STORES OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY

[Angela]

Q: It’s been said that Arthur went to the store that day to buy shot gun shells. Isn’t it strange for a store to be open on Christmas Day?

A: Other people have also wondered and questioned about a store being open on Christmas Day. What we were told, and is in the documentary if I'm not mistaken, is that a lot of people who owned business such as a hardware store back then also lived with their families in that store. Their living quarters were usually on the upper floor or in the back of their place of business and as the lady who told us said, the owner of the store would have been more than happy to let Arthur or any other customer in to buy something they needed even on Christmas day.
Maria

[Brian]

I think that's correct. We aren't talking a large department store. This would have been a tiny ma/pa type store and I'm sure they'd welcome a sale whenever they could get it. The store may not have been "open" per say, but I'd bet all you had to do was knock on the door and tell them you want something. They'd make the sale then close the door again.

[smpyrtle]

I can see that happening Brian.