Passport To History - Blind George's Newsstand - Grants Pass

Blind George's Newsstand

Blind George's NewsstandThe second stop on filling out our Josephine County Historical Society Passport To History was Blind George's Newsstand.

Blind George's is THE place to go in Grants Pass for popcorn!  You can pick up lottery tickets, caramel corn, an ice cream cone or snacks as well.  They have the best selection of magazines and newspapers in Grants Pass.  Blind George's is also a great place to stop and have a hot dog and soda for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blind George's Newsstand

Blind George's was established in 1922 by George Spencer.  He had been a gold miner and logger before he had paralysis of the optic nerve.  So, he opened his newsstand with about $40 worth of inventory. 

Blind George's Newsstand

In 1946, George's guide dog Effie was one of the first seeing eye dogs in southern Oregon.  Effie was accidentally shot in 1955 and became crippled.  George got a new dog he named Pebbles, and he and Effie trained Pebbles in just 10 days.

Blind George's Newsstand

George Spencer died in 1968 and left the newsstand to his long-time employee Thelma Booth and her husband.  They later sold the newsstand to their son Dale, who ran the store until 2002 when he sold it to Diann Gilbertson.

 

Blind George's Newsstand
Blind George's original newsstand was located at 328 SW 6th Street and in 1960 George moved across the street to 117 SW "G" Street.  This is where Blind George's is currently located.

Blind George's Newsstand

The aroma of freshly popped corn and real butter makes it impossible to walk by Blind George's without stopping for a popcorn. 

Blind George's Newsstand

With its' history and longevity, it's easy to see why the Josephine County Historical Society included Blind George's Newsstand in its' Passport To History program.

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8 Comments on Passport To History - Blind George's Newsstand - Grants Pass

MAY
15
2010
454,014 Points 15 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

What a wonderful story, Gary!  If I ever get back to Grant's Pass, I will definitely seek out Blind George's Newstand for some popcorn.
1:39am • #1
1,907,314 Points 383 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gary, you've really made Blind George's come alive for all of us!  Love the photos and the story.
11:32am • #2
327,167 Points 7 Featured Posts

Thanks Maria.  I'll make sure to eat a bag of popcorn for you next time I stop at Blind George's.

Thanks for commenting Patricia.  My wife and I really love Grants Pass, so it's easy to find neat stuff to do here.
11:38pm • #3
MAY
16
2010
682,095 Points 83 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gary~

I so enjoyed this visit and want to thank you for this post. I have actually stopped at the store back in 1988 (as I recall)...and so it was especially interesting to visit again.
9:06am • #4
392,434 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router Called Shot Master

Gary, what a fantastic legacy behind the story of Blind George's.  I enjoyed your post.
1:47pm • #5
1,333,295 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thanks to Pat Kennedy for pointing me over to this delightful localism post. Don't forget to make some color copies when you return to Blind George's!
6:55pm • #6
MAY
17
2010
400,470 Points 35 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Gary:

This is fabulous localism post with wonderful photos with interesting historical perspective. This is exactly the type of material that makes for great reading for anyone who is looking in your area.  Well done.

 
8:29am • #7
MAR
17
2011

this is a very nice site, and brings back memorys....especially since our mom worked for blind george wayyyyyy back when         his newsstand was across the street from the present one...i remember hearing about how he could make change     by the feel of    bills and never got cheated..yes he back then    too had the bestestttttttt popcorn around
vlb
3:58am • #8


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