Kennedy & Co. Butter and Eggs, a grocer that was a fixture of 20th century Jamaica Plain, is long gone. But its vintage metal store sign has survived as a local artifact in the possession of another iconic local business, J.P. Licks. Now the sign is up for sale, with one local historian hoping it stays in local hands.
Kennedy’s operated at 668 Centre St. for 32 years until shutting down in 2000. It was part of a 100-store New England chain. But according to the Jamaica Plain Historical Society website, the store, under local owner Bob Allen, was known as “a community-spirited place, the kind of store where the proprietor knew your name and even extended credit.”
Since then, the 668 Centre storefront has been home to various outfits, including two record stores, a campaign office for now Mayor Martin Walsh, and most recently the baby clothing shop Hatched.
Vince Petryk, owner of the J.P. Licks ice cream store across Centre Street, purchased the Kennedy’s sign when it closed. Made of enameled steel, the sign measures 19 feet long and bears the Kennedy’s name in simple, strong lettering.
However, Petryk never found a place to showcase the artifact. It spent many years tucked against a wall in the J.P. Licks driveway. Now Petryk is seeking to sell it—the asking price is $999—according to an email circulated by Michael Reiskind, a local historian and a member of the JP Business and Professional Association.
“I am hoping that the sign can remain in Jamaica Plain,” Reiskind wrote.
Interested buyers can contact Petryk at [email protected].
The Kennedy & Co. Butter and Eggs storefront in an undated photo. (Photo Courtesy Michael Reiskind)