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McDOWELL COUNTY ORAL HISTORY

A project of the McDowell County NC Tourism Authority made possible by a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

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The Ramble Rack

August 11, 2009 by mcdowellcountyhistory

In the early days, everything at The Ramble Rack was do-it-yourself, even the ads.

In the early days, everything at The Ramble Rack was do-it-yourself, even the ads.

Nowadays, outlet stores and discount centers are common features of any town’s retail landscape. But in the 1960s, the concept was still a novel one, especially in a small town like Marion.

In 1963, after years of dreams, delays, and being required to jump through hoops to get a bank loan, Ellen Brown and her sister-in-law opened The Ramble Rack. Soon, just about every mother within a 50-mile radius (and beyond) made the pilgrimage to Marion to shop for back-to-school outfits, Easter dresses, play clothes and grown-up clothes.  Mrs Brown recalls her husband reminding her at one point, “You never know until you try.”   She did try and was successful for 25 years.

Listen to the story here: https://mcdowellcountyhistory.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/ellenbrowninterview.mp3

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Posted in Everyday life, Marion, _Interviewee: Ellen Brown | Tagged mcdowell county, oral history |

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