Then & Now: Do you know where this is?
Fraternal organizations, among them the Masons and Grange, were in steady need of sashes, gloves, pins and other accessories.
The go-to place in Central Massachusetts was Fuller Regalia & Costume, shown in this week's Then photo. For years, Fuller was the lone shop of its kind between Boston and Springfield.
The store thrived at a time when specialty shops were part of the retail landscape.
Fuller had a range of customers, beyond the lodges. The store was favored by graduates, with an extensive gown-rental business. It sold choir robes. Its inventory included badges, flags and theatrical garb. Santa Claus suits could be rented.
For 45 years, the business was located in the building shown here. Before that it was in the same building as a hotel.
Worcester County National Bank bought the building in 1968, amid plans for significant redevelopment. Fuller relocated to another community. Its old building escaped the wrecking ball for decades, sitting vacant at the edge of redevelopment. It was razed in recent years.
See Monday's Telegram & Gazette, and telegram.com, for the answer.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Then & Now: Do you know where this is?
