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Meanwhile, Back In Peoria...

A Travel Blog In And Around The River City With Your Host, Marty Wombacher

July 22, 2020

Shopping Locally - This Week: J.R.’s Mini Mall In Pekin

by MBIP


1. jrsminimall_7-8-20 copy.jpg
1. jrsminimall_7-8-20 copy.jpg

One of my favorite MBIP blog posts started with a picture of some kids with Captain Jinks and Salty Sam.

2. ckids_7-8-20.jpg

I wondered what these kids were doing today and put this up to see if anyone knew anything about them.

Well about fifteen minutes after putting this up, I got an email from the person who was wearing the “Who Shot J.R.” t-shirt.

3. picture_7-8-20.jpg

He told me that it was himself and his cousins in the picture and that he had a retail store in Pekin.

I went and met him, his name is Robert and here he is with the picture that  started everything.

4. jr_7-8-20.jpg

I also got him a new Who Shot J.R. shirt!

I can’t believe that was seven years ago! I thought it was time to go back, say hi and spotlight his mini-mall and do a little local shopping!

5. storefront_7-8-20.jpg

And so that’s exactly what I did, here we are back at JR’s Mini Mall on Derby Street in Pekin, Illinois!

The shop is looking nice!

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Let’s go in and say hi.

There’s Robert behind the counter, it was great to see him again and he said that business has picked up after having to be closed for the pandemic.

He invited me to take a look around, so that’s exactly what I did!

7. shelf_7-8-20.jpg

Let’s check out some stuff over here. I always thought that “High Voltage” would be a good band name!

At the bottom is Mr. Peanut, is he worth more now that he’s dead?

8. gilligans_7-8-20.jpg

Robert told me that this blue shark was a sign from the old Gilligan’s Tropical Hideaway bar on Main Street in Peoria.

I was in New York when Gilligan’s was open, but I found a recipe for one of their drinks online.

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Be sure to look up when you’re in here, because there’s spooky items hanging from the ceiling in here!

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I forgot that Charles had cookies too!

10. typewriter_7-8-20.jpg

There’s cool vintage items on this shelf including this awesome gold typewriter!

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Check out this blast from the musical past: Eight track tapes and  a denim phonograph player! ‘70’s flashback alert!

13. clocks_7-8-20.jpg

I love these vintage clocks, especially the Prairie Farms one!

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Wow, this beer can and bottle collection is amazing! Cheers!

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Here’s Robert with my Pandemic Purchase of the week.

I got a generic can of beer and a Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy” eight track tape.

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Be sure to check out JR’s Mini Mall, it’s a place loaded with fun treasures and cool vintage collectibles!

———

JR’s Mini Mall

712 Derby Street

Pekin, Illinois

309-620-8231

———

Related Posts: Shopping Locally @: Relics Gift Shop, Branded Country Wear and Younger Than Yesterday.

Who shot J.R?

Surprise link, click on it…I dare you!

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TAGS: Shopping Locally


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