Big Fun
Last week, we visited my hometown of Cleveland. For my family, a trip there would not be complete without a stop at one of our favorite stores called "Big Fun."
The shop is in Coventry Village, an area of Cleveland Heights that has been the heart of the city's counterculture since the 1960s hippie-era. Owned by Steve Presser, a fellow grade school classmate of mine, they carry everything from vintage toys to whoopee cushions. It's filled literally floor to ceiling with things from the 1950s onward. You'll find all the nostalgic toys from when you were little with small items displayed just like an old Five and Dime Store, in bins that you can rummage through. Classic collectibles are under glass and behind the counters. Brimming with both new and old stock, they sell metal lunch boxes, trolls, comic books, action figures, matchbox cars, gag gifts, wind-up toys, retro candy, kitschy refrigerator magnets, and so much more. Here's a little tour . . .
Steve Presser, a collector extraordinaire, has owned Big Fun for 17 years. He has created a most unique toy store where kids will have a blast perusing the wacky wares and grown-ups also enjoy the trip down memory lane. You can find Big Fun at 1814 Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. (They don't have a web site, which is probably a good thing for my wallet!) Their phone number is (216) 371-4386.
This shop's motto is, "Come shopping, leave smiling." Big Fun certainly lives up to its name.
Susan
Searching around ... found your blog.
I was raised in Cleveland, not far from Cleveland Heights.
It felt nice reading a bit about the place!!
I'm out in southern CA now.
Posted by:MarSF | April 26, 2008 at 04:19 AM
I'm smiling! What a great store! Thanks for sharing such a magical place with us! I can see why this store is a must stop place on your trip!
Posted by:Alice | April 24, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Oh my, lunchboxes, trolls and candy. How could that NOT be fun?
Posted by:Cathy Santarsiero | April 23, 2008 at 07:10 PM
What a surprise to fun Big Fun featured in your post today! We used to live right up the street from it...perfectly named, isn't it?
Posted by:Jan | April 23, 2008 at 05:02 PM
What Fun!!! A place like this in the Metro Area would be a blast!
Thanks Susan!
Posted by:Linda Rose | April 23, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Looks like a very fun place to shop and visit. I love old toys from my childhood.
Thanks so much for sharing,Susan.
Blessings,Shelley
Posted by:Shelley | April 23, 2008 at 09:44 AM