Following World War II, teenagers formed a steadily growing group set apart for the first time from adult culture with their own tastes in clothing, entertainment, language and music. By 1960, nearly 40 percent of all Hoosiers were under the age of 20. Many of these teenagers had plenty of disposable income. Along with the strong postwar economy that provided part-time jobs, new “allowances” were being given to children by parents who had lived through the deprivations of the Great Depression and the rationing of World War II. Teens, as well as adults, now had money and both were spending it on music like records, also called vinyl 45s and 33 1/3s.
Capitalizing on this growing market, the Specialty Record Shop was founded in Richmond, Ind., in 1947 by sisters Elizabeth Kelley and Mary Ina Bass and their husbands Harold Kelley and Henry Bass. All were prominent members of the town’s black community and the store soon became one of the outstanding black-owned businesses in Richmond. The family was also active in civic affairs. In 1950, Mrs. Elizabeth Kelley became the first black female member of Richmond’s chapter of the American Association of University Women as well as the first black female to serve as PTA president of Richmond’s Finely School (1953-54).
The first record store was located in the Kelley’s home on South A Street, later moving to a larger site at 534 Main St. in 1955. The store was a favorite hangout for music-loving teens and adults, growing to carry over 500 records in all genres. This sign, now featured in the Global Indiana Gallery hung above the shop’s storefront from 1968 until the business closed in 1980.