Don't Thank Sam Walton.

Most of America probably gives the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton, credit for the invention of the membership-only super center, where one can buy everything from toothpaste to tires.

The fact, as long-time Californians know, is that the credit rightfully goes to Sol Price, who died this week at age 93.  Yes, Price created Price Club, which later merged with Costco.  But even before that, back in 1954, he created the original super store in San Diego -- FedMart.

According to his obituary in the New York Times, Mr. Price opened his first store near Lindberg Field, limiting membership to federal employees.  The first year, he lost $750,000.  After offering membership to the public, the company took off and made Mr. Price a very wealthy man.

Those of us who grew up in Redlands remember FedMart very well.  It was located in a former A&P supermarket on Orange Street, the site now occupied by Starbuck's Coffee and several other fast food chains.

I remember being taken there by my grandfather to buy salmon eggs before a fishing trip in the mountains.  I bought model cars, spray paint (49 cents!), and a ton of other stuff there for the better part of ten years.

I miss FedMart.  Thanks, Sol.