________________________
________________________
188
EARLY DAY BUSINESSES STILL IN EXISTENCE
Many businesses have opened and prospered in Grand Coulee and many others soon closed and are gone but some businesses survived the years and are still in existence today although some have changed their names and locations. Some of these business that are thirty to forty years old include:
RAWE & RAUCH HARDWARE
A firm that has the distinction of being one of the oldest business in the area is the Rawe & Rauch Hardware, which is located at C and Division Streets.
When A. F. Rawe came to Grand Coulee in October 1933, he built a building 12 feet by 24 feet for Rawe Hardware in North Grand Coulee and it was the first business established there. The store opened January 31, 1934 and early in 1934 Mr. Rawe completed a two-story building and moved his business there. It has been surviving the immediate area and surrounding trade territory ever since.
However, in October 1946, the store changed hands. A. F. Rawe decided to retire and Dave Rawe and Elmer Rauch purchased it. Both are well known in this community. Mr. Rawe had been in the grocery business here since 1936 and Mr. Rauch had been here since June of that same year. He was with the army engineers in the South Pacific during the war and returned to Grand Coulee in January 1946. Elmer says "I was sold on this part of the country long ago and had no other wish than to return here and go into business."
In 1972 they more than doubled the size of the building. When they took over there were three employed full time; now there are five employed full time and ten employed part time.
BROWNE'S DEPARTMENT STORE
Perhaps no other merchant in the Grand Coulee Dam area has a wider acquaintance of patrons than Mrs. Effie Browne of Browne's Department Store. Prior to coming to Grand Coulee in April 1942, she and her late husband John operated a similar firm and Coulee City and before that a clothing store in Oregon. A good many of her Coulee City friends and former customers from the surrounding farm country have continued their patronage, though they have to drive many miles to do so.
In 1942, the store was at first a one-room in the Continental Building; then it was moved to the building now occupied by "The Star" newspaper. In 1950 it was moved to its present location on Main Street in Grand Coulee. Mr. Browne passed away in 1965. Their daughter, Mary Browne completed high school here in Grand Coulee in 1946 and entered Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
________________________
Additional information about Browne's (added 7 October 2011 by Cousin Sam):
 |
| May Day Parade in Coulee City, May 7, 1937. Browne's was located next to the Cafe. |
Harold Evans of Coulee City advises, "The store mentioned about the Browne's was in the Thompson hotel."
Conor Jorgensen advises, "I posted two old advertisements from the March 16, 1942 and March 24, 1942 issues of the "Coulee City Dispatch" concerning their store. The March 16 advertisement talks about them closing their store and moving to Grand Coulee to open a dry goods and clothing establishment in the former Ross Store in the Continental Hotel building in Grand Coulee. Here are the two advertisements:"
________________________
189
189
MAYTAG SHOP
One of the oldest businesses in Grand Coulee is the Maytag shop owned by the late J. W. (Jack) and grace Grosso. In 1935, Mr. Grosso saw the possibilities for growth in the area and came here from Omak to establish the store. Having had a very adequate 100 by 25 foot building for some time, he further improved it by the completion of a full basement with an elevator for moving merchandise up to the street floor and by the addition of a neon sign. Mr. Grosso passed away in April 1975.
LOEPP FURNITURE & APPLIANCES INC
Greatly enhancing the Grand Coulee business district is the Loepp Furniture & Appliances Inc., building on Main Street. it was founded by Art and Dorothy Loepp in 1934 but is now owned by Bill and Gary Gould. Of fire-proof construction, the structure is two stories high with a full basement, giving the firm plenty of floor space for the display of furniture and appliances.
In July 1974, a new paint job of yellow, brown, orange, and tan gave the outside an "it can't be missed" appearance, and fluorescent lighting was added throughout the store.
In July 1975, the Coast to Coast Store adjoining Loepp's Store moved to its present site on Midway Avenue giving one-third more space than what they had before. It became the new carpeting department. The building is fully carpeted and the walls opened up to the appliances department to give a larger appearance. A new show window was added.
A fire in the early morning, September 18, 1976, burned the Loepp Furniture Store completely down leaving only the black cement walls. Another landmark destroyed!!
BUTTON JEWELERS
Probably no display windows in town are more admired and gazed into than those of Button Jewelers. The beautiful jewelry shown is always attractive to passersby. The cases inside contain many out-of-the-ordinary types of merchandise, as well as the conventional jewelry items and watches. Exclusive types of glassware and silverware are among these articles.
The store's merchandise is continually being up-dated, keeping up with the current styles and times, giving everyone the benefit of large city selections.
The store was opened here in April of 1946 by Mr. and Mrs. Dick Button, who came here from Yakima three months after his discharge from the army air corps, after serving three years.
________________________
190
190
The Dick Buttons have two children, Lee and Nancy, who are now married and attending C.W.S.C. The newest addition to the family is a grandson, Richard Benjamin Button, born July 15, 1976.
Since coming to Grand Coulee in 1946, Mr. Button has acquired a Gemological degree, Certification for Accutron Watch Service and the Swiss Quartz Service Certificate from the American Watch Institute.
GRAYCE'S
Window shoppers are seen frequently stopping at Grayce's on Main Street in Grand Coulee. "A particular shop for particular people," the store offers fine merchandise and the attractive windows catch the eye of many women and the men, too.
Formerly Blanche's Dress Shop on B Street and later changed to Grayce's Dress Shop and moved to Main Street in the Center of Grand Coulee, Grace Potter operated this women's store from 1936 until November of 1975 when Shirley Palanuk bought the store. Shirley's ready to wear and clothing accessories are the ones that are seen in better stores everywhere.
WRIGHT CHEVROLET COMPANY
Wright Chevrolet Company located at 123 Midway Avenue was formerly Wilson Brennan's Inc. and one of the pioneer garages of this area. the firm opened here in 1934 and has kept pace with the ever-increasing demands of a growing community by expanding and modernizing its facilities as the need became evident. Wesley "Red" Wright began working for Wilson Brennan in August of 1936 and on January 1, 1958, "Red" bought the firm and changed the name to Wright Chevrolet Company. It is now owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Wright of Grand Coulee.
RUSSELL DRUG
One of the area's pioneer businesses is the Russell Drug. It was first located on the Speedball Highway (now known as Midway Avenue) and operated by Carl Russell. After Mr. Russell was killed in an auto accident near Electric City, Mr. Edgar Johnson bought the drug store from Mr. Russell's widow and operated it at the same location until the government took the land. Then it was moved to Main Street in Grand Coulee. In October 1969, after 33 years of service on Main Street it was moved to its present location at 306 Midway Avenue.
The building formerly housed the Safeway. The Safeway moved to their new building, adjacent to the old store. Workmen put on a new roof, extensively remodeled the inside and constructed the front so it matched the new Safeway Store.
________________________
191
Then on November 6, 1974, an early morning fire completely destroyed Grand Coulee's pioneer drug store. Russell Drug was temporarily housed in a trailer for over a year until the store was rebuilt and opened in December 1975. The store was completely modernized with exceptional lines of merchandise. The firm is headed by Mrs. Marcia Whipple, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Johnson. The business had been in the family for many years here.
VORDAHL'S
Familiarly associated with the early business house names in the Grand Coulee area was Thue's Dime Store owned by Gus Thue in its original location which began on B Street in 1935, and another store in Electric City in 1937. A new building was built on Main Street near the Maytag Shop but was destroyed by fire before they had moved into it. The store was then moved from B Street to the building now occupied by the Siam Palace and in 1939 moved to the present Senior Citizens Center Building, and the business remained there for 30 years.
In 1936 Lucian Ray managed the store for Mr. Thue on Main Street, and in 1944 Maybelle Seely was manager until 1953.
Oscar Skaar sold his variety store in Dishman, Washington (now - 2011 - part of Spokane Valley, Washington) to the Vordahls in 1953 and bought Mr. Thue's store. He later changed the name to Skaar's Variety.
In August, 1969, Skaar's (formerly Skaar's Variety) opened its doors in its new location on Midway Avenue. It is of concrete block construction, and features air conditioning and ample parking, which lends better service to its many customers.
In January, 1974, Skaar's was sold to Elmer Vordahl and Ross Vordahl with Ross the owner-manager. The Vordahls had been in the variety store business for many years in Dishman. The name of the store was changed to Vordahl's in July, 1974.
Vordahl's offers the widest variety of merchandise obtainable. It is patronized liberally by young and old alike.
M & M FURNITURE AND MUSIC
Two young men who had the courage to begin operating a furniture business when merchandise was almost non-existent at the end of the war were owners of the M & M Furniture and Music, at 103 B Street, which was formerly Rogaway and Wilson Furniture Store. They were Matt Snyder and Merko Pozar, and had a business which was a credit to any community.
In January, 1974, Skaar's was sold to Elmer Vordahl and Ross Vordahl with Ross the owner-manager. The Vordahls had been in the variety store business for many years in Dishman. The name of the store was changed to Vordahl's in July, 1974.
Vordahl's offers the widest variety of merchandise obtainable. It is patronized liberally by young and old alike.
M & M FURNITURE AND MUSIC
Two young men who had the courage to begin operating a furniture business when merchandise was almost non-existent at the end of the war were owners of the M & M Furniture and Music, at 103 B Street, which was formerly Rogaway and Wilson Furniture Store. They were Matt Snyder and Merko Pozar, and had a business which was a credit to any community.
________________________
192
192
Matt came here from Omak in 1938 and opened a mattress factory which he operated until the partnership was formed in the furniture store.
Merko arrived in Grand Coulee from Renton with his parents in 1934 and stayed here until 1940 when he went to work in the shipyards in Tacoma. He returned here in 1946. The business opened in April, 1946.
Later it was moved in November 1965 to the old Hod Carrier Hall at 311 1st Street in Old Grand Coulee from its B Street location, where the business still goes on as M & M Furniture & Music, and operated first by Wayne Snyder, and then later by Milton Snyder, sons of Matt Snyder.
GRAND COULEE CLEANERS
Harry and pat Wiese at the Grand Coulee Cleaners are busy people but they aren't too busy to keep as their slogan, "It's a pleasure to do business with you", and mean it. They opened the cleaning shop on B Street in November 1945, coming here from Sacramento, California, where Mr. Wiese had been in the cleaning business for 15 years.
During 1946 they made several additions to their equipment, installing two new presses and a device which cleans all solvents so that they run clear at all times.
In 1950 they built a new building on 2nd and A Streets and moved to this location. They put in a new boiler and a new tumbler. They have operated in this area for 31 years.
KFDR RADIO STATION
We are fortunate to have a radio station in the area.
Besides getting the latest news we also can put things on the radio for sale, and have a Coulee Calendar where we can call in important events in the area.
WILD LIFE RESTAURANT
On July 1, 1935, Steve and Marie Baines first opened the DeLux Hotel and Cafe. Only real "pioneers" were hardy enough to build and equip a hotel and cafe at that time for the water to supply the establishment had to be hauled in barrels. Even after the first water system was installed it was said that the owner turned pale every time he heard water running!
________________________
193
193
The first location of the DeLux was on B Street and there were eight rooms in the building. As the town grew, it was necessary to add more space to accommodate the growing demand and in 1936 there were 15 more rooms built. Later a wing consisting of 18 rooms was built on to the original building.
To keep up with the shift in the business section of the town, in 1941 the entire building was moved from its original location to its present site on the Speedball Highway (now known as Midway Avenue), and so the entire building was picked up and placed on a new foundation in a location convenient to the tourist trade as well as the "home" folks.
After the move was made, the death of Mr. Baines and the illness of Mrs. Baines caused the business to be temporarily closed. It was reopened again in 1946, after a complete remodeling program, which included finishing the basement into men's dormitory type rooms to furnish low-cost housing for single laboring men.
Service had been the first thought of the hard-working owner of the DeLux, and neither money nor hours of labor was spared to accommodate the public and uphold the tradition of hospitality of the Grand Coulee Dam area.
More remodeling followed and the name was changed to Wild Life Restaurant and Marie's daughter Dorothy, and her husband, Richard "Dutch" Starzman, operated the establishment for Mrs. Baines for several years.
On January 18, 1965, Larry Maier of Ellensburg took over management from Marie Baines. The new owner was in the tavern-hotel business in Ellensburg for three years and for two years he had been in the plumbing business.
SAFEWAY
In 1936 the first Safeway Store was opened on the corner of Main Street near Loepp's (at present it is a vacant lot and used as a parking lot). The manager was a Mr. Peterson who operated this store until he went into the Air Force in 1941. Al Geraud took over the management and held this position until January 1964 when he retired and Carl Vieth became the new manager.
In November 1950 the Safeway was moved to the present Russell Drug Location.
In March 1965 Jack Wright succeeded Mr. Vieth as manager when Carl Vieth went to Omak.
On July 31, 1969 a new Safeway Store was opened for business in their new building next door to the old location on Midway Avenue..
________________________
194
Dick Leisle of Elmer City became manager in 1972. Then in 1975, Dan Hannahs, former assistant manager, became the manager.
GATEWAY TAVERN
Gateway Tavern, formerly the Gateway Inn, is one of the landmarks of Electric City, having been established in 1933. The building, formerly a tavern and restaurant located in Osborne, was moved into Electric City to become the Gateway Inn.
Its former owners, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gross, came to the area that same year, but did not purchase the Inn until 1945.
Located on the main highway, it was a very popular gathering place. Jess and Rita Storey became the new owners on July 1, 1976.
SEARS CATALOG SALES OFFICE
The following item was contributed by Mrs. Willene Barnes of Twisp, Washington. Information about John McQuiston and the original store was taken verbatim from the Sears publication.
Where did it begin -- Sears Catalog Sales Offices? It all started with a "Dam". Yes! Back in October 1934 in the days when sagebrush, jack rabbits and rattlesnakes were the ruling features of the terrain, Sears, Roebuck opened its first catalog sales office in Grand Coulee.
The town of Grand Coulee, as yet just a dot on the map, had become a boom town overnight. The construction of the dam had begun. Men and heavy equipment were arriving overnight. here was a community that needed Sears and what Sears could do for them.
A bright, enterprising young man whose name was John McQuiston, born with lots of determination and pioneer spirit, donned high boots to ward off snake bites and negotiating the mud proceeded to make Sears and himself known by going door to door with an armload of catalogs. In this way, the first Sears Catalog Sales Office was born. Often the orders were written on scratch paper while sitting on his bed in his hotel room. Many of the procedures used today are those he initiated back in 1934. After a long day he would be seen trudging back to his room with the day's money in a paper bag.
Soon his hotel room became too small to handle the work involved. He found a jeweler who would rent him desk space in his store, and John was in business.
________________________
195
Several old-timers recall a Sears Catalog Sales Office at the end of B Street and across from Rawe and Rauch Hardware near "The Barrel" Restaurant and Sherwood Jewelers.
In an old Grand Coulee newspaper dated December 1942 appears a Sears Catalog Sales Ad and it gives its address as across the street from the Post Office in Grand Coulee but I don't have any information on this office.
Following a shutdown of operations here during the war years, sears Roebuck & Company re-opened their order office on February 15, 1946, with Mrs. Hazel Miller as manager. The office opened in the basement under the old Safeway Store at 100 Spokane Way (now a vacant lot used as a parking lot next to Loepp's).
Sears Sales Office was relocated on September 21, 1951 in the remodeled, redecorated Johnson building at 205 Main Street formerly occupied by Inger's Restaurant with Mrs. Lillian Whiting as the manager. She resigned in September, 1956.
The Sears office moved across the street into the building adjoining the Old Post Office (now the Seresun's Donut Shop) in about 1963 with Mrs. Theda Perkins Rosenberg as manager. From 1965 until September 1967, Mrs. Helen Pollack managed the office followed by Mrs. Willene Barnes.
On a very cold 3 degree below zero morning of February 13, 1968 at 2:00 a.m. the building caught fire and was completely destroyed. On February 14, the office re-opened for business in the Shannon building with one telephone, apple boxes for desks and catalogs the customers were thoughtful and brought to the office until the Seattle office could get supplies in. This was only a temporary arrangement. In about three days they moved back into the building they had occupied a few years before next to Loepp's. The office in its present location was opened exactly two years after the fire, on February 13, 1970. Mrs. Willene Barnes resigned in February, 1974, and the present manager, Mrs. Chris Hakola was appointed.
"Aurora Mills has been an employee in the Grand Coulee Sales Office longer than any other employee, previous or present, with the exception of two managers. I don't know how we could have managed without her and during the time of the fire and during the time I was manager, I relied on her heavily," says Willene Barnes.
It is impossible to name all the businesses in this area - time and space does not permit it.
Prepared by Vera C. Rice
Information from interviews
with persons concerned
and The Star newspaper
No comments:
Post a Comment