To the editor:

The May 15 “Old Home Town” column obviously contained an error regarding John’s Novelty Co.

The article said it had been in business since 1979. This has to be an error. As a budding young magician of about 10 years old (in 1949), I spent many a Saturday afternoon in John’s Novelty Co. looking over the magic tricks and joker novelties – usually buying a small item or two to add to my magic repertoire. The nice lady behind the counter (sorry, time has erased her name from my memory) was always so patient with me, showing me trick after trick until I finally decided which one I just had to spend my money on.

The date of 1979 must be incorrect. I know John’s was in business way before that.

Maybe 1949 (or earlier) would be more accurate.

What year did John’s Novelty really open?

Harlan Miller,

Lawrence

Editor’s note: John’s Novelty Co. opened in 1948 as a outgrowth of John Emick’s vending machine company in downtown Lawrence. The shop closed in 1982.