Coulee City's main street received a much needed face lifting last week when three old frame buildings were demolished to make way for a new restaurant.
Known as the Wagoner corner, the three buildings were located on the North side of Main Street across from Perry's Buick and the Thompson Hotel.
They were recently sold to Rod Rector who wasted no time in having them removed. The buildings were so old there was no attempt to salvage any materials.
Jim Borst was given the contract to clear the corner. Using his d-7 caterpillar tractor the buildings were bulldozed into a pile of ruble. With the help of the Volunteer Fire Department the pile was burned. The buildings proved to be no match for the D-7. A large crowd was on hand to watch the Cat knock them down. Needless to say there were no tears, if any, shed at the riddance of the old land marks. they had been standing vacant for a number of years and were fast becoming an eye sore for the community.
Construction of the old buildings dates way back in Coulee City history. Dan Twining, in 1903, built the larger building and opened it as Coulee City's first bank in 1905. It was known as the Coulee State Bank and operated until the early '20's when the depression hit and it was forced to cease operations. The building next to the old bank was also built by Twining in 1904. First business in this building was a meat market and fuel shed. Tom Twining's father operated both concerns.
An interesting item comes to light at this time. Dan Twining sent his young son, Tom, to California to learn the meat cutting trade and he then entered business with his father in the meat market. Tom says he was supposed to learn the trade in the big city of Los Angeles and then return to Coulee City and show the country people how to cut meat. he learned the trade alright but the local citizenry continued to out-smart him when it came to cutting choice cuts of meat.
It is not known when the third structure was actually built; however in 1912 it was operated as a harness shop by Dick Phillips.
After the bank failed several businesses were operated in the building. In recent years Wagoners operated a grocery and dry good store at the location. The Cinderella Shop was the last occupant several years ago. Mrs. Dorie Coleman operated a restaurant in the old market building and the Pastime Tavern was the last occupant of the harness shop.
It is reported the new restaurant will be in operation within 30 days and will feature off the street parking. It will seat 80 persons and will have a modern cocktail lounge.
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Council Approves Uniforms
The Coulee City town council, Wednesday night, authorized the purchase of uniforms for the police department. The council acted after hearing a report by Jack Brown, who represented the Coulee City Chamber of Commerce. It was felt that a uniformed police officer commands more respect than an officer in plain clothes.
A request by Earl Miller to allow his milk trailer to be parked near his residence was approved.
A building permit was issued to Rod Rector for a new restaurant.
Discussion was held on a request for a fire hydrant to be located on the north side of the school bus garage. Due to several new residences in that area and the nearest fire hydrant now located two blocks away residents felt there was a need for the new hydrant. Mayor Tanneberg advised the group the matter would be investigated. Report to be made back at the next meeting.
Petition for vacating of the street located between the Richfield Oil Company and the NP Railway, for the purpose of building a short spur into the Richfield [the remainder of this article not available at this time]
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