Our Yesterdays

2015

Caryl Smith and son Nelson of Brighton attended the wedding of her great-niece. It was held Nov. 14 in Minnesota.

On Nov. 7 Caryl Smith and friend traveled to Baraboo, Wisconsin for the Aldo Leopold Board Meetings. Aldo was her uncle and a published author. They got a chance to go sightseeing and saw thousands of cranes in a migrating area. Caryl also got to visit with her double-cousin, Estella Leopold. Estella is Aldo’s daughter from Seattle, Washington. They returned home November 8.

Nov. 18, J.D. Hollingsworth of Packwood visited his grandma, Winifred Fritz. They were joined by her children, Mary and Joel Boatright with Bridget Hollingsworth, and Jane and Virgil Symmonds, all of Fairfield. J.D.’s wife Becky arrived later, as she was returning from Wisconsin after visiting her grandma.

Gerald and Rosemary Pacha, with three of his brothers and their spouses, went to Branson, Missouri with the Hugs Tour Nov. 12-16. They all enjoyed the shows and tours as well as the wonderful fall weather.

The United Church in Brighton will honor Shirley Schooley at their church services Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. Following the service, there will be a reception in the church hall to honor Shirley as she was chosen one of the state AARP award nominees for her volunteerism in the community. Everyone is welcome to attend both and congratulate Shirley. She was nominated by the Brighton Chamber.

Sue and Bill Gill held an early Thanksgiving dinner at their house on Sunday, November 22. Guests included Blaine, Amber, Camden, and Allie Gill of Knoxville, and Ed Green.

1980

Wake’s Feed has been located in Packwood since 1939 and within the past few weeks they have expanded. They have bought what originally was the old grocery store location on the east side of Main Street. The store is managed by Larry Deutschle, and Gary Lankford is in charge of service and delivery.

After eighteen years of working at Pekin, Edith Fink is retiring as school board secretary. During her working years, she has worked for 26 different school board members, two superintendents, and four principals. Edith graduated from Pleasant Plain High School. She then taught six years at rural schools in Jefferson and Washington counties. After teaching she worked for Iowa Southern Utilities for two years before marrying Ernest Fink.

1970

The following is the story of Gilbert Starr, Richland grocer:

In 1925, I graduated from Richland High School. Starting immediately to work at the Lem Reed Grocery on the south side of the square, testing cream, handling eggs, and as a general clerk. In those days, the stores were open every weeknight until 10, many times until midnight.

In the fall of 1925, I became a volunteer fireman, and was appointed as one of the drivers, and have continued as such for 42 years. Our first two fire trucks were without cabs, but the firemen gave their best in all kinds of weather, winter and summer, taking many chances on bad roads, and running risks of having a wreck or getting someone hurt.

In 1928 John McCallister and I bought the Produce and Feed Store from Ray Ireland, which was located where the International Store is now. We bought eggs, poultry, and beef hides which we trucked to Chicago, and sold Purina Feed and handled ice which was in great demand as there were few electric refrigerators at that time.

In 1929, I went in partnership with W. R. Kime in the grocery business at the present location and known as Kime and Starr Grocery. Adrian Bottorff, who worked for Kime, remained for a while until I became familiar with the business. Ralph Steel was then employed. Later in 1934 he bought W. R. Kime’s share and the name was changed to Starr and Steel Grocery.

In 1931 I was married to Bernice Bridges who helped part time in the store until the arrival of our daughter Cheryl in 1940.

In April 1953 we bought Ralph Steel’s share, and my wife came to work full time.

The store has gone through many changes from open cracker barrels, pickle barrels, bulk sugar, coffee beans, coffee grinders, old fashioned stoves and coal buckets, and many other things to self-service, frozen foods and modern conveniences packaged foods for quick easy meals.

When I first started in the grocery business, no permits or licenses were necessary; but now a State Permit and six different licenses are on display so we can operate the store.

In 1937 we became a Clover Farm Store, selling the Clover Farm Brand. In the 42 years we have been in business the town has made many changes; new churches, new businesses, many new homes and a water system.