I am writing in response to a message from a gal who shopped at the Ina’s in Magnolia. I am one of the daughters, Elinor, and happy to say that my mother, Mrs. Ina is still alive and living in Florida and we will celebrate her 100th birthday in January, God willing. She lives with my brother Al and she is amazing, she still loves to cook and enjoys having family visit.
Thanks, happy to know someone is still remembering the beautiful shops my mom owned.
Elinor Ina Bowes (Ellie)
Elinor forwards this, the only photo she has from the Ina’s
Alfred Ina comments-
My mom, Mahiba Ina came to this country in 1933 from Lebanon as a new bride.My mom & dad had stores in Palm Beach in the winter & Magnolia in the summer. When my father died in 1943, the family spent the winters in Jacksonville and when we started high school we moved to Magnolia year round. Being the only store in Magnolia during the winter was a challenge but she had her mind made up to work hard and succeed in which she did. She loved her shop and her dear customers who she still talks about and she always say that she misses them so. We love West Palm Beach but Magnolia will always be in our blood. Magnolia in those days was like a piece of Heaven on Earth. It breaks my heart to see whats left of Magnolia and how it is neglected. My mom sends all her love to all of you and thanks you for remember her. You all made her day so special and I thank you all.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Happy 100th Birthday Mrs. Ina. I grew up in Magnolia and remember your shop and your family with such fond memories.
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I remember shopping at Ina’s with my grandmother and aunt in the late 1950’s.
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Happy 100th to you Mrs.Ina!! My mom and just loved your shop!
In fact I still have a few treasured pieces from there! I hate to throw them
Away because of the memories of the shop and the superb quality,
Which is a rarity these days! I wish you were still there!
Hello to all!! Miss your very much!!! Hi Alfred !!!
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HI…THANKS FOR THE COMMENT…THEY ALL MADE MY MOM CRY. SHE MISSES HER CUSTOMERS SO MUCH. I LOVED YOUR MOM & DAD…SUCH GREAT PEOPLE AND MISS THAT GREAT SMILE OF YOURS. I THINK OF YOU ALWAYS. GOD BLESS AND BE WITH YOU.
FONDLY,
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I too grew up in Magnolia and adored Ina’s! It was a special place for young ladies. Cheers for Mrs. Ina!
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Happy 100th Birthday Mrs. Ina! My mother loved your shop. She didn’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes but when she shopped, she wanted to get the best quality, so she shopped at Ina’s.
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I love that area of Massachusetts and having lived for a short while in Gloucester with my late husband, I loved reading about Ina and her beautiful shop. Happy Birthday! Your high standards are still setting an example for those who remember and care so much how treasured the past is and pass on life’s lessons and past beauty to our younger generations. Be well.
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My Mother worked at the Surf in Magnolia and when I was 16 took my to Ina’s where I got my
very first bikini. It was yellow and white and had a hooded beach cover to match! I wore that until it fell apart….which was a very long time! Thanks for stocking that wonderful bathing suit. It makes me smile every time I think about it!
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I meant took me!
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The INA family legacy will long endure in Magnolia. They are a remarkable part of it’s history. A tribute to you, Mrs. Ina, on your upcoming 100th birthday. We remember…
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Ina’s certainly was a piece of Magnolia History. Happy Birthday to Mrs. Ina ! Your right Magnolia is a piece of heaven on earth, but I am saddened by the way you think it is neglected. I can assure you, we all do everything we can to keep Magnolia beautiful ! and it is!
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WHEN I READ YOUR BOOK, MAGNOLIA, I WAS SURPRISED THAT INA’S WAS NOT MENTIONED IN YOUR BOOK. IT WAS THE LARGEST AND OLDEST SHOP IN THE TOWN. GO FIGURE! MAGNOLIA TODAY CAN NOT COMPARE TO MAGNOLIA IN THE 40’S AND 50’S….NO WAY!
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I remember Mrs. Ina, and her shop. My Mom also owned a shop on Lexington Avenue when I was a kid…the Coffee Shop. I grew up playing in and around ‘the Avenue’, and it was always so fun to go into Ina’s and look at all the beautiful things in there. I still live in Magnolia, and other than the fact that there are no longer as many shops on ‘the Avenue’, Magnolia is far from neglected. Happy upcoming 100th to Mrs. Ina!
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WHEN I SAID NEGLECTED I WAS COMPARING MAGNOLIA IN THE 40’S AND 50’S TO WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE NOW…A BIG DIFFERANCE AND WITH THE HOTELS ALL GONE IN THE 50’S & 60’S WAS THE DOWNFALL OF THE TOWN. IT IS STILL A BEAUTIFUL TOWN & SITE…A GEM. GLOUCESTER WAS NEVER IN LOVE WITH MAGNOLIA. IT’S OLD BUILDINGS LIKE ON THE AVENUE & LIBRARY SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRESERVED FOR THEY WERE HISTORICAL. FORGIVE ME IF I OFFENED YOU.
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Hi, I am Pat (Cannon) Kelliher
My family, John, Queenie, Jini and Bobby Cannon summered in our aunts B&B (Laffey Hall) until the 1960’s when my parents moved here to Magnolia year round. My mom, Queenie worked at Oakwood days and for Mrs. Ina’s afternoons and Saturdays for 20 years. She was a great worker and enjoyed Mrs Ina and her family and her cooking very much. For my sister and I it was a special day when we were allowed to go into the store and just look. My mother would make us get dressed up just to go inside.
Bobby, Betty, my sister Jini and her husband Ronny have stayed in the area, Bobby keeping great watch over Laffey Hall and Betty over all our parks. My husband Bob and I raised our family in upstate NY but luckily found out way back to Magnolia for our retirement. We certainly appreciate the opportunity to return to this beautiful spot and in our small way are trying to give back. We feel a wonderful community spirit and pride and want to be part of its continuation.
Mrs. Ina, I can still see your beautiful impatient plants in your former backyard when I walk up Flume Rd. My entire family and I take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful birthday .
Someone asked who the people were in Elinor’s picture and I think is is Mrs.Ina, Rhoda and Elinor.
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Hello to everyone,
Yes, it was my mom, Rhoda and me (Elinor) in the picture which was taken in the shop right after mom had it redecorated. All your comments touch my heart and make me homesick for Magnolia and the wonderful memories. Thank you, thank you!!
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I’M MRS. INA’S DAUGHTER, RHODA, AND I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING IN MY MOTHER’S SHOP FOR MANY YEARS, UNTIL IT WAS SOLD. THIS COLUMN HAS BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES BECAUSE OF ALL YOUR KIND WORDS , AND HOW PROUD YOU HAVE MADE ME. IT WAS A JOY TO WORK WITH MY MOTHER AND QUEENIE ALL THOSE YEARS, AND TO MEET SUCH WONDERFUL CUSTOMERS WHO I STILL REMEMBER TODAY. IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL TIME IN MY LIFE , AND I HAVE MEMORABLE MEMORIES FOR IT. SOON I WILL HELP MY MOTHER CELEBRATE HER 100TH BIRTHDAY, AND WE WILL REMINISCE ABOUT THOSE WONDERFUL YEARS. THANK YOU ALL FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT TO WRITE YOUR MOST THOUGHTFUL COMMENTS …IT WAS SO APPRECIATED.
RHODA
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I have very fond memories of Magnolia and all the stores on the avenue, where I was employed, including Grande Maison de Blanc, Depinnas, and the Patio and Surf Restaurants. During the winter months I used to work weekends at the famous Oceanside hotel until it burned down in 1958. Away from Lexington Ave I also worked at the Casino where Sammy Eisen and his orchestra played. Dr. Samuel Ina
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Just down the street I owned and operated Magnolia Lodge a resort hotel at the corner of Shore Road and Lexington Avenue during the years 1957 -1962. It was always a delight to interact with Alred and HiS Mom now in her 1ooth year. A classier lady could not be found and she was blessed with wonderful children….yes you too Alfred… Do you remember my two great danes the terrors of Shore Road?
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My dear Loren…I think of you and Linda very often and wonder where you are? It bring back some great moments and hope all is well now. Mom’s birthday is being celebrated this coming Sat. 1-12-13 for on her birthday 1-13-13 everyone has to return home for school or work. Rhoda, who now lives in Rockport, ME. is spending a week with us and looking forward to it. Please e-mail me as to where you are and Linda…aina1936@yahoo.com. I miss the old Magnolia so much and all we have now are great memories. Waiting to hear from you. Mom send her love…
Fondly,
AL
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