BALLOONMANS CHRISTMAS

WELL TODAY IS WHAT'S KNOWN AS BLACK FRIDAY!

Back in the 1970's Bill and I had a pretty sweet proposition.

We had the Santa Pictures, Stockings and a Novelty Joint

in the First Salisbury, MD Mall.

Of course I had the pleasure of "representing" Santa.

Bill took care of the Novelties and Wayne and Trisha Chambers

ran the Name on A Stocking Joint for us.

The first year Santa wore a cheap Mall Bought Santa Costume.

But the next year We purchased a custom made Santa Suit from

a Lady in Florida, NY. She also made the Suits for Macy's and other large Department Stores. It was a beautiful suit but was it HOT!

Every Saturday Morning we'd go in early and start blowing rubber.

It was a very "nice" change of pace from working outside all summer!

We kept the proposition for about 5 years but then the Mall changed management

and they decided We didn't fit the image that the new mall manager wanted.

What really happened Bill and I had a insider at the Mall that worked for one of the large Anchor Stores as a advertising manager. When the new girl took over for the Mall he lost his position with the mall. He tried to strong arm us that last year but

he got fooled and the Dykes Bros lost their Proposition!

So the next year We had a similar deal in Meadeville Pa.

TOO MUCH SNOW!

Then We started working with McCrory's 5 & 10 Stores first with Jewelry

then later The Mylar Balloons in Florida and Mississippi.

We got lucky in Hattiesburg the year the Chinese Yo-Yo hit big.

In our early years we lucked out with these type dates but now

times have changed. The Malls are all owned by Large Conglomerate Corporations and the little guy doesn't stand much of a chance.

The last thing I would like to say is where the hell did the term "Black Friday" come from?

It should be know as "GREEN FRIDAY"!

I hope you enjoy

these pictures that follow.

I know it brings back a lot of good memories for Me!