The site today is Amigo’s Food Mart, at the corner of West Butler Street.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Nov. 30, 1951: The picture shows interior of the new food market which will be opened at 7609 White Settlement Road by Safeway Store of Texas
Nov. 30, 1951: The picture shows interior of the new food market which will be opened at 7609 White Settlement Road by Safeway Store of Texas Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza.
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza.
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

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May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza.
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
July 12, 1952: “Customers cluster Saturday afternoon in Bill’s Food Store No. 2 at 3701 E. Rosedale St. (which today is the site of a Family Dollar on the northeast corner of the traffic circle). Two “Bill’s” stores opened here over the weekend, the other at 1642 E. Hattie (at the corner of East Vickery Boulevard near Riverside Drive).”
July 12, 1952: “Customers cluster Saturday afternoon in Bill’s Food Store No. 2 at 3701 E. Rosedale St. (which today is the site of a Family Dollar on the northeast corner of the traffic circle). Two “Bill’s” stores opened here over the weekend, the other at 1642 E. Hattie (at the corner of East Vickery Boulevard near Riverside Drive).” Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
October 1953: Bill Gentry, assistant store manager at Wyatt Food Store No. 31 in Fair East Shopping Center, has dietetic foods ready for the formal opening on East Lancaster. Gentry is an experienced grocerman with many years experience with another Fort Worth food chain.
October 1953: Bill Gentry, assistant store manager at Wyatt Food Store No. 31 in Fair East Shopping Center, has dietetic foods ready for the formal opening on East Lancaster. Gentry is an experienced grocerman with many years experience with another Fort Worth food chain. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
July 28, 1950: “The packaging department for meats at a remodeled Safeway Store on 2816 Rosedale (the site near Texas Wesleyan no longer exists). Shown at work weighing and packaging bacon are, left to right, Willie Edward Anderson, head meat-cutter; Mrs. Ruth McCullough, and Willie F. Atherton, store manager.”
July 28, 1950: “The packaging department for meats at a remodeled Safeway Store on 2816 Rosedale (the site near Texas Wesleyan no longer exists). Shown at work weighing and packaging bacon are, left to right, Willie Edward Anderson, head meat-cutter; Mrs. Ruth McCullough, and Willie F. Atherton, store manager.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 3, 1953: The three major stores in the new Fair East Shopping Center, 4700 block of East Lancaster, are Skillern’s & Sons departmental drug, food and ready-to-wear store; The Fair, department store, and, White’s Auto Stores, featuring household as well as auto supplies. Formal opening of these and other stores in the center is planned for Thursday.
Oct. 3, 1953: The three major stores in the new Fair East Shopping Center, 4700 block of East Lancaster, are Skillern’s & Sons departmental drug, food and ready-to-wear store; The Fair, department store, and, White’s Auto Stores, featuring household as well as auto supplies. Formal opening of these and other stores in the center is planned for Thursday. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 31, 1951: The front of the new Safeway food store which will be opened at 5116 River Oaks Blvd. A permanent-type canopy over both entrances protects shoppers from rain. (The location today is Victory Church.)
Oct. 31, 1951: The front of the new Safeway food store which will be opened at 5116 River Oaks Blvd. A permanent-type canopy over both entrances protects shoppers from rain. (The location today is Victory Church.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 12, 1978: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tillery at the closing of their grocery store at 2202 Forest Park Blvd. (The location is near the site of a law firm today, next to Tillery Park. After 40 years in business, the Tillerys gave up the store when its roof needed extensive repairs that the building owners’ wouldn’t pay for.)
Aug. 12, 1978: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tillery at the closing of their grocery store at 2202 Forest Park Blvd. (The location is near the site of a law firm today, next to Tillery Park. After 40 years in business, the Tillerys gave up the store when its roof needed extensive repairs that the building owners’ wouldn’t pay for.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 12, 1978: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tillery at the closing of their grocery store at 2202 Forest Park Blvd. (The location is near the site of a law firm today, next to Tillery Park. After 40 years in business, the Tillerys gave up the store when its roof needed extensive repairs that the building owners’ wouldn’t pay for.)
Aug. 12, 1978: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tillery at the closing of their grocery store at 2202 Forest Park Blvd. (The location is near the site of a law firm today, next to Tillery Park. After 40 years in business, the Tillerys gave up the store when its roof needed extensive repairs that the building owners’ wouldn’t pay for.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 27, 1978: The auction of Tillery Grocery.
Aug. 27, 1978: The auction of Tillery Grocery. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
July 17, 1950: Mrs. Harry N. Harris, right, hands a Voters Guide to Mrs. W.S. Lorimer Jr. at the booth operated by the Fort Worth League of Women Voters at the Safeway store, 3614 Camp Bowie (now the site of a CVS). Posters have been distributed to all Safeway and A&P stores, and to beauty parlors and shopping centers.
July 17, 1950: Mrs. Harry N. Harris, right, hands a Voters Guide to Mrs. W.S. Lorimer Jr. at the booth operated by the Fort Worth League of Women Voters at the Safeway store, 3614 Camp Bowie (now the site of a CVS). Posters have been distributed to all Safeway and A&P stores, and to beauty parlors and shopping centers. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 15, 1952: Partial interior view of A.L. Davis Food Store No. 3., 2800 Azle, Texas. Shown is L.A. Duke, manager, stocking milk and egg supplies.
Oct. 15, 1952: Partial interior view of A.L. Davis Food Store No. 3., 2800 Azle, Texas. Shown is L.A. Duke, manager, stocking milk and egg supplies. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 18, 1952: Bill Meillmier, owner of Bill’s Food Store at 3701 E. Rosedale, hangs sign “Kiddie Korral” where children will have free access to mechanical riders, a horse and a spaceship. (The site today is a Family Dollar at Rosedale and South Ayers Avenue.)
Dec. 18, 1952: Bill Meillmier, owner of Bill’s Food Store at 3701 E. Rosedale, hangs sign “Kiddie Korral” where children will have free access to mechanical riders, a horse and a spaceship. (The site today is a Family Dollar at Rosedale and South Ayers Avenue.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 5, 1955: This 102-pound Baby Ruth candy bar will provide plenty of good eating for youngsters in Tarrant County Children’s Home. The giant bar, equivalent to 820 regular bars, was given the home by the Westcliff Wyatt Food Store. The four children who accepted the candy are, left to right, Linda Kay Fenton, A.J. Green, Frank Keith and Glenda Dodd.
Dec. 5, 1955: This 102-pound Baby Ruth candy bar will provide plenty of good eating for youngsters in Tarrant County Children’s Home. The giant bar, equivalent to 820 regular bars, was given the home by the Westcliff Wyatt Food Store. The four children who accepted the candy are, left to right, Linda Kay Fenton, A.J. Green, Frank Keith and Glenda Dodd. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
April 2, 1959: J.C. Williams, meat market manager, and Early Denman, a produce man, stock the self-service counters in a new Buddies Super Market at 6528 Meadowbrook Drive. (The location was near where Church’s Chicken is today.)
April 2, 1959: J.C. Williams, meat market manager, and Early Denman, a produce man, stock the self-service counters in a new Buddies Super Market at 6528 Meadowbrook Drive. (The location was near where Church’s Chicken is today.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 15, 1946: A gas tank of a Fort Worth Transit Co. bus caught fire and damaged the Safeway Store No. 325 at 2916 E. Rosedale St. No one was injured in the freak blaze; Grant Geddes, manager of Fort Worth Safeway stores, estimated damage at $1,500. (The building at Rosedale and Binkley Street has most recently been used as a small church.)
Aug. 15, 1946: A gas tank of a Fort Worth Transit Co. bus caught fire and damaged the Safeway Store No. 325 at 2916 E. Rosedale St. No one was injured in the freak blaze; Grant Geddes, manager of Fort Worth Safeway stores, estimated damage at $1,500. (The building at Rosedale and Binkley Street has most recently been used as a small church.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
July 29, 1958: “A customer who preferred cold cash to groceries took $520 from Worth Food Market No. 1, 526 S. Henderson St., about 6 p. m. Thursday.” Robbery victims were Mrs. Eunice Kelsoe, a checker, and store manager Bob Smith, who wrote down a description of the suspect on his apron. (The location today is an office building across from Jack In The Box.
July 29, 1958: “A customer who preferred cold cash to groceries took $520 from Worth Food Market No. 1, 526 S. Henderson St., about 6 p. m. Thursday.” Robbery victims were Mrs. Eunice Kelsoe, a checker, and store manager Bob Smith, who wrote down a description of the suspect on his apron. (The location today is an office building across from Jack In The Box. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections.
Aug. 23, 1958: Shoppers keep stocking up for Sunday dinner after an auto plowed into a window at the Safeway Store, 3601 Avenue E, on Saturday. Manager B.C. “Bill” Simmons surveys the damage. The driver, Mrs. Nora Pyles of 2108 Langston, reported that her brakes failed and the car skidded on pavement made slick by rain. (The location is where Foodland Markets is today.)
Aug. 23, 1958: Shoppers keep stocking up for Sunday dinner after an auto plowed into a window at the Safeway Store, 3601 Avenue E, on Saturday. Manager B.C. “Bill” Simmons surveys the damage. The driver, Mrs. Nora Pyles of 2108 Langston, reported that her brakes failed and the car skidded on pavement made slick by rain. (The location is where Foodland Markets is today.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
April 2, 1959: O.R. Pace, manager of Buddies No. 14, helps Ray Elridge, assistant, stock shelves of the newly opened store at 6528 Meadowbrook Drive. (The location was near where Church’s Chicken is today.)
April 2, 1959: O.R. Pace, manager of Buddies No. 14, helps Ray Elridge, assistant, stock shelves of the newly opened store at 6528 Meadowbrook Drive. (The location was near where Church’s Chicken is today.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
June 6, 1952: This interior of the new Safeway Store, 2516 E. Belknap, shows row on row of food counters as seen from balcony office of the manager. (The site today just east of Trinity River is Stagecoach Ballroom)
June 6, 1952: This interior of the new Safeway Store, 2516 E. Belknap, shows row on row of food counters as seen from balcony office of the manager. (The site today just east of Trinity River is Stagecoach Ballroom) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

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Jan. 18, 1950: Clem Nunn, checker at the Worth Food Market No. 9, 705 North Sylvania, is glad to be back on the job after a bout with polio. At the cash register is a can for March of Dimes.
Jan. 18, 1950: Clem Nunn, checker at the Worth Food Market No. 9, 705 North Sylvania, is glad to be back on the job after a bout with polio. At the cash register is a can for March of Dimes. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 3, 1953: Wyatt Food Stores will formally open their second Fort Worth store Thursday in Fair East Shopping Center, 4700 block E. Lancaster. Also opening in the center will be the second Wyatt cafeteria in Fort Worth. Several new lines are being added in the food store.
Oct. 3, 1953: Wyatt Food Stores will formally open their second Fort Worth store Thursday in Fair East Shopping Center, 4700 block E. Lancaster. Also opening in the center will be the second Wyatt cafeteria in Fort Worth. Several new lines are being added in the food store. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 17, 1951: Safeway Store’s largest food center in Fort Worth will open at 2916 Hemphill. Exterior of the masonry building is lighted by neon tubes.
Aug. 17, 1951: Safeway Store’s largest food center in Fort Worth will open at 2916 Hemphill. Exterior of the masonry building is lighted by neon tubes. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 18, 1952: Bill O’Brient, groceries manager, in the new Buddies Super Market No. 3. O’Brient is shown here completing a display of canned goods for the formal opening of the store at 6825 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Dec. 18, 1952: Bill O’Brient, groceries manager, in the new Buddies Super Market No. 3. O’Brient is shown here completing a display of canned goods for the formal opening of the store at 6825 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
July 12, 1950: R.M. Smith, center, president of the A&P southern division, looks over operations of the new A&P supermarket, 2615 W. Berry St. With him are manager Jack Shinn, left, and O.I. Black, vice president, A&P Dallas division. R.M. Smith holds a produce on his hand. (The site today is a CVS.)
July 12, 1950: R.M. Smith, center, president of the A&P southern division, looks over operations of the new A&P supermarket, 2615 W. Berry St. With him are manager Jack Shinn, left, and O.I. Black, vice president, A&P Dallas division. R.M. Smith holds a produce on his hand. (The site today is a CVS.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jan. 14, 1953: Adrian Allen, left, meat market manager, and Vernon McDonald, grocery department manager at Worth Food Market at Hemphill and Berry were ready Thursday for the formal opening of the new store Friday and Saturday. Allen is weighing a piece of meat while McDonald looks on.
Jan. 14, 1953: Adrian Allen, left, meat market manager, and Vernon McDonald, grocery department manager at Worth Food Market at Hemphill and Berry were ready Thursday for the formal opening of the new store Friday and Saturday. Allen is weighing a piece of meat while McDonald looks on. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jan. 9, 1951: John Roach, manager of the grocery department of the new Worth Food Market at 2309 Haltom Road. He is pictured weighing giant red cabbages on opening day at the store. Roach is one of the co-managers of the store, the 20th Worth market in the city. (The site today, near the corner of NE 28th Street, is a Gomez Western Wear store.)
Jan. 9, 1951: John Roach, manager of the grocery department of the new Worth Food Market at 2309 Haltom Road. He is pictured weighing giant red cabbages on opening day at the store. Roach is one of the co-managers of the store, the 20th Worth market in the city. (The site today, near the corner of NE 28th Street, is a Gomez Western Wear store.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 18, 1952: The opening of new Buddie’s Super Market No. 3, at 6825 Camp Bowie Blvd. (This address is near the split between Camp Bowie and Camp Bowie West.)
Dec. 18, 1952: The opening of new Buddie’s Super Market No. 3, at 6825 Camp Bowie Blvd. (This address is near the split between Camp Bowie and Camp Bowie West.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 4, 1945: Manager J.H. Patton looks on as a clerk rings up an order at the Hill and Mack Grocery store in the Liberator Village shopping center of Fort Worth. (The World War II era housing complex and shopping center was just south of today’s Lockheed Martin complex in White Settlement.)
Sept. 4, 1945: Manager J.H. Patton looks on as a clerk rings up an order at the Hill and Mack Grocery store in the Liberator Village shopping center of Fort Worth. (The World War II era housing complex and shopping center was just south of today’s Lockheed Martin complex in White Settlement.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

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June 28, 1938: Interior view of the Colonial Grocery Store, 1400 Henderson St. (which is the location of the former Fort Worth Public Market).
June 28, 1938: Interior view of the Colonial Grocery Store, 1400 Henderson St. (which is the location of the former Fort Worth Public Market). Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
June 29, 1941: A fire swept through the Lovelace Grocery and Market late Sunday afternoon. Pictured is the singed exterior of the store. A crowd of people gathered around the building to inspect the damage. The ceiling collapsed and the equipment and contents were scorched. The walls were the only thing left intact. The cause of the fire was not determined, but Fire Marshal Ligon estimated the loss at $25,000. (The site, 1503-09 N. Main St. at N.W. 14th Street, is home today a convenience store and laundry shop.)
June 29, 1941: A fire swept through the Lovelace Grocery and Market late Sunday afternoon. Pictured is the singed exterior of the store. A crowd of people gathered around the building to inspect the damage. The ceiling collapsed and the equipment and contents were scorched. The walls were the only thing left intact. The cause of the fire was not determined, but Fire Marshal Ligon estimated the loss at $25,000. (The site, 1503-09 N. Main St. at N.W. 14th Street, is home today a convenience store and laundry shop.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Feb. 2, 1959: Firemen kneel and crouch to direct a stream of water on smoke-covered wall of Buddies No. 12, 1503 North Main St., while a hose at top of ladder gives aerial support to attack. Wires sag around the firemen. (The site, 1503 N. Main St. at N.W. 14th Street, is home today a convenience store and laundry shop. In 1941, a Lovelace Grocery and Market at the same site also burned.)
Feb. 2, 1959: Firemen kneel and crouch to direct a stream of water on smoke-covered wall of Buddies No. 12, 1503 North Main St., while a hose at top of ladder gives aerial support to attack. Wires sag around the firemen. (The site, 1503 N. Main St. at N.W. 14th Street, is home today a convenience store and laundry shop. In 1941, a Lovelace Grocery and Market at the same site also burned.) Harry Cabluck Jr. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jan. 13, 1953: L.L. Raspberry, left, and L.L. Cannon, owners of the Berry Street Super Markets, examine some of the fresh produce that is brought twice a week for sale in one of their stores. The market at 1208 E. Berry St. has been reopened after being remodeled. It was burned in a fire that happened on Oct. 24. (The site today is home to a tire store and A&K Food Store.)
Jan. 13, 1953: L.L. Raspberry, left, and L.L. Cannon, owners of the Berry Street Super Markets, examine some of the fresh produce that is brought twice a week for sale in one of their stores. The market at 1208 E. Berry St. has been reopened after being remodeled. It was burned in a fire that happened on Oct. 24. (The site today is home to a tire store and A&K Food Store.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Aug. 5, 1946: W.L. Redford, manager of Hudson Grocery and Market at 3478 W. Vickery, shown in his store the day after the 33-year-old narrowly escaped death when a small plane he was flying struck high-voltage power lines and crashed into Lake Worth. (The location today is where West Vickery dead-ends at Chisholm Trail Parkway, near TownePlace Suites.)
Aug. 5, 1946: W.L. Redford, manager of Hudson Grocery and Market at 3478 W. Vickery, shown in his store the day after the 33-year-old narrowly escaped death when a small plane he was flying struck high-voltage power lines and crashed into Lake Worth. (The location today is where West Vickery dead-ends at Chisholm Trail Parkway, near TownePlace Suites.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Feb. 9, 1950: Sherman’s Super Market, 1622 8th Ave. Mrs. Sam A. Nixon is being served by Mrs. Mooney J. Sherman, who is totaling the sale, and her husband is shown sacking the groceries. (The site today is Vascular & Interventional Specialists, at 8th Avenue and West Allen Street.)
Feb. 9, 1950: Sherman’s Super Market, 1622 8th Ave. Mrs. Sam A. Nixon is being served by Mrs. Mooney J. Sherman, who is totaling the sale, and her husband is shown sacking the groceries. (The site today is Vascular & Interventional Specialists, at 8th Avenue and West Allen Street.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Feb. 13, 1951: The Chicotsky Shopping Center in the 3400 block of West 7th Street. This is a view of the northeast corner of the building. It shows the front of the Daniel Cunningham Drugs and Motts Variety Store. In the background is Chicosky’s Super Market Number 2 and Chicosky’s Liquor Store. (The location today is the strip center that includes Milano’s Ristorante.)
Feb. 13, 1951: The Chicotsky Shopping Center in the 3400 block of West 7th Street. This is a view of the northeast corner of the building. It shows the front of the Daniel Cunningham Drugs and Motts Variety Store. In the background is Chicosky’s Super Market Number 2 and Chicosky’s Liquor Store. (The location today is the strip center that includes Milano’s Ristorante.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 30, 1952: Johnny Lemond, left, and Grady Gandee, employees of the new A.L. Davis food store at 3628 McCart, wearing their aprons and standing in the cleaning products aisle. (The location today is a state parole office.)
Dec. 30, 1952: Johnny Lemond, left, and Grady Gandee, employees of the new A.L. Davis food store at 3628 McCart, wearing their aprons and standing in the cleaning products aisle. (The location today is a state parole office.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
April 28, 1952: Checking over the new Worth Food Market at 5162 Wichita at Mansfield Highway are three Worth officials. They are, left to right, Clyde Stricklin, sales and advertising manager; E.W. Curry, store supervisor, and Russell Boomer, general superintendent and personnel director. (The site today is a CVS pharmacy.)
April 28, 1952: Checking over the new Worth Food Market at 5162 Wichita at Mansfield Highway are three Worth officials. They are, left to right, Clyde Stricklin, sales and advertising manager; E.W. Curry, store supervisor, and Russell Boomer, general superintendent and personnel director. (The site today is a CVS pharmacy.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Sept. 18, 1958: Wrigley’s Super Market opening. Duane Saxon, I.R. Moore, John Rapp, E.M. Kleihauer and H.V. Sturkie officials at opening.
Sept. 18, 1958: Wrigley’s Super Market opening. Duane Saxon, I.R. Moore, John Rapp, E.M. Kleihauer and H.V. Sturkie officials at opening. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Nov. 12, 1958: Buddies President J.C. Pace Jr., left, assists Babe Herman, meat manager, in preparing a fresh meat display at Buddies new store at the Southeast intersection of Jacksboro Highway and N.W. 28th Street.
Nov. 12, 1958: Buddies President J.C. Pace Jr., left, assists Babe Herman, meat manager, in preparing a fresh meat display at Buddies new store at the Southeast intersection of Jacksboro Highway and N.W. 28th Street. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
May 28, 1945: Trimble Grocery and Market at 1615 Cooper St. has been a fixture in Fort Worth for 17 years. Owner E. Burt Trimble is selling to his market associate, Walter Jetton (second from right). Mr. Trimble plans enjoy retirement and take a much needed rest. Customers, neighbors, and friends are gathering in the store to pay their respects to the retiring grocer. His wife is behind him. Standing on a box by the “McCaskey” bookkeeping system is Mrs. C.B. Rains. She is presenting a scroll, which all of Mr. Trimble’s customers expect to sign by next week. (The store building no longer exists at Cooper and 8th Avenue, near the Cook Children’s campus.)
May 28, 1945: Trimble Grocery and Market at 1615 Cooper St. has been a fixture in Fort Worth for 17 years. Owner E. Burt Trimble is selling to his market associate, Walter Jetton (second from right). Mr. Trimble plans enjoy retirement and take a much needed rest. Customers, neighbors, and friends are gathering in the store to pay their respects to the retiring grocer. His wife is behind him. Standing on a box by the “McCaskey” bookkeeping system is Mrs. C.B. Rains. She is presenting a scroll, which all of Mr. Trimble’s customers expect to sign by next week. (The store building no longer exists at Cooper and 8th Avenue, near the Cook Children’s campus.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 18, 1952: Series opening of new Buddie’s Super Market No. 3 at 6825 Camp Bowie. Bill Dolgener, manager of the produce department, arranges fresh fruit.
Dec. 18, 1952: Series opening of new Buddie’s Super Market No. 3 at 6825 Camp Bowie. Bill Dolgener, manager of the produce department, arranges fresh fruit. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

[MORE: Leonards Department Store in 1940s-1950s]

Dec. 18, 1952: Elton Simms, manager of the drugs and notions department of Buddie’s Super Market No. 3 at 6825 Camp Bowie, stands behind one of the many counters of the store devoted to drugs and notions.
Dec. 18, 1952: Elton Simms, manager of the drugs and notions department of Buddie’s Super Market No. 3 at 6825 Camp Bowie, stands behind one of the many counters of the store devoted to drugs and notions. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

[MORE: Long-lost restaurants of Fort Worth]

Early 1900s: M.J. Lewis grocery store at 404 Houston St.. From left: Walter Head, an unidentified delivery man, owner M.J. Lewis, Eugene Head and Will Baker. (The location today is shops on the west side of Houston between 3rd and 4th streets.)
Early 1900s: M.J. Lewis grocery store at 404 Houston St.. From left: Walter Head, an unidentified delivery man, owner M.J. Lewis, Eugene Head and Will Baker. (The location today is shops on the west side of Houston between 3rd and 4th streets.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza.
May 12, 1942: The new A&P supermarket at 1608 Hemphill St. at West Maddox Avenue was 12,000 square feet, “believed to be the largest of its kind in this section of the country.” The interior is finished in cool green and white. ”The Super Market brings to Fort Worth its first example of the new mass display, mass sales food market, operated on much the same basis as the larger department stores,” the Star-Telegram reported. The location today is the newly opened Dickies Skate Plaza. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jan. 30, 1959: Walter Garrison, after a robbery of Buddies Super Market on Camp Bowie.
Jan. 30, 1959: Walter Garrison, after a robbery of Buddies Super Market on Camp Bowie. Joe McAulay Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Nov. 12, 1958: Thomas Hornsby, left, produce manager, and J.E. Hackney, produce buyer, show a variety of produce at easy accessible counters at the new Buddies super market at the southeast intersection of Jacksboro and N.W. 28th.
Nov. 12, 1958: Thomas Hornsby, left, produce manager, and J.E. Hackney, produce buyer, show a variety of produce at easy accessible counters at the new Buddies super market at the southeast intersection of Jacksboro and N.W. 28th. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Oct. 17, 1958: Alton Worthington, center, grocery manager of Buddies Super Market, was named winner of the 1958 station wagon in a contest sponsored by The Pillsbury Co.
Oct. 17, 1958: Alton Worthington, center, grocery manager of Buddies Super Market, was named winner of the 1958 station wagon in a contest sponsored by The Pillsbury Co. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Jan. 13, 1953: L.L. Raspberry, left, and L.L. Cannon, owners of the Berry Street Super Markets, examine some of the fresh produce that is brought twice a week for sale in one of their stores. The market at 1208 E. Berry St. has been reopened after being remodeled. It was burned in a fire that happened on Oct. 24. (The site today is home to a tire store and A&K Food Store.)
Jan. 13, 1953: L.L. Raspberry, left, and L.L. Cannon, owners of the Berry Street Super Markets, examine some of the fresh produce that is brought twice a week for sale in one of their stores. The market at 1208 E. Berry St. has been reopened after being remodeled. It was burned in a fire that happened on Oct. 24. (The site today is home to a tire store and A&K Food Store.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

And finally, one historic grocery market that survives today:

April 22, 1982: O.R. Gentry, manager and owner of Kincaid’s Grocery, 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd., is the “father” of the famous Kincaid hamburger, created in the 1960s. (The store is still operating at this location.)
April 22, 1982: O.R. Gentry, manager and owner of Kincaid’s Grocery, 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd., is the “father” of the famous Kincaid hamburger, created in the 1960s. (The store is still operating at this location.) Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections

MORE: Check out other historic photos from the Star-Telegram here, including:

This story was originally published September 29, 2023 at 10:49 AM.

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Profile Image of Matt Leclercq
Matt Leclercq
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Matt Leclercq is senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously was an editor at USA Today in Washington, national news editor at Gatehouse Media in Austin, and executive editor of The Fayetteville (NC) Observer. He’s a New Orleans native.
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