Newberry (Closed)
Stockton, CA
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Looking for a five-and-dime in downtown Stockton? The old J.J. Newberry sign might still catch your eye on Weber Avenue, but the shopping trip will have to wait a few decades. The store closed in 1997, ending a long run at the corner of Weber and Sutter.

Newberry’s had the kind of layout that invited a little wandering. There were entrances on both streets, a fabric department downstairs, and, for a time, a lunch counter where shoppers could take a break. It is easy to imagine going in for one small thing and coming out much later.

The building survived the store’s closure and was later renovated for new uses. Best of all for sign watchers, the vertical Newberry sign was refurbished and returned to the facade.

UPDATE: The former store now houses community services and other tenants. Newberry’s may be gone, but its sign still hangs over downtown Stockton. 09-26