Ad photo in 1971 Claiborne Progress

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When looking at the cost of goods and services back in 1971 there are similarities to today’s prices in a few items and also some wide discrepancies.

The cost of a gallon of Amoco premium gasoline was 38 cents.

Eight pieces of living room furniture would set a family back $200 plus tax.

A brand new 3-1/2 horsepower push mower was priced at $49.99.

Ball’s Hardware had government subsidized homes for sale. The homes were $200 down and $60-80 monthly payments on a $14,000 house.

If you needed to paint that home a gallon of paint would cost $3.44.

A 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix was $495 plus taxes.

A six year old Ford Mustang was priced at $795.

A 1968 Pontiac GTO was a bargain at $2,795 and a 1966  four door Chevrolet Chevelle was priced around $1,100 plus taxes.

Top of the line B.F. Goodrich tires for those vehicles were listed two for $38 at Bill Brooks TV and Appliance Company.

Children’s dresses at the Powell’s 5¢ – $1 Store were less than $1.99 marked down from $2.99.

Also you could bring the family or child to the store for a 5×7 living portrait for only a dollar.

A new full size refrigerator was priced to sell quickly at less than $200 and a full dinette set could be purchased at Claiborne Furniture and Appliances for $80.

At G&F Supermarket, four pounds of apples were priced at 49 cents while Morrell bacon was 69 cents per pound.

A half gallon of Hi-Q vanilla, chocolate or strawberry ice milk was 49 cents and for all the steak lovers, Wampler’s 20 ounce grilled steaks were 79 cents per package

By ALLEN EARL

allen.earl@claiborneprogress.net