Last week, we asked which Worcester place you’d bring back for one afternoon. Reader Evan picked Ephraim’s Bookstore, where he spent time while coming of age. “What a magical place to figure yourself out!”
That’s a lovely reason to remember a bookstore. So I went looking for its story. The family’s obituary for Robert Ephraim dates the business to 1924. The American Antiquarian Society’s collection of booksellers’ labels preserves another detail: Irving F. Ephraim Booksellers at 80 Franklin Street. A small label, but a tangible piece of the shop’s history. And there’s a connection to another familiar name. James Visbeck moved to Worcester at 20 to work at Ephraim’s. In 1969, he co-founded Isaiah Thomas Books and Prints with the Rev. Blaine and Lois Taylor. Rare Book Hub’s remembrance traces that path from one Worcester bookshop to the next. The family business had a later chapter, too. Robert took over from his father, Irving, in 1981; his obituary identifies him as the owner of Lincoln Stamp and Coin. Evan’s note makes me wonder which book, conversation or afternoon stayed with everyone else who knew the shop. A reader’s memory is a good place to begin that story. Did you browse Ephraim’s? Hit reply and tell us what you remember, who took you, or which book came home with you. If you have a photo you took, I’d love to see it. | 
