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The Best family
continued the Fun Shop enterprise for the next 10 years selling
all of the traditional gags as well as some new ones. The majority
of inventory came from SS Adams out of Neptune New Jersey -
a company that has been in the pranks and magic trade since
1906. Other items came from the Franco American Novelty Company
out of New York which has been in business since 1910. Both
companys are still going strong today. Some of the store items
(such as buttons) had inscriptions so nasty that they had to
post a sign that read "No reading aloud" - and if
the novelties out front were not risque enough there was a back
room for patrons over 21. The Fun Shop also had quite an array
of classic Halloween masks - most of which came from Don Post
Studios. |
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~ All
photos on this page were taken in 1967 ~ |
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Pictured above
is Jerry Best (center) and Rita Best (far right) along with
some of their employees. The Best children are pictured in front.
L to R: Sherri, Linda and Audrey. Employees shown L to R are
Helen (Blondie), Electra Stulak and Toni Pettricelli. |
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The old-fashioned
swimsuit was a popular item sold at the Fun Shop. |
Pictured above left to right are Joe, Jerry, Joey, Ed, Don & Sammy. |
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Above
photo shows the view looking toward the back of the shop. |
|
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The Best girls
model the old-fashioned swimwear. Pictured left to right are Sherri, Linda and
Audrey |
The front
entrance to the store. |
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Jerry takin'
care of business. |
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Jerry Best
demonstrates a trick or two for the curious customers. |
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A young Sammy
Best performs some magic of his own. |
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Joey Mattea,
Don Lafauce and Joe Pettricelli make "Rainbow Ropes". |
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The classic
red, white and blue awning that adorned the facade. |
|
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All photographs
on this page are part of the Best Family Collection and used
with permission. |
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Copyright 2001 Ralph Grassi
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