March 23, 2010

Businesses in 1929

Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Who was here 80 years ago...........

Saturday night live (the terminology, not the television show) suggests former years at Valley Falls (memories for some) reminiscent tales related by elders to younger generations for others.

Saturday night, the end of the week’s occupation, when farmers, laborers, and citizens “went to town” for shopping, bartering, gossiping, hair cuts, entertainment and genuine fellowship.

According to the township directory for 1929, Valley Falls Broadway Street was occupied by a host of stores, shops and merchants serving the community.

Those services and locations included these Broadway addresses:
216-218 Lambert Lumber Co.
300 E.E. McComas, Produce
301-303 Murray-Heer Ford dealer
302 Shuler’s Furniture
304 Shuler Floral
305 Davis Sisters Millinery and Bert Booth Real Estate & Insurance
306-308 Hauck’s Department Store
307 Broadway Cafe, “Dad” Thompson, Prop.
309 E.R. Hosler, Chiropractor
310 Gillispie Hardware and Sam Strawn, Atty., Ins. & Real Estate, 2nd floor (310 is now the historical society’s museum).
311 Norris and Lewis Barber Shop
312 First National Bank
313 Hudson & Burkert Auto Repair and Chrysler Agency
314 Mitchell’s Meat Market
315 Scott’s Billiard Parlor
316 North Side Barbershop, E.V. Goodwin and Ham Green, barbers
317 Huber’s Cigar Store & Factory
318 City Bakery, A.N. (Nick) Gahm, Prop.
319-321 Knier & Knowles Harness Makers
320 City Cafe, Mr. and Mrs. Walter McDaniel, prop.
322 Wettig Clothing Store
323 Kendall State Bank
324 Corner Drug Store, Gilbert W. Morell, prop.; Author Braden, dentist
400 Citizens State Bank
401 Wettig Hotel
402 Wilson poultry and Dr. W.A. Roberts, Chiropractor (2 stories)
403 Kansas Power & Light Co.
404 Otwell’s Jewelry & Radio Store, Harry Otwell, prop.
    (To be continued)

The Valley Falls museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27. Admission is free. Guided tours available.

No comments: