By Cynthia Williamson
The Packet Group
Friday, Aug. 25, 2000
LAMBERTVILLE — As a youngster growing up in
Lambertville, Bruce Rock could usually be found after
school congregating with peers at J.B. Kline & Son to
race slot cars.
"There were 12 or 14 stools, and we would sit around
and race," he said "Everybody went there because it was
something for us all to do."
The proprietor, George Kline, encouraged the town's
youth to gather in his store. He would organize race
events and award trophies to the fastest competitors.
"George had it all fixed up like a mini-Indianapolis
Speedway," Mr. Rock recollected. "It was pretty neat."
Mr. Rock, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday,
has been asked to share those boyhood memories Sunday
when he and his Ferry Street neighbors host a block
party with the purpose of also commemorating Kline's
125 years in business.
"We'd like to get everyone from the whole town to
come to this thing and anyone else who happens to stop
by," said Jeff Kline, 51, who is Mr. Kline's son and a
fourth generation of family to run the business, which
was begun as a smoke shop by his great uncle, Milton
Kline. In one year alone, more than 250,000 cigars were
sold, some of which were manufactured on the premises.
In 1879, Mr. Kline sold the tobacco and cigar
business to his brother, J.B. Kline, who expanded the
inventory to include elaborate postcards and greeting
cards. The business has been passed down through the
generations and has evolved over the decades to meet
the ever-changing demands of its customers.
As Kline's enters the 21st century, it is undergoing
yet another transformation. Citing stiff competition
from office supply chains, such as the Staples stores,
Mr. Kline, 77, and his son recently made a decision to
shift the focus of the operation to hobby and art
supplies. No longer in need of all the space, they are
in the process of renovating a portion of the building
fronting Kline's Court for a retail clothing
establishment.
The younger Mr. Kline, who is a musician and
performs in a local band, will continue selling new and
vintage musical instruments from a large room he
occupies on the second floor overlooking Bridge Street
where he also gives guitar and base lessons.
"I had six extra guitars that I didn't know what to
do with, so I hung them in the window," he said,
recalling how the musical instrument sales got its
start in 1993. "I had so many people coming in asking
about the guitars that it just took off."
The store has been a second home to Mr. Kline, who
practically grew up in the place. His sister, Wendy
Fiala, also worked there as did his father's sisters,
Elizabeth and Helen, who is 86 and resides in
Lambertville.
He fondly remembers exploring the nooks and crannies
of the old building as well as a cavernous cellar where
Mr. Kline claims a ghost of Aunt Matilda, "a crazy
person who used to play piano," sometimes can be heard
pounding out a tune. The old cigar-making machine also
is stored somewhere among the clutter and maze of rooms
underneath the store's main floor.
In those days, the office, stationery, hobby and art
supply store was a large L-shaped space that started at
the main entrance at 25 Bridge St. and wound its way
around the corner to the end of Kline's Court. A
sizable chunk of the space was sold off in the 1970s
and carved into smaller establishments that now serve
as restaurants and an antiques shop.
Many local residents also worked at Kline's,
including Betty Weber, Ginny Pearson and the late
Margaret Rose of West Amwell.
"All the little kids came here to get candy," Mr.
Kline said. "My grandfather would give it to them for
free."
Since Kline's hasn't had a celebration since 1920,
Mr. Kline said he figures it's time.
"Plus, it's a good excuse to have a party," he said.
"That's probably the real reason."
The elder Mr. Kline, who is a walking encyclopedia
of Lambertville's history, said he's looking forward to
the festivities. He co-authored a 1996 book, "Images of
America: Lambertville and New Hope," which chronicles
the town's early years with more than 200
black-and-white images supplied by Mr. Kline. Copies of
the book are available for sale at the store.
The block party is set to kick off at noon. Kline's
Court and Ferry Street between South Union Street and
the Delaware and Raritan Canal will be closed to
traffic until 9 p.m.
In addition to face painting and other activities
for children, several musicians are lined up to
perform, including Mr. Kline's band, Route 519 South.
Surprises also are in store but he said people just
will have to attend to find out what they are.
The block party also is a fund-raiser for the
Hibernia Fire Department, which will be selling
refreshments during the event.
Anyone with memories to share should contact Mr.
Kline at 397-7026.
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