BEST FRANCHISE FOR 2011

"What's this, Shiroi? A big Tower Records?"
"Yes, Hopper. Here in Japan, Tower Records is owned by a different franchise, which is still operating."
"But those articles in America said they went out of business, so I thought they were gone everywhere."
"Prepare for a shock, Hopper, but some American media like to say things that make attention grabbing headlines, even if they stretch the truth, or even deceive."
"Oh, no, Shiroi!"
"Oh yes, Hopper."
"My tall and innocent ears cannot believe your words, Shiroi."
"Well, there's the sign, Hopper, plain as the twitchy nose on your cute little face. And your ears are tall only in proportion to your little bitty bunny body."
"Didn't you work at the last Tower Records in America, Shiroi?"
"The last one in California, anyway, Hopper. It closed December 2006."
"I don't know what to buy at that Oshman's store below it; I don't usually wear any clothes."
"I know, Hopper; you're naughty that way."
"What!"
"Just kidding, Hopper."
"Foor floors of Tower! Wow, let's spend all day here, Shiroi!"
"And when we get home, people will ask what traditional Japanese attractions we saw, Hopper, and I'll reply that we could not get to many, because my rabbit wanted to spend all day in Tower Records."
"And they'll be so impressed I discovered a still existing Tower, Shiroi! And I'll let you help your image by claiming you know me!"
"People already know I know you, Hopper. And you did not discover this; it is not a fossil you dig up."
"If you lightened up, Shiroi, you might look less like an old fossil."

Known throughout West Texas as "A city within itself," Thornton's Store was one of Abilene's leading businesses for nearly seven decades. E. L. Thornton (1896-1964) moved to Abilene from Arkansas in 1919, after service in World War I. He opened a fruit stand in 1919, followed by a grocery store in 1920. Joined by his two brothers, Thornton soon expanded his business. In 1925 he added dry goods, followed by a drug store and feed store in 1929. Radio and refrigeration departments were added in 1931. By 1937 Thornton's filled an entire block of Oak Street, adding a cafe, a beauty shop, and shoe department. In 1941 a franchise for selling new Studebaker cars was added. The one-story properties were renovated in 1947 into a four-story structure of more than 100,000 square feet. Thornton's was famous for its Christmas displays. In 1959 the largest fire in Abilene's history gutted the Thornton property. Reconstruction began at once. After the deaths of E. L. Thornton in 1964 and his son Charles Eugene Thornton in 1965, surviving family members sold their interests to a chain store based in St. Louis. Thornton's continued in business under new ownership until 1985. (1996)