Going Back in Time at the Parsippany Acme!

Location: 1099 Route 46, Parsippany, NJ

The former Parsippany Acme was one of the very first stores to be posted on the blog back in 2009. The post is not very extensive. I was a little nervous taking pictures so I managed to get only three. Didn't dare to take any on the inside. Oh, how things have changed. You can visit the original post by clicking here. One of these days I'll revisit this location and give it the exhaustive Acme Style treatment. In the meantime, we'll head back to the 1960's for a look inside! The photographs you will soon be linked to were taken by the Parsippany Police department as they were investigating a robbery that took place at this location. Thieves came in through the roof, broke into the safe and wiped it clean. While the police photographed the immediate crime scene, they also took additional pictures throughout the store. Little did they know how excited people would be to see them 50 years later! These are some of the most rare photos we have ever seen on the blog.

Before I give you the link, I need you to take a look at the OTHER Acme clock. I've mentioned this clock on the blog a few times over the years but have never been able to get a photo to share... until now! A screen grab of Parsippany's Customer Service Department is right below...


Could I be more thrilled to finally have this on the blog? No. This has been at the top of my wish list for years. Now, if I can just get a picture of the gold and brown Bakery wall paper to show you, my wish list would be complete! Does anyone remember this clock from other Acmes? I know Sparta had one and possibly Newton as well. I remember seeing it in other stores but can't recall exactly which ones.

Ready to be transported in time?

Just click here!

Thanks to Guy for sending in the link to the photos and the details of the robbery. Be sure to check out his fascinating Facebook page on the history of Pan American World Airlines by clicking here.

Former Acme — Parsippany, NJ

Location: 1159 Route 46, Parsippany NJ

This Michaels Art and Crafts store located in the Morris Hills Shopping Center in Parsippany NJ is a former Acme location. It closed in either the late 80's or very early 90's. The interior had the 70's colonial decor witht the fish-eye logo until the end. The facade of the shopping center was upgraded shortly before Acme closed. It was a small store with only 8 or 9 aisles. I believe it did have an in-store bakery which would be unsual for Acme's of this small size. This store had fierce competition from a much larger Pathmark and ShopRite down the highway.


In this shot you can see the cut out section around the Michaels logo where the Acme sign used to be.


The doors to the Acme most likely were where the darkened windows are now. The framed window was used for posting Acme specials for the week. There is an identical one at the other end of the store. I have seen these windows on this style of Acmes at several locations but not with the type of frame which matched with the colonial decor of the interior of the store.