David Cohen of Huntington has seen a lot in his 81 years of life. With a sharp mind and gentle personality, he loves to talk about the yesteryears of the city. In 1949, he and his good friend, Mack Webb, seized the opportunity to purchase the pawn shop where they both worked, then called B&B Loans. The two would rename it Mack and Dave's, located at 1010 3rd Ave., in downtown Huntington since 1974. In the early days of the business, the focus was almost exclusively on pawn items, music and guns. That has changed over the years. The store now sells mostly new products, such as furniture, music equipment, appliances, cameras and more.

Along the way, Cohen says the consumer has changed as well. "When we first opened the store, our customers relied on us to be the experts on just about everything. Now, the customer knows just as much, if not more, about the products they are looking for," he adds.

Today, the store employees about 45 full-time workers and a few part-timers. On the wall in the customer service department are numerous photos of Mack and Dave, along with some photos of the store in its early days. "We moved to three different locations along Third Avenue before settling here because of urban renewal projects that pushed us out. This space used to be a string of about 10 businesses. We actually bought it from the government," said Cohen. Still, the duo managed to continue its success along the way.

"Mack came from a family of means, but I didn't, to say the least. But we worked so well together. He was my friend and I still miss him," adds Cohen about Webb, who passed nearly 15 years ago. A glimmer returns to his eyes when asked why he thinks Mack & Dave's remains so popular with this community.

"Look around here. You can see how friendly everyone is. I think it's an advantage to have employees who are extra nice and helpful. In a way, it feels like home," said Cohen. That sentiment is echoed by Lillian Mitchell, a sales associate in the jewelry department who has worked for the store for 38 years. A few years older than Cohen, she seems happy to be part of the Mack & Dave's family. "One day I told him (Cohen) that he probably doesn't need me here anymore. He said he'd think about letting me retire when I turn 90," she said with a laugh.

Mack & Dave's offers much more than the products it sells. It is not uncommon for a great-grandson or grand-daughter of an early days Mack & Dave's shopper to visit the store. Cohen remembers most of them by name. During our discussion, he asks if I am a Huntington native. When I tell him my maiden name is 'Ridgeway', he quirps, "For goodness sakes, are you Ray's daughter?" I immediately feel right at home, as well. Diana Thompson, has worked at the store for 31 years. Asked if she has ever thought about working anyplace else, she said, "Honey, I tried that once and came back!"

Six days a week, David Cohen is in the store, answering questions from customers and employees and also welcoming practically everyone who comes through the doors. He arrives by 8 a.m. and leaves after closing, something he has done for as long as he can remember. Mack & Dave's opens at 9:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday at 11 a.m. Extended holiday hours will soon apply. For more information, call (304) 697-4211.

Today, the store employees about 45 full-time workers and a few part-timers. On the wall in the customer service department are numerous photos of Mack and Dave, along with some photos of the store in its early days. "We moved to three different locations along Third Avenue before settling here because of urban renewal projects that pushed us out. This space used to be a string of about 10 businesses. We actually bought it from the government," said Cohen. Still, the duo managed to continue its success along the way.

"Mack came from a family of means, but I didn't, to say the least. But we worked so well together. He was my friend and I still miss him," adds Cohen about Webb, who passed nearly 15 years ago. A glimmer returns to his eyes when asked why he thinks Mack & Dave's remains so popular with this community.

"Look around here. You can see how friendly everyone is. I think it's an advantage to have employees who are extra nice and helpful. In a way, it feels like home," said Cohen. That sentiment is echoed by Lillian Mitchell, a sales associate in the jewelry department who has worked for the store for 38 years. A few years older than Cohen, she seems happy to be part of the Mack & Dave's family. "One day I told him (Cohen) that he probably doesn't need me here anymore. He said he'd think about letting me retire when I turn 90," she said with a laugh.

Mack & Dave's offers much more than the products it sells. It is not uncommon for a great-grandson or grand-daughter of an early days Mack & Dave's shopper to visit the store. Cohen remembers most of them by name. During our discussion, he asks if I am a Huntington native. When I tell him my maiden name is 'Ridgeway', he quirps, "For goodness sakes, are you Ray's daughter?" I immediately feel right at home, as well. Diana Thompson, has worked at the store for 31 years. Asked if she has ever thought about working anyplace else, she said, "Honey, I tried that once and came back!"

Six days a week, David Cohen is in the store, answering questions from customers and employees and also welcoming practically everyone who comes through the doors. He arrives by 8 a.m. and leaves after closing, something he has done for as long as he can remember. Mack & Dave's opens at 9:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday at 11 a.m. Extended holiday hours will soon apply. For more information, call (304) 697-4211.

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