A recent Netflix documentary sends me into a nostalgic frenzy, longing for the golden era of The Mall. We look at a conversation I had with an expert in the field of malls and his opinion of the same documentary. The conversation makes me wonder how it all started. I dug deep to find out where and when The Mall first began as a favorite pastime for teenagers across the nation.

We were just kids when we were first introduced to our first mall. It created a life time of memories. Some of the friends we were introduced to there remain friends to this very day. We live out the early years of our teens hanging out and creating the classic date.

We continue to live our life at The Mall and can even recall major milestones in our life by the events that changed it here. Events and memories that make us who we are today live only in memory here in Bensalem.

Before we venture into the mall itself, we must first explore the outer rim of stores that lined the perimeter. Roller skates, movies and home design were the themes. Then we look at the purpose of and the design of the mall itself.

In this second chapter into the largest mall in Philadelphia, we explore the anchor stores that surrounded the main mall. Hard to understand lyrics, unknown (but great) movies, an entertainment complex and a little-known Soap Opera Star all make an appearance in this installment of The Mall.

In the final portion dedicated to Franklin Mills Mall, we explore the majestic interior of the 2-mile mall. We remember the stores, restaurants and attractions that our childhood was built upon. We also discuss the decline of this previously shopping mecca we knew and the reputation this once thriving mall holds today.

In the conclusion of this series, we discuss the decline in malls around the area as a whole. We find out the REAL reasons for the abandonment of these once thriving institutions of retail. Once enlightened to the truth, it all made sense.