|
|
|
Farewell to the Cinder Block Building |
|
by Howard Kent |
|
July 19, 2014 |
As of July 8, 2014, the old Cone's cinder block
building became no more. For newbies, it's
probably no big deal, but from some of the more
seasoned crowd, a collective sigh may have been
heard.
It was in 1949 that E.L. Cone had a building
constructed that became Cone's Farm Store. You
could say it was a chip off the olf block,
because earlier in 1945 he had a two-story
cinder block building constructed across the
street with a display room and garage. Some may
remember it as the old Shell station. Today, it
serves as part of the Les Schwab Tire complex.
In 1953, the Farm Store became Cone's Grocery
and Cafe, and served in that capacity for many
years. The business became a family affair that
included Elbert and Lotus, Elden, Bernice, and
Carol Pomeroy. This is the period when we older
dudes and dudettes acquired many fond memories.
Its friendly atmosphere and good food will not
be forgotten. Who could forget the laughter
generated by waitress Doris Howard?
They did an expansion of the building in 1965 to
accommodate a larger grocery stock.
The business was taken over in 1976 by the
Colbys. In the same year they had acquired Bill
Irwin's floor covering business, built a new
block building, and opened Cone's Floor
Covering. Today it serves as the Commumnity
Thrift Store.
Later, in 1981, it opened as Erickson's Spise
Stue, which in Swedish means casual dining. It
operated until their Chic n Chop restaurant
business got up and rolling.
In 1983 Winey's TV and Appliance opened up.
Later, in 1988, it served as Movie Machine II in
association with Deli Delight.
Sometime in the 1990s, gas pumps were added, and
it became known as South Hill Video Store. Mike
Smith acquired the building in 1996 or 1997.
When the business closed, the building remained
empty for some time.
The last occupant of the building was Yoder's
Discount Grocery.
Farewell, old friend, you had a good 61 year
run. |
|
|
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
