LAWTON – Peering over her black sequined mask that narrowly hid her genuine smile, Blanche Massad spoke blissfully about her life and being part of Lawton-Fort Sill’s business community.
Ms. Massad and her brother Larry own Massad’s Gift Shop, located at 413 C Avenue, in Lawton. The novelty shop features an array of unique gift ideas from housewares, home décor and food products to bridal and baby registry items and much more.
In the beginning, Massad’s Gifts was a home business, said Ms. Massad. “We didn’t get into this shop as soon as we had planned,” she said. “So, we cleared out a room of our home, brought in some merchandise and invited friends who brought friends to shop at that location.
“Sue Dinges Burpo was one of our first clients,” she said. Mrs. Burpo’s late husband Major General Edward Dinges served as Commandant of the Artillery School at Fort Sill from 1980 to 1982. “Sue continues to be a great friend and supporter.”
Another longtime patron-turned-lifelong friend flies in from out of state twice a year to visit the Massads. “Cpt. Andy Anderson first came here when he was stationed at Fort Sill. He now lives in Tennessee, but comes in two or three times a year to visit and pick out gifts for his family and friends,” said Ms. Massad.
“I’ve been doing business with the Massads since 1982,” said Anderson.
Over the past 40 years, the Massads have developed many close relationships with their customers. Ms. Massad chocks the business’ success to the continued support from families across southwest Oklahoma, north Texas and beyond.
While Ms. Massad agrees that retail trends have come and gone over her years, the idea behind gift-giving – whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just because — is always appreciated.
“We try to select inventory that the average person would either want to purchase as a gift or as something they’d like for themselves,” she said. Massad’s carries a line of Baccarat Crystal imported from France, Found brand European wooden bowls that are more than at least 100 years old, Department 56 Village lighted ceramics, several Oklahoma gourmet foods and does special orders.
We treasure “all of the great co-workers we’ve had since the day we opened,” said Ms. Massad, naming staff members Tracy Taylor (23 years), Anne Mahaffey (7 years) and Carolyn Daskevich. “Carolyn worked here each of the three times her husband was stationed at Fort Sill,” said Ms. Massad. With her parents’ permission, a 13-year-old Crystal Roadruck also worked for the Massads. “I believe Crystal worked here until she graduated,” said Ms. Massad. Along with a few military spouses, “we’ve had so many extremely wonderful co-workers over the years.”
One might say business ventures are inherent to the Massad family. Ms. Massad, brother Larry, their parents, several siblings and extended family members have all helped one another in their endeavors. The Massad family believes friendly service is what brings customers in time and time again.
“I’ve been blessed to be born into a loving family,” Ms. Massad noted, adding, her “wonderful, godly parents,” Amos Massad and his wife Salwa came from Lebanon via France and Ellis Island, New York, in 1920. The couple settled in Drumright, Okla., with Amos’ brothers.
In 1939, before east and west sides of Lawton were fully developed, Amos bought Cut Rate Food Market downtown across from the current Comanche County Courthouse. During World War II, because “merchandise was limited,” the grocery store became home to Curio Corner, a small novelty department that Ms. Massad’s sister Lee stocked with Native American bead and artwork as well as one-of-a-kind gifts. “Soldiers from Fort Sill would buy things and send them back to their families,” Ms. Massad, whose main responsibility at the time was cleaning grocery store shelves, said. Cut Rate remained in business until 1957 when the surrounding land was sold off.
Later Ms. Massad moved to Oklahoma City and worked in a gift shop for about 10 years before returning to Lawton. Partnering with her mother, sister Ruth and brother Larry, Ms. Massad’s dream of owning her own gift shop became a reality in November 1981.
While Ms. Massad wishes not to disclose her age publicly, she does attribute her good health to her faith in God, she said. “I hear people in their 50s, 60s and 70s complain about turning older and when I mention my age, they seem to be surprised,” she added. “I truly believe it’s my faith in Him.”
Counting her father’s first retail endeavor in Drumright, the Massad family has been involved in retail for more than a century. Ms. Massad said, “All of our business ventures have been supported through our loving family, great staff members and the many blessings God has provided.”
Ms. Massad has no intention of retiring any time soon. She enjoys building friendships with new shoppers as well as visiting with longtime clients who’ve become just like part of her family.
For more details, visit Massad’s Gifts storefront at 413 C Ave., call (580) 357-4500, visit massadsgiftshop.com or via Facebook.