Many shoppers remember the Finkel's Fair Store of Paducah, at the corner of 2nd and Kentucky Avenue. It was the store that everyone flocked to for a thrifty price on good, reasonably priced merchandise. There were large, utilitarian, square wooden tables, built to hold the neatly folded clothing the store bought in volume, and was famous for; blue jeans, bib overalls, cotton nightgowns, men's work shirts, and more. Ladie's cotton housedresses, aprons, and robes were in plentiful supply; as were shoes of every description. Work boots, tennis shoes, and slippers were arranged in boxes in all sizes. Presiding over the premises was the smiling face of Mr Sam Finkel, a quiet but and active merchant who enjoyed his profession and was devoted to the community as well as his family and faith. Mr Finkel was always involved in the day to day activities within the store. Born in Russia, he came to America at about the age of ten, and settled in the St Louis area with his parents, Morris and Rebecca. He married wife Eva Fixman, and served in WWI. In 1919, he came to Paducah, and entered the dry goods business. Soon other stores opened in Mayfield, Princeton, and Metropolis, Illinois. One day when Sam was an older man, he was rushing up the stairs to the 'warehouse,' when a younger employee called out in consternation, "Mr Finkel, wait, let me do that for you!" Sam only paused long enough to say, "When I can't run up the stairs I'll be ready to die." On his final day at the store, Mr Finkel walked up the two steps to his office,  sat down, and passed away.