The White Elephant Stores

05/09/2026

In memory of our founder and patriarch John Conley's 99th birthday and his business the White Elephant's 80th, we are celebrating at the Inland NW Toy Show Classic. Thank you to all who visited us today at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds!

01/12/2026

Over the Christmas season, we were honored for our original neon toys sign to be displayed in its new home. Take a moment in 2026 to stop in to the The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and take in the history and nostalgia along with all the collections of the Inland Northwest's past and present.
Happy New Year Spokane and many thanks to the MAC!

12/19/2024

Students from Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame hosted a pajama drive for the Christmas Bureau Spokane and visited Penelope as they dropped off their donations. We enjoy seeing all the photos from families, volunteers, and school groups as they visit, take a ride, and prepare for Christmas. We will forever be grateful for the opprotunity to serve the Spokane community in this simple way and bring awareness to the service of the Christmas Bureau during this Holy season.

Distribution ends at 2pm December 19th.
Donations are always accepted: www.christmasbureauspokane.org/donate

12/12/2024

Penelope has returned to the Christmas Bureau! We are grateful for the opprotunity to continue serving the Spokane community in this simple way, bringing awareness to the service of the Christmas Bureau and enjoying children and families during this holy season.
Distribution is underway ending December 19th. If seeking assistance follow this link: www.christmasbureauspokane.org/receive-assistance
Or to donate: www.christmasbureauspokane.org/donate

06/17/2024

I first heard of John Conley while working as an intern at KHQ-TV back in the 1980s. Fondly referred to as, “that guy who bought all of the Expo stuff,” by co-workers, I later learned Conley had purchased all 280,000 pieces of leftover Expo ‘ 74 merchandise after the event ended. The items fue...

05/05/2024

Where are all those souvenirs now? Many thanks to Chey Scott and Young Kwak of the Inlander for a fun afternoon remembering expo '74.

For happening in the smallest city to ever host a world's fair, Spokane's Expo '74 sure had a lot of commemorative stuff. Lapel pins, postcards,...

05/04/2024

It feels a touch of providence that May 4th marks both the 50th anniversary of the launch of Expo 74 and the birthday of our founder and patriarch John R.Conley Sr. John would be 97 this year and he would most certainly be reminiscing and enjoying the Expo celebrations in downtown Spokane. We continue to thank God for our history and the rich legacy of this community.

The continued story of all those Expo souvenirs is in the May 2nd edition of the Inlander.
https://www.inlander.com/culture/many-expo-74-souvenirs-are-still-easy-to-find-collectors-have-white-elephant-founder-john-conley-sr-to-thank-for-that-27885662

03/18/2024

Beannacht Dé oraibh - God's blessing on all of you this St. Patricks Day!🍀

Saturday was a lovely day for a parade, gatherings of family and friends, perfect pints and fare at Shawn O'Donnell's American Grill and Irish Pub, and the moving and joyous sound of the Spokane County Firefighters Pipes and Drums. Many thanks to the The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Sláinte Spokane!

01/24/2024

Excitement building for the upcoming celebrations!

January Expo Newsletter

12/31/2023

We bid farewell to George Buckley - friend, colleague, postman, and fishing tackle-man extraordinaire.
May the angels lead you forth into paradise as you are reunited with your beloved Kay and dear ones who have gone before.
A Hui Hou - until we meet again - Aloha George.