](http://www.kendallgiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Screen-Shot-2013-01-26-at-11.06.55-PM.png)Part of my childhood burned to the ground today, so I thought I should at least acknowledge it with a post.
The Continental Hobby Center in Lynchburg, Virginia, was a regular haunt when I was a wee lad. Yes, they had lots of craft supplies, but back then they also had a huge selection of toy models and a track for racing slot cars (we called them “womp womp” cars).
However, and most importantly, most of my time was spent there because they had, as far as I knew, the only collection of Dungeons and Dragons manuals, modules, dice, and other RPGs available in town.
This was where I first encountered the original 1974 Gary Gygax boxed set of Dungeons and Dragons:
as well as the Dungeons and Dragons Basic Set:
These are the games that spawned generations of future role-playing games, video games, and movies, including my beloved Steve Jackson games and RPGs like Traveller:
These were also the games that shaped much of my thinking, upbringing, and inspiration. And, these were the times in a young child’s (my) life that made lasting, lifelong impressions not easily tarnished by the trials of real life.
Anyway, I learned today that the old Continental Hobby Center building burned to the ground:
I can remember playing all-day Dungeons and Dragons tournaments there, perusing Dragon magazines in the aisles, and peaking through D&D modules, wondering what magical universes might lie in store for intrepid adventurers.
That was also where I first saw, in the Deities and Demigods manual, Goddesses in their natural mode of dress, or undress, as it were.
For a young kid, these were memorable times, and the Continental Hobby Center played a memorable part, which is why I was sorry to see that this building burned to the ground today.
So, I tip my sword in your direction, Continental Hobby Center, for the role you played in the lives of so many children seeking their honest way in the world.
