Thornbury's Toys: Memories and Memorabilia: main store

Founded by Jim and Mary Thornbury in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1954, Thornbury's Toys was initially a true "mom and pop" shop. After expanding a few times they outgrew the first store located at 117 Breckinridge Lane in St. Matthews and opened a new store nearby at 4101 Shelbyville Rd. in 1960. This store became headquarters. Thornbury's, incorporated in 1965, grew year after year, peaking in the mid 1980's with stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Ohio and Alabama. The formula for success: customer service, high "play-value" toys and bikes, and a strong management team combined with Uncle Jim's entrepreneurial and promotional flair, love of children, understanding of his customers, attention to detail, and loving family. Uncle Jim's motto was "the customer is always right". The company mascot, Thorny the monkey, who pedaled his bike day and night atop the St. Matthews store, also helped Thornbury's stand out.

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Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Thornbury's Toys 4101 Shelbyville Rd. Louisville, KY, Late 1960s

The main store at 4101 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY, ca. 1969

When Thornbury's Toys outgrew their original location at 117 Breckenridge Lane in St. Matthews, they moved to a brand new shopping area just a mile or so away at the busy corner of Shelbyville Road and Browns Lane. Toy sales quickly increased in the new store and so did the number of employees. There's Thorny the Monkey, Thornbury's famous mascot.

Image source: Royal Photo Company Collection, 1982.03, Photographic Archives, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

Monday, December 8, 2014

1969 Photo of St. Matthews store

Here's a photo of the main store in St. Matthews on Shelbyville Road from the University of Louisville Libraries Digital Collection/Photographic Archives. The photo was taken by Royal Photo Company in September 1969 (ULPA R 19409, Royal Photo Company Collection, 1982.03, Photographic Archives, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky). There's Thorny up there, riding his bike! Click the image to get a better view.

The same photograph appeared in the The Voice of St. Matthews, below (date unknown):