Goodbye Mr Peanut

Sometimes I get nostalgic for things from my childhood, but not often. Especially as I get old, things blur and unless I have a photo, it comes at me in bits and pieces. But the Planter's Peanut Shoppe at the corner of 10th and State in Erie is a landmark that I recall vividly.

Partly because of it's location, it was where a bus dropped me off or where we met up. It was second only to the fountain a few blocks down at Perry Square. It was easily recognizable because of the ornate facade of the Renaissance Center building - but mostly because of the iconic Mr. Peanut icon that towered over the entrance on the 2nd story. It seemed giant to me in my younger years looking up. But then there was also the aroma of those nuts roasting that grabbed your attention as soon as you were within distance. Most kids would have been drawn to a candy counter down the street at Grants. But for myself, the pecans, walnuts and peanuts were preferred.

It seemed to always be a fixture as my trips back became less frequent. I bought a bag to bring home to Jeff on my last trip 3 years ago. It was as if it would always remain there in time. Just like Pulakos chocolates or Mighty Fine donuts.

 

Sadly, it has closed it's door at the end of 2020. Not so much a victim of a pandemic, but due to getting old and moving on. Annie Linebach, the proprietor since the mid 1970s was getting old. She let the lease expire at the end of this December. And then ironically died just this last weekend. 

I thought for sure I must have some photos of the old place on my many trips back in the last 30 years, but alas, can not find one. But here are shared a handful from the Erie History and Memorabilia feed. Along with the historical evolution of the Planter's Peanut Man that shadowed over the front entry. Buying a jar at the grocery store just does not compare.