This is one of those topics where I wonder just where do I begin ? I want to research Baltimore stores, but the smaller ones, not the Department stores in Downtown Baltimore but those stores that we all remember that have long since closed in the neighborhoods.           This page might " jump " around for a bit, but as I work on it, it should make sense.
Before the big food chain stores  moved in and showed up everywhere, Baltimore had small corner stores for folks to buy groceries. Sure ,  there were the markets ( See Kilduffs Market page ), but when someone just needed a few items, it was the corner store that met the need. Markets were everywhere, and as time went by, the " supermarket " was developed where shoppers could find just about everything under one roof.  The photo on the right shows an old A&P in Baltimore City, circa 1930's, exact address unknown .  A&P's stores were located all over Baltimore City, and the chain goes under the name of Super Fresh these days.
.......	By the 1930's, Food Fair had opened their first store at Greenmount and 25th Street. The store opened to quite a lot of press as people realized that the " Supermarket " was here to stay, with " discount prices " and great selection. The picture on the right shows the Food Fair in 1939, the picture below the same building in 2006. The location is no longer used as a food store. ........................
................	Food Fair was one of several chains located in Baltimore. Kilduffs has compiled a list of older Baltimore Supermarkets, including the old Food Fair stores. Click here.
Later Food Fair Stores could often be located by the large column and " Food Fair" high up in the air. This store was located on the southeast corner of York Road and Woodbourne Avenue, and has since been replaced by another food store in a newer building.	...................
.........................	Acme Supermarkets were also a popular food store chain around Baltimore City. I should have a bit more on the chain soon.
Wagner's Food Stores Chain was a much smaller chain, but a chain much remembered. Early Wagner Food Stores were located on Greenmount Avenue, St Paul Street and York Road, and the store interior ( seen below ) was on the southeast corner of Loch Raven and East Cold Spring Lane. The building is now used by various smaller stores, including a dollar store, a wig shop and a Chinese Food Carry Out.	..........
..............................	Wagner's Food Store Loch Raven and East Cold Spring Lane
More, much more is coming........ Please feel free to email Kilduffs with any questions or comments . Updated 5-25-2008