https://kccarchives.cvlcollections.org/files/original/16/407/Businesses.pdf 03dd4dbd03db888ac7dfd0ba054723b8 PDF Text Text GREAT WESTERN TIRE CO. B1 The Great Western Tire Company was purchased in L977, from Keith Bracelin and Warren Cook, by Jerry Arendsee. Some of the past managers were Ken Moddlemog and Don McCune. The new and present manager is Dan Spain from Rapid City, South Dakota. Jerry Arendsee added 2 bays, one a line bay and the other a service bay in 1980. The office, showroom and warehouse were added later. They primarily sell Goodyear tires, but also sell Michelin and Dunlop and other tires and auto service. They employ about 6 employees on the average. A change of the time is the in this territory. The company also had a well-equipped retail station on Main Street, next door to Orin Penny. P.J. Remington was the local agent, who assumed control of the business on Januarv. 1929. D.G. LIQUORS/ROADRUNNER BAR AND CAFE 83 The First National Bank at Burlington new idea of the Radial tractor tire. This provides for a large tire business and the quality is good. Another sign of the times is the introduction of the computerized equipment on line, for the last ten years. is.s . by Marilyn Hasart OLD OIL BUSINESSES B2 In the van of the rapid advancement of Burlington's business interests was the White Eagle Oil Corporation, located in the northern part of the city, just east of the depot. This firm was exclusive distributor in this territory of the far-famed White Eagle gasoline, kerosene, and Keynoil and Mobiloil motor oils and greases. These products had been sought after by discriminating motorists. The local bulk station supplied the Bur- Iington retail station, also a number of independent dealers and large consumers in this locality, deliveries being made to all parts of the surrounding territory. R.E. Hook was the agent for the company. The Continental Oil Company was located on North Main Street, opposite the then City Hall. This company operated a modernly equipped filling station, and also had a large bulk station here. They handle Conoco gasoline, kerosene, motor oils, greases, and Esco and Germ processed oils, which had few equals on the market. The business was managed by R.W. Plummer. The Sinclair Service Station No. 1 was located on Main Street. This station made a specialty of the famous Sinclair gasoline, motor oils and greases. It was on April 1, 1929, when this company assumed control although it was originally established some time before that date. E.E. Hoskin was the manager. The history of the Sinclair Refining Company dates back to March 28,1923. The local bulk station, which is situated east of the Rock Island depot, handles the entire Sinclair line of petroleum products, which comprises Sinclair gasoline, Sinclair High Compression gasoline, kerosene, distillate, Opalene and Mobilene motor oils and greases. These products have been on the market for years. The Burlington station covers Kit Carson county, making deliveries by truck to a number of dealers as well as large consumers D.G. Liquors and Roadrunner Bar and Cafe in Stratton. . ahistoriclandmark Donald D. and Patricia C. Guernsey at present are conducting business as the Roadrunner Bar and Cafe, 2L7 Colorado Avenue, and D.G. Liquors at 211 Colorado Avenue, and live above the businesses at 2l7Vz Colorado Avenue. We purchased the Roadrunner May 1, 1980. Since we have moved to Stratton, we have sandblasted the exterior ofthe building, painted and remodeled the upstairs and downstairs, updating the electricity and bathrooms. The abstract of the property is quite interesting as it goes back to the 1880's, we presume, based on the abstract, the north half of our building was the first bank of Stratton. We still maintain the vault. The The First National Bank at Burlington, Drive-thru Facility. still holds, Mr. Harker has given direction to a growing viable bank which has helped finance the growth of irrigation, dryland farming, cattle feeding and the many service related businesses. More than twenty-five new businesses have received their financing original vault inspections were 1911 through 1922 and, are still on the vault doors. from the First National Bank. Drive-Up facilities were provided in 1980 to add more convenience for the customers by Patricia Guernsey by expanding the business hours. On line wire service for money transfers were also provided by the bank. In 1973 Mr. Harker was elected to the THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK AT BURLINGTON B4 The First National Bank at Burlington was organized and chartered in 1963 to meet the needs of a growing agriculture community. John E. Harker, a farmer and rancher of the area, saw the need for an additional financial institution to provide credit for this progres- sive industry of agriculture. A feasibility study made by the Denver University indicated that this assessment was correct and Mr. Harker then filed for a charter. It was granted by the Comptroller of Currency in August of 1963. Assuming the office of Chairman of The Board. an office which he Colorado Bankers Assn. representing District C-3. In 1976 he was elected to serve the office of President for the Association. During this time the EFT Bill became an Act. This was after many Iong hours from the beginning of the Task Force study to the final lobbying. Officers of the Bank have continued their education through attending The Colorado School of Banking, Colo. Agriculture Lending Forum, American Bankers Assn. Agriculture Meetings and various seminars given to update them in new banking regulations. The present officers are: President John E. Hark- er, Vice-President and Cashier Jimmie L. Jones, Vice-President Tim J. Weibel. The current directors are John Harker. R.C. Beethe, Jimmie L. Jones, Harold McArthur and Ray Rhoades. The First National Bank is the only locally owned financial institution in Burlington and has fifty local shareholders who have supported the bank �over the years and have seen it grow to totals of over thirty million. by Norene Harker A stockholders meeting was held in June of 1918 for the purpose of organizing a bank in Stratton, Colorado. Mr. E.W. Tarrant was the new building with an open house in October of 1962. In 1965, Mr. J.W. Borders Secretary, and they were employed to Iook H.E. Clark, President and Mr. Bob Best, Vice President. Through the remainder of the 60's and ?0's the Bank remained under the capable direction of Mr. H.E. Clark seeing its 50th anniversary in July of 1968, and continued to grow and prosper. Mr. H.E. Clark and stockholders sold the Bank in September of 1981. Mr. Robert L. Todd became President and Chairman of the Board upon the sale of the Bank with Mr. H.E. Clark remaining on the Board of Directors. The Bank continued to grow from its asset size of $18,000,000.00 through the early part of the 80's to approximately $25,000,000.00 before encountering named Chairman and Mr. M.E. Denver, after the affairs of the bank during its ORIN P. PENNY HARDWARE B5 formation. The Federal Reserve Bank Charter was issued on November 4, 1918, making official the creation of The First National Bank of Stratton. From the first meeting of June of 1918. Mr. E.W. Tarrant continued to watch the affairs of the Bank until his resignation in 1923 at which time Mr. J.W. Borders was elected President, Mr. D.E. Davis, Vice President and Mr. J.G. Ford as Cashier. In that same year Mr. R.H. Calverly was appointed Vice President and Director B&on, Orin P. Penny; Hardware, furniture, Undertaking; Burlington, Colorado The Burlington business was one of the largest and well stocked retail houses of its kind in eastern Colorado. The business was located in a modern brick structure which is finely adapted for the purpose it was intended and contains dimensions of about 50X140 feet with a basement half the size of the building. The stock was comprised of staple and heavy hardware, farm implements, cream separators, gasoline engines, Delco light plants, Frigidaire refrigerators, furniture, stoves, ranges, household necessities, rangers' supplies, and sporting goods. Orin P. Penny also ran a funeral parlor. with active management being tendered to Mr. R.H. Calverly on January 8, L924. In April of 1924 a call to raise money for STRATTON, coLoRADO 80836 L.L. Pugh was Chairman of the Board, Mr. the tough conditions of the agricultural economy in the'83-86 period. the purchase of shares through assessment of the current shareholders was not met by all of the stockholders and subsequently several of the existing bank officers and directors acquired additional stock of Mr. E.W. Tarrant. In June of 1926 Mr. Ford resigned from his cashier duties and Mr. R.H. Calverly was elected as Cashier. In October of 1926, total assets of the bank were $157,018.00. Today the Bank continues to grow and flourish and provide a stable source of funds and deposits for the community of Stratton and its surrounding territories in Kit Carson County. The Bank has seen both good and bad times but continues to be optimistic for the future of this fine community and the eastern plains of Colorado. The First National Bank of Stratton proudly claims its from the Director's minutes "We felt that it was better business to liquidate the by Mr. Robert L. Todd The bank continued to run through good and bad cycles during the L929 and early 30's culminating on May of 1934 with an excerpt Bank as the Bank was over capitalized now for the size of the town and the burden of taxes would be too great for a Bank of this size; but under general conditions it seems that there is no way but to take preferred stock" and hence was born a request for a Reconstruction Finance Loan to see the Bank through the dark days of the early 30's. In place as a cornerstone of Kit Carson County and will continue to provide a stable building base for the years to come. SOMEPLACE SPECIAL 87 December of 1936, the balance of the monies borrowed under the Reconstruction Finance Act were repaid to the U.S. Treasury and by L944t}ire Bank was once again free and clear. In 1940 deposits totaled $203,000.00. Significant growth in 1944 and 1945 resulted from the largest wheat crop the community had ever seen. Deposits had grown from $203,000.00 in 1940 to a little over THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK was the honorary Chairman of the Board, Mr. * - ::rl!:r -i'ir!irqix;;4; ., .- :-t:rr,:& ._ '...-.. 'trf.qs. " ll..:, liry,i ##n f* $2,233,000.00 by the end of L947. In January of 1946 Mr. H.K. Clark was elected Director and was further appointed to the position of Vice President in 1948. Mr. R.H. Calverly became President of the Bank in January of 1951 with Mr. H.E. Clark coming on the Board at the passing of his father in 1952. In 1955 Mr. H.E. Clark was elected as Vice President of the Bank and shortly thereafter Mr. Calverly resigned. Years 1955 and 1956 were some of the toughest years brought on by drought conditions in the local area and the Bank once again endured the rough times until some relief was provided through the ASCS Soil Bank program in 1957. Mr. Bob Best was elected Assistant Cashier along with Wanda Sweet in January of 1957. In early 1960 John G. Clark was elected as President of the Bank with J.W. Borders as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Clark resigned effective January 10, 1961, with Mr. L.L. Pugh being elected as President, Mr. H.E. Clark. Executive Vice President and Mr. Bob Best, Cashier. Savings interest was raised to The First National Bank, Stratton, Colorado 37o at that time. In November of 1961 discussion was undertaken concerning the building of a new bank building in Stratton. Dedication was made of Someplace Special, a Stratton clothing store Someplace Special is a clothing store in Stratton located in the same building at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Main Street which has housed a number of previous clothing stores within the past 40 years. The present owners, Dischners IGA, have been in �business there since the November. 1984 opening. by Marlyn Dischner STRATTON UPHOLSTERY AND SPORTTNG GOODS"TO OLD DRUG STORES IN BURLINGTON B8 The Busy Corner Fountain was located on L92L. now in what a modest way this tremendous industry was started, of how great its ramifications had become. This theatre was modern in construction; its equipment was the latest and was adistically decorated throughout. The house seating would accommodate 400 or more persons. The Midway theatre was an old established enterprise and in 1929, had been under the management of Orin Milburn and V.S. Hennen for about four years. They exhibited the latest in All Talking Main Street. This firm served all kinds of refreshing temperance beverages, ice cream, frozen dainties, sandwiches, light lunches, etc., also carried a line of druggists'sundries, toilet articles, stationery, fine candies, cigars, tobacco, cigarettes, kodaks, films, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, etc. Starting in business on Sept. 10, 1928, the Fountain was owned by E.G. Ormsbee. The Rexall Store had been located next to the Stock Growers State Bank, and met every requirement in its growing field. The place provided with specially designed fixtures and all stock was kept under glass and free from dirt, soot and moisture. They dealt in pure drugs, allied specialties and also did kodak developing and printing. A feature of the store was the up-to-date fountain. This firm consisted of E.L. Weinandt and J.D. Brown, both registered pharmacists. The only registered pharmacists in the city. One of their special lines was the famous Rexall family remedies and druggist sundries. The firm had been established since grown so rapidly that one seldom remembers Pictures tobe had from leading studios of the world, and no picture shown that could possible offend the most refined. Stratton Upholstery and Sporting Goods in 1988 STRATTON LIVESTOCK, TNC. Br2 To make a long story into a few paragraphs, we started out with a used furniture store and upholstery in the mid 1940's in Burlington. In 1951 we moved on a farm 13 miles north of Vona. When farming began going down hill, we decided to try our hand at upholstering again on the farm. In 1957 we set up our shop (across the street from our present location) in with the Red's Body Shop owned and operated by Red and Nita Lindsey. We drove to and from the farm each day. In 1958 we moved into Stratton and continued our upholstery in with the body shop. As our business grew too large for the same building, we moved across the street in BURLINGTON AUDITORIUM a building just south of our present location. At that time the building was owned by Bob Miller. At one time it housed a liquor store B9 The homestead boom of 1902 to 1906 was a reality, and more community activities were thus possible. Following the successful 1908 festival in the Auditorium were Shakespearean plays, roller skating and other projects until it was bought by Louis Vogt and the lumber used to build his new Midway - the present movie house, which still stands on Fourteenth Street. Most memorable event besides the first Fair in the auditorium was a huge land sale by A.W. Winegar, a well known early community Realtor and builder, who brought a train load of buyers from the east, importing rented cars from Denver to take them into the country. Hot winds curled the crops between the time the land sale was planned and the time the Easterners arrived, so only moderate returns were gleaned for his efforts; but some new settlers were coming all the time. Thus the need for events to keep them here. such as the Fair. operated by Charley Scholz. The old American Legion Hall used to be where Millers used car lot is located now. In 1962 we purchased the building to the north from Joe Evans who had a pool hall. When this building was built it was a bakery. There were brick ovens out behind where they baked their bread outdoors. Some of the bottom part is still visible today. The north part was a living quarters. At one time it was Phil's TV operated by Phil Helsel. We continued with our upholstery and added used furniture. In 1967 we got our first firearms license. Soon we added archery equipment. In a few years, by Ray selling archery equipment and trading for firearms, our store was built into what it is today "The Biggest Little Sporting Goods Store -in Colorado." by Ray and Lila Jones MIDWAY THEATRE COMPANY Btr Not many years ago, when the moving picture show opened its doors timidly, offering its exhibitions for an admission of not more than five or ten cents, one was inclined to laugh at its pretensions as a surveyor of public emusement. But the business has 1988 view of Stratton Livestock. Inc. In the spring of 1976, various individuals of the Stratton community agreed that the community needed a livestock market, and agreed to assist an individual in the construc- tion of a facility. Richard C. Engel was contacted and agreed to be this individual. These various persons, nineteen in all, agreed to finance $200,000.00 for the construction. Total cost when completed was $240,000.00. It was built during the year 1976, the first sale was in September 1976. Richard "Dick" Engel designed and oversaw the building of the facility. Much volun- teer labor went into the construction of the barn and corrals. Nearly all of the materials were purchased locally, most of them at cost. The businesses in Stratton knew they would also benefit greatly from this new business. The facility consists of a cinderblock building containing a sales pavilion which seats 221, office space and a restaurant which seats 45. A shed attached to the north contains the scales and some small pens. There is pen space for 5000 cattle, three main loading chutes, 3 pick-up loading chutes and an adjustable chute for loading hogs or calves. Dick owned and operated the business, known as Stratton Livestock Marketing Center, Inc. (changed in 1983 to Stratton Livestock, Inc.) from 1976 until June 1984. Elizabeth Engel was the office manager. From July 1984 until the end of December 1984 it was owned by Bill Hornung and managed by Harold Adolf; office manager was Donna Gwyn. In January 1985 LeRoy Herndon bought Stratton Livestock, Inc. and still owns and operates it at this time. Eleanor �Herndon is the office manager. The largest number of cattle for any one sale was in October 1980 when 4336 head were sold. The largest number for any one year was 1981, with 75,16? head of cattle sold. Records aren't available for hogs, horses or sheep. 1980-1982 were the years when the livestock numbers were at an all time high in this area. Since then, many people have sold their cow herds and run just calves and yearlings. Many of these cattle are brought in from other states such as Montana, Missouri, Mississippi and Arkansas because there aren't enough in the local area to supply the needs of the area feedlots and grassland. When the barn first opened, the sale was on Monday. Later this was changed to Tuesday, with hogs on Wednesday. At the present hogs are sold on Tuesday at 10:30 This is the grocery store that was run by Chris & Myrtle Buchanan back in about 1930 to 1933, located at what is now 1461 Senter Street. a.m. and cattle Tues. at 12:30 p.m. There is a horse sale once a year and sheep sales about every two months to accommodate the growing number of sheep producers in the area. Auctioneers have been Pete Schlichenmayer and Tom Westrope assisted by Lyle Garner, Dick Engel, John Nichols, Bob Gates, Dick Homm and Ed Herndon. Veterinarian is Dr. Joe M. Bohnen, DVM Brand Inspectors are Les Davis, Paul Scott and Jim Palmer. Previous Brand Inspectors have been Don Pursley and Ed Humphreys. Present employees are: Office: Eleanor Herndon, manager; Donna Gwyn, assistant; Audrey Eisenhart; Rene Weibel; Virginia Malone; Charlene Gorton By 1923 his own order slips said "strictly cash" but we do not think that was adhered to closelv. Bringing the cows to the meat market for butchering. by W.H. Yersin. By the fall of 1929, it was about seven years old. and Susan Corliss Block: Tom Westrope, auctioneer; Lyle Garner, penback and auctioneer; Ed Hern- don weighmaster and auctioneer; Dick Hcrfrm auctioneer - hog sale; Sharon Powell, deighmaster and clerk. Ringmen: LeRoy Herndon, owner and operator; Wil Adolf Yards: William Cure; Beulah Garner; Gregg Laybourn; Charlene Mills; Leland Monroe; Loran Moore; Steve Stegman; Connie Stegman; John Hoyda; Albert Warkentine; Rueben Schreiner, Bud Matthews. Cafe: Cecelia Fox' manager; Gladys Beeson; Marilyn Pottorff; Trudy Herndon; Angela Isenbart; Dorothy Lucas. Custodians: Richard Flageolle and Kathy Herndon Field Representative: Joe Bohnen DISCHNER'S IGA 814 r,T:Wr, GEN$RAL MPR A.J. (Tony) Dischner entered the service in World War I. A few years after he returned, he purchased the N.H. Fuller general store located on the northeast end of today's Colorado Avenue in Stratton in 1921. At that time prices were not marked on items but carried in a clerk's head. Tony or a clerk wrote up all orders on a pad, and they would round up the requested items for the customers. Tony used many suppliers and was in effect a small wholesaler. There was no refrigeration in those days. by Eleanor Herndon OLD GROCERY STORES 1920's Bacon came in a slab; sugar, beans, dried fruit, cookies and vinegar came in bulk. Folks brought their own vinegar jug. Flour was in 50 pound cloth sacks. . . the source ofevery kitchen's dishtowels. Bulk cookies were a big item. Ed Dischner recalls the buying of eggs which were then traded for groceries and household items. At that time there were three or more cream stations in town, and most families were fed with cream and egg 813 The following is a listing of some of the past and present grocery stores in the Burlington vicinity. The Buchanan Cash Store is one of these, owned by C.J. Buchanan. One of the stores featured the famous Solitaire groceries exclusively. It was the grocery store of Carl Hamilton, owned by Mr. Hamilton. He had been in the grocery and meat business since 1918 or 1919 and was located at the location of Main Street for two years in 1929. Also located on Main Street, was The Red Front Grocery. This business was managed A.J. would love Dischner's IGA at 216 Colorado Avenue, Stratton Tony Dischner must have used N.H. Fuller order pads for a time. money. Tony extended a great deal of credit and he was able to operate with credit from the ware houses. In 1936 Dischner's dropped clothing from the general store line and became a grocery store strictly. In 195L much remodeling was done to accommodate the new innovation of carts for customers to �choose their own groceries. A new counter and shelving made the store like all new establishment. In 1963 Tony sold the store to his son, Ed, but he continued to work in the store until he took sick in 1964. Shortly, he passed away in January 1964 at age 75, after forty-three years ofserving Stratton households. In 1966 Dischner's moved to its present 216 Colorado Avenue site after buying the grocery business of Mel Hatfield, who had procured the grocery of John and Dick Buhr. Today Dischner's IGA is a very large grocery serving customers from a very wide area. by Ed Dischner AMBULANCE OF STRATTON Mary Schulte, Jan Halderman, John O'Brien, Greg Engle, and Rev. Bloomer the others are still active. Many people have helped in the support of our ambulance service, with money making projects, and money gifts which have helped to gain equipment and allowed continuing education. Things have changed a lot in the fourteen years of service, from our old stations wagons to our newest ambulance. We have also added a Fire/Rescue vehicle and extrication equipment. We sincerely apologize if we have missed any one that was associated with the ambulance. Your time and effort were appreciated. We would like to thank the community for its support. D&D CLEANERS 815 ness for ourselves. There wasn't much business, Burlington was just coming out of the Dirty 50's. The cleaners in Cheyenne Wells was closing so we started a route to Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson. We also had a route to Stratton, Vona, and Seibert. About 1960 the Flagler Cleaners was for sale, Dean, Freda and family moved to Flagler and we bought the Flagler Cleaners (I had lived and worked in Flagler in 19b4 at this cleaners.) Dean operated this plant for m€rny years. In 1958 we were charging about 600 for a pair of pants, 91.25 for a suit. Hangers, In 1973 Stratton got its first ambulance, and we became a part of the Kit Carson County Ambulance Service. The first one was an Oldsmobile station wagon. It was graduated to yet another station wagon, which was followed by a van. It was eventually replaced by a Cadillac, which was replaced by a Type I ambulance. It was first housed in the old fire house on Colorado Avenue, and later moved to the new fire house. Our first EMT's were Ace Woller, Louis and Lynna Pugh, Dick Wheeling, and Sherry Monroe. They were followed by Mrs. Harley Pottorff, Mrs. Bob Pottorff, Evelyn Schmidt, Joni Pottorfi Karen Fehrenbach. Marv Havens, Nona Woller and Janet Carnathan. As the years went on they were followed by KentJostes, Ron Curry, and Kevin Hubbard. In 1983 a new group took up the reins with Rev. Don Bloomer, Jim McConnell. Cindv McCombs, Marjo Shean, Janet Halderman. We continued to add to our ranks with Sonia Schuman, Mary Schulte, Melody Schulte, John O'Brien, Rob Coles, Greg Engle, and Ed Herndon. We have several drivers who help out: Kathy Woller, Rod Blackwelder, Don Peters, Pam Smith, Vern and Betty Dresher, and Mike Dreher. With the exception of of school look good. The future of our business depends on the economic condition of the area. by Dallas Stevens GAMBLES STORE Bl7 816 In 1958, I, Dallas Stevens, Doris. and our two daughters Dana and Debbie were in Brush, Co. I was working at Stars Cleaning Shop there. I had been in dry cleaning since 1952; my brother Dean was in construction in Brush also. A cleaning shop was for sale, Jack The Cleaners, and I talked Dean into coming with me back to Burlington and going into busi- Max Toland administering oxygen well groomed in 1987. Our young people out supplies, and cleaning fluid have gone up 700% since 1958. We had a period in the 60's when coin-op dry cleaning, polyester hurt the cleaning business (selling point for clothing stores, as polyester cleaned beautifully) but since those have passed, the materials popular in 1987 are about as they were in 1958, wool, silk, cotton, and rayon. Some of our early employees at the D&D Cleaners at 470 14th St. were my Mother, Alberta Sevens 1960-66, seamstresses were Mildred Bishop, Carrol Kosch, Reta Loun- ger, and my wife Doris. Over the years we have been a family business, and our children have all been trained and worked there through school years. Dana, Debbie, Diane, Devona, Dee and Derek. In 1975 we bought Felzien's Cleaners and moved to present location at 260 14th St. Irma Robertson worked for us 1975 -'82 as a seamstress. Devona Jensen, has worked since 1980-87. She, my wife and I operate it at this time. Over the years we have done cleaning for many generations, some of our customers have been with us for 30 years. Our trade area reaches from Arriba to Goodland and from Wray to Cheyenne Wells. The future looks good for our business, wool, silk, cotton are back, and people are Gambles Hardware, Stratton, celebrating 25 years in 1988. The Stratton Gambles Store was started bv Mr. and Mrs. George Heid around 1g48 in thl building south of the B and B Drug Store. Mrs. Heid sold the business after her husband's death to Mike and Alyce Lewis. In June 1963 Gene and Rosemary Jostes purchased the business from them. In 1966 thev purchased the building the store is presently in. It was formerly a dry goods store started in the 1920's by George Waters. He later sold this business to Bernard Waldron. who later sold it to Les Hatfield, who later sold the business to Leonard Dischner, who later sold it to Virgil Pugh all of whom in the many years operated it as a dry goods store. Virgil sold the store to Gene and Rosemary Jostes, who remodeled it and moved their hardware store there. This year of 1988 Gene and Rosemarv are celebrating their 25th year as owners and operators of the Gambles Store in Stratton. by Gene Jostes LIGHTLELOG Br8 James Lightle and his wife, Joyce, were involved in a cattle operation and managing a custom haying operation when an article appeared in the High Plains Journal which caught their eye and changed the direction of their business and life. This article explained a revolutionary process for converting the straw of cereal grains into a clean-burning material for fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Lightle was impressed with the new process and recognized the marketing possibilities for a product that would contribute to the agricultural economy while it helped to keep the environment clean. After much research, it was decided to pursue this business. The couple was able to convince a banker and enough investors to support their venture, and by January of 1987, the Lightles had the money needed to �Dave's Brand Inn Iron J.B. Automotive in Stratton at a site with a colorful past Johnsons. Then after, it was the "Supper Club" until around 1975. At that time it became the Brand Inn lron. In August of 1985 it was changed to "Dave's Brand Inn Iron" and is presently owned by Dave and Marcia Eder. by Marcia Eder James Lightle, president of Lightlelog, Inc. of Burlington displays a bag of the finished product his firm is manufacturing. open Lightlelog, Inc. for business. Lightle says the biggest obstacle the business faces is the fact that the consumer knows very little about alternatives logs. However, he believes once they are educated about the benefits of burning straw logs, and more logs are circulated in the marketplace, the demand for the product should soar. Some of the major selling points of straw logs are their ability to burn cleanly, producing very little smoke. They leave a clean ash, high in potash, rather than the messy charcoal ash left by wood. The straw logs leave absolutely no creosote buildup in fireplaces and stoves. The current market price for a 40-lb bag of Lightlelog straw logs is $9.99. The 20-lb boxes sell for $6.99. Lightle points out the price is another area where straw logs have BURLINGTON FLOWER SHOP business that can benefit the consumer, the farmer, the processor and the local community. "Now, we just have to be patient and try to build interest." by James Lightle DAVE'S BRAND INN IRON 819 "Dave's Brand Inn Iron" was originally built in 1947 by Bill and Glen Holloway, Lewis Beck and Nick Stoffel. It was owned by Al and Lillie Young and named "Al and Lil's Bar and Cafe". In 1950 Charles Sholes 820 building and the long time ago post office was then an automotive mechanic's shop. Along with the automotive work he also ran a wrecker service. After his death, the business was purchased by Everett H. Duncan, who then sold the business to ArDale and Janet Schulte in 1980. The business was called D&S. JB Automotive is now owned by Jack A. Burian who purchased the building in 1986. The business employs three full time mechanics. It offers automobile repairs, tire service, and a 24 hour wrecker service. by Julie Smith KENNY'S SEED AND SUPPLY Christmastime at the Flower Shop Ba2 The Burlington Flower Shop has been in business for 25 years. It was started by Jim and Dixie Johnson in 1961. Some of the first services were the flower shop, greenhouse, and landscaping services. It is still located in the same location, on the north end of 14th Street. The business was sold to Evelyn Busby in 1977. Jean Swafford and Jatta Miller purchased the business in May of 1983. It is no longer a nursery as the green house was destroyed by a hail storm in 1981. The landscaping services were ceased when the Johnsons sold the business. by Jean Swafford built an addition on the south side and living J.B. AUTOMOTIVE quarters in the back. The bar was then moved to the south side and has not been changed since then. Dorothy Lucas who still resides in Stratton was one of AI and Lil's long time employees. In 1956 Al and Lil's Bar and Cafe was sold to Fay and Maime Jones. In the 1960's it was called "Johnny and $150.00 for the land where J.B. Automotive now sits. The office of the building now was once Eva Hamilton's post office from downtown. Byrd Cassity ran his station for many Betty's Supper Club", and operated by the famous customers: E.A. Richardson, Indiana poet laureate and Mr. Red Skelton. Byrd died in 1960 and his wife Dessie kept the station for several years after his death having others runs the business for her. In 1964 Anthony J. and Dolores K. Liebl bought the business and it became Joe's Used Cars. In 1969 Robert M. Miller owned the building which he used for storage. He sold the building and land to Gary and Diane Salmans in 1974. Gary added on to the the advantage over wood. The Lightles feel this is definitely a penny candy and pop. They had several BzL In 1936 Byrd and Dessie Cassity paid years. Cassity's Service Station sold gas, Kenneth Pottorff handles his dealership of several agricultural necessities of today from his Stratton Iandmark office. In 1964, Kenneth Pottorff became a Dekalb Seed Dealer, and like many seed dealers, operated the business at his farm southeast of Stratton along with his cattle and farming interests. In 1968 Kenny purchased the building on Colorado Avenue. The earliest business in the building that he has knowledge of was the Holloway Chewolet Garage. Then Shell �Grain had the building, using it for Grain storage until their business closed. Robert Miller then bought the building, which he sold to Kenny in November 1968. Kenney's seed business increased and foreseeing the opportunity to expand his business, he moved his seed and chemicals up town, opening up the business as Kenny's Dekalb Seeds. Mrs. Bob Pottorff was hired to work in the office in the south side of the building. The business was only open during the planting season, which was March through July. In March of 1969, Dorothy Lucas was hired to work in the office, as receptionist and salesperson until 1982, when she had to quit due to the illness of her husband. Myra Davis was hired to replace her. In 1971 Kenny's brother Loren Pottorff started working and is still working for his firm today. Late in 1969 the new office on the north side of the building was completed and we moved into it in the spring of 1970. Then additional offices were added int974, adding a bookkeeping office and an office for Kenny. The name was then changed to Kenny's Seed and Supply. In 1971 Kenny expanded the business, taking the dealership to sell Arcadian Fertilizer. He was the first to sell Liquid Fertilizer in this area. Kenny bought the lots on the corner ofFirst St. and Colorado Avenue from Andrew Selenke to put up storage tanks for fertilizer and the liquid feed. He then bought move was needed and Langston Style Shop CENTER north of the Midway Theatre and was B23 The Burlington Home Center opened its high school. The business grew and Al retired to become full time builder and retailer passing the services and knowledge he had on to the people in the area. the added storage area for a growing business. by Al and Norma Bandel LANGSTON STYLE SHOP 824 Kenny has seen many changes in the economy of the country that affects farmers and Businessmen alike. At the present time Kenny employs 5 people through the business. They are Loren Pottorff since 1971, Jo Bauman, bookkeeper since L977, Jan Schulte, receptionist and salesperson since 1985, Harry Fox and Jim Fox since 1986. by Dorothy Lucas The Orth's, Helmuth, Francis, Dennis, Jean and Sterling, 10 months. Taken in front of Orth's Department Store on their 28th anniversary. Orth's Department Store celebrated it's 28th anniversary in June of 1987. Helmuth, Francis, Dennis and Jean have, over the past 28 years, made their department store one of the largest independent stores in the tri-state area. The family opened its store 28 years ago in the building formerly occupied by J.C. Penney's. A modest store with only 2,b00 ployed for parts, sales and service of Zimmatic Sprinklers. In 1979-1986 Marc Pottorff worked as Zimmatic service man. In 1982 the business was closed in Burlington and the parts department was moved to the Stratton store. In 1978 the Richardson Farm Machinery During the past 20 years in business, B26 and in 1983 another 6,500 sq. ft. was added to house the mill shop and receiving dock and Burlington. Jo Bauman was employed as the bookkeeper and Royce Roemer was em- Avenue was purchased in 1981 from Jenny Zurcher and is used to display new and used machinery that is for sale. DEPARTMENT STORE enclose the building material and to add a drive through custom service lane. ln L977 Burlington Home Center, as it became known, joined Our Own Hardware ln 1977, Kenny became a dealer for In 1981 Kenny purchased the south halfof the lots where the old high school stood. In 1982 he erected a large Butler building to use for storage. The corner of 4th and Colorado ORTH'S The 40'x100' sq. ft. building was enlarged Lindsay Zimmatic Sprinkler systems, and bought the Gigot Valley building west of rzet, by Vanetta Pottorff to include a 11,000 sq. ft. warehouse to 1977. ammonia along with selling the liquid fertil- operated until 1973 when the store was closed after 25 years of business. Bandel for the purpose of supplying the specialty items he needed for the custom homes he was building during his summer break from teaching Industrial Arts at the replace the Tyro. The dealership of Compensator Liquid Feed was added this year also, along with adding a fertilizer blender building on the corner of First and Colorado in at his farm and began selling anhydrous found its home in the Hamilton Building, doors in the fall of 1974. It was started by Al a Tryco flotation applicator to apply the fertilizer. In 1973 he purchased a Big A to and Big Ox dealerships were added to the business. In 1986 Kenny put up storage tanks Again, because of more growth, a third BURLINGTON HOME Hazel and Walter Langston In 1948 Langston Style Shop had its beginning with Hazel working for Ed Hanten's Mens Shop, located north of Penny's Hardware. Mr. Hanten agreed that she could buy some dresses and sell them while working for him. She used racks made out of old water pipes to hang 12 dresses on. She added to her stock and in 1950, after Mr. Hanten closed his store, Hazel moved her merchandise across the street into a little shop in the front end of the north side of the present Burlington Record on Main Street where she had her first exclusive shop. At this time, Walter Langston retired from his job with the State Highway Department and became involved in the business. They were at this location for about three years, but because of growth another move was needed and they enlarged their stock and moved to the Hammond Building on Senter Avenue where they operated their business for the next six years. square feet, the store now consists ofapproximately 8,000 square feet. The Orths purchased the old Safeway store 25 years ago as they began to expand their operation to accommodate the people of the trade area. Approximately 14 years ago, they opened the basement of their structure which now houses mens and boys clothing. Continuing with their expansion 1? years ago, Orth's purchased the building formerly occupied by Western Auto and put in a complete fabric department. Helmuth and Francis originally opened as a Skogmos store 28 years ago. After being in business for approximately three years, they decided they could offer their customers a better line of merchandise at low prices by going independent. Their son, Dennis, joined the business 18 years ago. The Orth's moved to Burlington from St. Francis, Kansas 28 years ago with little clothing experience. Their operation now requires that they spend about 25 days a year doing nothing but attending various markets and purchasing merchandise for their customers. In a joint statement, the family said, "We certainly do appreciate the excellent response of all of the many people of our trade area. We have strived to give the people a complete department store that stresses quality merchandise at reasonable prices. In addition, we have made our store a'complete �family store where you can purchase all of your family's needs'in one facility." Helmuth continued, "We will attempt to give the people an even better department store over the next 20 Years." by Dennis Orth K-G ELECTRIC HATCHERY B26 The K-G Electric Hatchery, was a compar- atively new enterprise, having opened for business in February of 1930. The plant was modern in every detail, with Buckeye incubators. brooders and other requirements. They had a capacity for 50,000 chicks. A specialty was made of purebred stock and their aim was to raise bigger, stronger and better, grades of chicks at moderate prices. The Hatchery also carried a complete line of poultry supplies, with Purina Chow being the best. This business was run and managed by Mr. C.G. Gould. FLAGLER NEWS B27 the competing newspaper' The Flagler Progress, in 1918 and merged it with the News. The Borland's sold The News in 1923 to Philo F. Falb who published the paper until 1927, when the Borlands bought it back. They continued to publish it until 1931, when they sold it to T. and Grace Gaurd of Breckenridge. Mr. Gaurd had published the Summit County Journal and Mrs. Gaurd had taught school. After selling the Flagler News, Will Borland became a clerk in the Flagler Post Office and was active in the Democratic politics in the county. The Gaurds published The News until 1948 when they sold it to Clyde and Ruth Coulter, who came to Flagler after working on newspapers in the Chicago area. The Coulters are continuing to publish the paper in this their 40th year. The Gaurds relocated The Flagler News office twice, first in the its 75th year of publication. Flagler News files date back only to 1915 but it is believed the newspaper was started in 1913 as a Democratic paper to compete for legal publications with the existing weekly paper, the Republican Flagler Progress, a primary source of revenue for early newspapers was pubtishing legal notices regarding homesteads and it is probable that the News was founded to get a share of those legal notices. Founder and first publisher was E.H. Kruchten. He published the paper for a year and sold it to J.D. Heiny, who sold it to H.E.Wetherell, who operated it until 1915' when Will and Sarah Borland. Mr. Borland had worked as a printer in Brush while proving up on a homestead located south of Brush. (Will and Sarah Borland were the parents of Hal Borland, who graduated from Flagler High School in 1918 and became a nationally known journalist, columnist, and author. He is particularly known for his nature writings.) The Borlands purchased BATT REALTY B29 the newly built "Theatre Building" now occupied by the Witts Family Store. In about 1940 The Gaurds constructed the present building being occupied by The News and moved there. They also developed one of the most modern small town newspaper plants in the area. In 1938, they installed a photo engraving plant. After World War II, they put in a new Model 31 Linotype and a rebuilt 4- page Miehle newspaper press. The Coulters recently donated the press to the Old Town Museum in Burlington, where it can be seen in operation. The linotype is still being used for commercial purposes in the News office. New technology in recent years has revolutionized the printing of newspapers. Instead of hand set type and "hot metal" linotypes, newspapers now use "cold type" computers phed and printed on "offset" presses at a central printing plant. The Flagler News is now being prepared in Flagler but the actual printing is done at the Burlington Record. A second weekly newspaper, The Flagler Progtess, was published in the community from about 1908 until 1918, when it was The town of Flagler will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary in 1988 and its weekly newspaper, the Flagler News, will be marking 1920's. early 1930's from the basement of the "Bank Building" (now the "Otteman Building") to to set type. Pages are "pasted up", photogra- Flagler News, building constructed in 1940 by T. Guard. Burlington Ice and Bottling Co. (foreground) in published by the Will Borlands. There are no file copies of The Progress available in the community except for a few copies which have been saved by families of early residents. It is believed to have been founded and published by Charles E. Gibson. Its office was in the original Odd Fellows Building, on the south side of the building. BURLINGTON ICE AND BOTTLING CO. 828 Batt Realty dealt in real estate and oil leasing. This real estate office actually originated as Rose and Wall by Claus Rose, Jr. and Charles S. Wall. The office was in the old building owned by the Stratton State Bank, North 20 feet of lot 7, block 7, original Stratton. These two men purchased the building on August 19, L942. Claus Rose was elected County Treasurer and moved to Burlington. Charles Wall operated the real estate office from that time until it was sold to George Batt on September 9, 1946. George Batt immediately went into business with Swidbert A. Hornung, who purchased the building from George Batt on August 21,L952. "Swede" Hornung operated the business until his death on January 16, 1970. "Swede" was responsible for the influx of families from the Dodge City - Spearville, Kansas, area who still live in the Stratton area. Some of these families are: Cures, Downey, Bill Hornung, Schulte, Conrardy, Stegman, Torline, Grasser, Rueb, Kliesen, Pottorff, Shean, Warner, Dvorak, etc. Swede was a community-minded man and was into many projects, such as REA, the Stratton School relocation to the present site, the building of the present Catholic Church, the Post Office. He was an eternal optimist and a great believer in the future of the Stratton area among other things. The Burlington Ice and Bottling Company' was an institution that had a broad and steady growth from the date of its inception. The ice plant was established in 1922. It had an icemaking capacity of six tons evety 24 hours. The bottling plant was added in 1925' it was devoted to the manufacture of a full line of high grade soda waters, including all popular flavors, one of their specialties being lcal-Aid", (an orange drink). They were also the distributors of Hamm's, and Windsor Club Beer and Oxford CIub Ginger AIe. H.A. Keese, was the proprietor. by Edith Hornung �VANCE'S DECORATING CENTER crockery, variety goods, paints, oils and couNTY, P.C. B30 In June of 1983, Dennis and Dianne Vance decided to open a new business in Burlington, Colorado. Dennis had been a carpet installer and painter for 20 years. Dianne is a hairdresser by trade, but shared an interest with her husband to start a new business, thus Vance's was begun. From June 1983, to March 1985 the business was located at l46t Senter in Burlington. In this store the Vance's carried a line of unfinished furniture, carpet, and a unique gift section. In October of 1984 the Vance's added the Cook Paint line to their store. They remained at L46l Senter until March 1985. Even though these were stressed economical times, the Vance's had done fairlv well in their little store and decided to makl a move to a larger building, in a new location. They moved to 314 14th Street which many years ago was the old Red Front Grocerv Store. Shortly before Vance's moved to this location it was a T.V. repair store. The new business location was leased from John Penny. At the time of the move the name of the store was changed to Vance's Decorating Center. Moving from a very small location, to one almost double in size, Dennis and Dianne had room for expansion. From March 1985 to the present date, Sept. 198?, they are a full Iine decorating center. They carry in their store, Cook Paint, floor coverings, wallpaper, PANGBORN'S PHARMACY, PHOTO AND SOUND CENTER, INC. B32 Pangborn's Pharmacy was founded February 4, 1966, by Bill and Penny Pangborn at 347 - l4th Street, Burlington, Colorado. It began as a family business and remained one. Bill was the pharmacist and Penny helped with the clerking, was the bookkeeper, and managed the office. In 1975, following college graduation, their son, Tom, returned to Burlington and expanded the electronic section into a full service Sound Center/Radio Shack. Bill incorporated his hobby of photography into the business and "Pangborn's Pharmacy", Photo and Sound Center, Inc. was born. The business prospered and on April 1, 1987, twenty-one years after it began, the store was sold. by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pangborn Times are still not as flourishing as everyone would like, but the Vance's have managed to keep the business going, trying to please the public with their merchandise and their services. by Dennis and Dianne Vance VARIETY GOODS STORES IN 83r C.J. Copeland was located on Main Street. He had been established here eight and onehalfyears in 1929, and carried a well selected stock of variety goods. Goods of every kind including hundreds of articles that were both useful and ornamental, such as crockery, glassware, tinware, china, kitchen utensils. books, stationery, toilet articles, school supplies, radios, stoves, and ranges. Prominent among the number of business enterprises of Burlington was Ed. Purinton, whose neatly arranged store on Main Street was well stocked and well arranged. Mr. Purinton had been connected with the commercial life of Burlington for six years in 1929. The stock he carried comprised of furniture, rugs, linoleums, stoves, ranges, household necessities, kitchen utensils, Certified Public Accountants The business had its start in 1g6? when Larry Mich and John Lindell bought the tax practice of Bob Shamberg. The Burlington Record printed a story regarding the purchase and establishment of a new busineis to be operated under the name of Mich and Lindell, CPAs. The newspaper article indicated that Larry Mich would come down from Wray two days a week to manage the office initially but that the plans were to hire a full time accountant to man the office. I became a Certified Public Accountant in 1965 and at the time the article appeared in the Record I was employed by the U.S. General Accounting Office as an Auditor. That job required a great deal of travel so I was looking for a position with little or no travel. Burlington was my hometown so when I saw the article indicating that an accounting position was open I was very interested. I met with Larry Mich and, after some soul searching about the job and salary, accepted the position as office manager for Michand Lindell, CPAs. Our business then was much the same as nesses. 833 home. B34 it is today only not quite so complicated. We prepared tax returns, did bookkeeping and performed audits of a few towns and busi- STRATTON SPOTLIGHT NEWSPAPER window treatments, and custom draperies. Dennis still does his own carpet installation. The gift line is not as big now, and they carry mainly decorating accessory items for the BURLINGTON WINFREY AND varnishes. Home of the Golden Plains Insurance and Stratton Spotlight. The Stratton Spotlight, Stratton's weekly newspaper, began business on November 2b, 1982. Rick and Beverly Gaddy along with their son Travis moved to Stratton from Simla, Colorado to publish the new newspaper following the termination of the Stratton Press, which ceased publication on November 11, 1982. The Gaddy's attempted to purchase the Stratton Press, but decided a new publication would best serve the Strat- ton community. The Stratton Spotlight is located at L25 Colorado Avenue in the building owned by Ken and Pat Stegman, who operate Golden Plains Insurance from the same location. by Bev Gaddy In July 1969, Larry Mich bought out Mr. Lindell's interest and I bought into the business. The name of the business was changed to Mich and Winfrey, CPA's. The business was located at I4b7 Martin Ave. which is the office building across the street South of the Post Office. We occupied two rooms in the middle of the building. In 1980 Jerry County came to work for us. He became a CPA in 1981 and in December of that year he became a partner with me. We gllanged the name to Winfrey and County CPA's. In 1982 we formed a professional corporation to be known as Winfrev and County, P.C. Certified Public Accountants which is how we operate today. During the years we have expanded our business by buying other practices. In September 1980 we bought a practice with offices in Limon and Cheyenne Wells. Mr. James White became associated with me and he managed the Limon and Cheyenne Wells offices. Then in June 1981 we bought a practice in Flagler. We closed the office in Cheyenne Wells and moved everything to Flagler. We bought another practice in Hugo and combined that into the Limon office.- In July 1983, Jim White left us and we brought all three offices together under the Winfrey and County name with employees managing the Flagler and Limon offices. On December 1, 1985 we moved our office to 593 - 14th St (the old Esch Lumber Co. building). This move gave us much more room for expansion in the future. Our work continues to be primarily the preparation of income tax returns for people in the area. We also do bookkeeping and perform audits ofvarious schools, towns, and businesses around the area. In the future we plan and hope to continue �to serve the people in the area with the same services as we have provided in the past. the local manager was Dick Hendricks of by Noel Winfrey North 14th (Main) Street. This firm made a specialty of the popular Seiberling Special STRATTON SALE BARN 835 Burlington. The Gassner Tire Shop was located on Service Tires and tubes. Seiberling tires were sold with a one year guarantee. They also did steam vulcanizing, dealt in batteries, furnished tire service, and did car washing greasing. As of 1929, the business had been established ten or eleven years and had been under the ownership of R.I. Gassner for three years. Zimbelman's sponsor a soft ball team and is a member of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce. by Calvin Zimbelman FLAGLER MILLINERY SHOP 838 The Flagler Millinery Shop was owned and ZIMBELMAN'S JEWELRY STORE 837 Calvin Zimbelman opened his business "Zimbelman's Jewelry" on June 17, 1960 on 14th Street in Burlington, Colorado. He located in the building south of the Midway Theater where Willies Flower Shoppe is located now. In 1964 Calvin with the help of family and operated by Bertha (Biggs) Nourse, the widow of Frederick Ray Nourse, Jr. He was the sister of Maude Williams, wife of Ellis Williams, son of Andrew and Alma Williams. The picture was taken in the twenties. Treva Williams, the daughter of Maude and Ellis, said she made beautiful hats. Treva graduated from Loretta Heights Academy in L922. While attending school there, she said her hats, made by Aunt Bertha, were the envy of many. by Margaret Clark friends built his present building with a lovely show room to display beautifuljewelry, distinctive gift ware, dishes and silver, watches and many other items. Robbie Lehnherr designed the building and Albert Zimbelman and Mr. Krien layed the blocks Stratton Sale Barn in the 1950's and bricks. Albert and Elmer Zimbelman helped finish the construction of the building. Calvin and family all helped to do the STRATTON SALE BARN finish work. In 1964 Zimbelman's Jewelry was robbed with $10.000 worth of merchandise stolen. Stratton Sale Barn Letterhead The Stratton Sale Barn, Iocated across the railroad tracks north, was owned, operated and built by Swede Horning and Lloyd Pugh. The Sale Barn was Iater sold to Bill Peters who operated the market for several years and closed it in 1955, due to the drought and low cattle numbers. Bill and Jean Scheopner bought the mar- HEINZ OFFICE SUPPLY, INC. 839 Melvin J. Heinz, and wife Frances, owners of Heinz Office Supply, Inc., founded the business in 1958, during a time when farming was poor and he needed another income to support his family. He wanted to create a The crime still remains unsolved and none of the items that were taken were recovered. There were no clues to be found and the crime was investigated by Roy Doughty. Calvin moved into the new place of business 1964. Employees over the years have been Maxine Andrews who worked here for 23 years and Cindy Kemp has been here for the cities. Melvin had, at one time, been a salesman for Monroe Calculator Co. in Wichita, KS, so he was familiar with the office supply business. He started out with a small shop in his 8 years. garage in Cheyenne Wells, Co. Melvin and his business that would enable his children to work and remain a part of the rural community, instead of having to find employment in ket from Bill Peters and had their first sale May 8, 1956. They operated the Stratton Sale Barn until April, 1968. Some of the employees who worked at the market for several ye€us were: Peter Schlichenmeyer, auctioneer; Kenny Scheierman, clerk, Mabel Scheiei.rnan, bookkeeper, Herschel Salmans, weighmaster, LeRoy Herndon Foreman. Others known to have worked at the sale were: Jim McConnell, Boots Wilson, and James Havens. Calista Swogger operated the cafe. f,* by Bill Scheopner TIRE SHOPS 836 "Keeping pace with the progress of the community" was the motto of the Hendricks Tire Shop, located on Main Street in Burlington. The business was established in June, 1927, and featured the well known Diamond tires. The general manager of this business was S.E. Hendricks of Denver. while lt i:'j'ii i,i** ":.;,,"iutif and Lyle Garner, ringmen, Chuck Fox, The Flagler Millinery Shop in the 1920's. �ity through the years. We will continue to try to serve them in the best way we can. by Kathy Killian OLD GRAIN COMPANIES IN BURLINGTON Heinz Office Supply, Inc. HAROLD McARTHUR APPRECIATION DAY B4l 840 "With a view to faithfully portraying the present development of Burlington, and in order to fully set forth the advantages with which our community is so richly endowed, we may be permitted to call special attention to the character and magnitude of a few representative concerns. In this connection it is fitting that we devote some space to the Swenson-Tooker Grain Company, which was established over three or four years ago in 1929." This advertising promoted Burlington. This firm was located a short distance east of the depot on the Rock Island tracks. They were wholesale and retail dealers in grain, feed and coal. They also had an elevator at Peconic, six miles east of Burlington. The Melvin J. Heinz and Jerry Heinz son, Jerry Heinz, sold typewriters, calculators and a small line of office supplies. They also repaired and served the machines they sold. They serviced most of the typewriters for the schools in the area. As the business grew, and Jerry finished his schooling, they decided to move the business to Burlington, CO in 1963. They started in a small store shared with another business in Burlington and eventually moved into a rented building on main street, and finally purchased a building on main street, where the store is presently located. Jerry Heinz managed the store until 1983, at which time Kathy (Heinz) Killian, daughter of Melvin Heinz, took over management. Kathy has been working for the business since 1973. Olympia, Royal, Underwood, Victor and Sharp are some of the main brands of machines sold and serviced by Heinz Office Supply over the past 30 years. After the move to Burlington in 1963, office furniture was added to the line, both new and used. In 1973, Melvin started another store in Goodland, KS. His daughter Sharon and her husband Mike Houk operated that store for him until 1983, when they purchased the store from him, and now they own and operate it. Between the two stores, Heinz Office Supply, Inc. has supplied employment for the support of 8 to 10 farnilies at a time in this area. In 1982, Melvin started his own leasing company, called Big H Leasing Co. He leases office equipment and furniture in Colorado and Kansas. The customers of Heinz Office Supply over the years have been from many communities in Kit Carson, Cheyenne and Lincoln Counties. They are greatly appreciated and have been responsible for our growth and prosper- business was under the management of R.V. Tooker. The Burlington Equity Exchange Company had an implement department and an elevator department. The implement dept. was located opposite the City Hall, on North 14th Street, and the elevator being located on North Main Street, near the depot. The organization came into being back in 1915. The two special lines of equipment featured at the implement dept. were: Massey-Harris and Minneapolis-Moline, with this department being managed by R.A. Hedding. The elevator dept. was devoted to the buying of grain and the sale of flour, commercial feed, bran, shorts, fence wire and posts, steem and domestic coal, all kinds of grain, seeds and salt. This dept. was under the management of D.H. Loomis. Very prominent among the grain dealers of eastern Colorado was the Roller Grain Company, located on the Rock Island tracks east of the depot. It was founded in about 1922 ot 1923. Their principal business was the buying and selling of grain, although they handled flour, feed and salt as a side line. The Roller Grain Company was managed bv C.E. Roller. The O'Donnell Grain Company, which was organized in July, 1927 was located just east of the depot on the tracks of the C.R.I.&P. Railway. F.J. O'Donnell was the manager. The O'Donnell Grain Co. dealt in the wholesale and retail sales of grain, livestock, flour, Forrest Miller as he presented Harold with his plaque citing him for his many "outstanding contributions for the city, county and the entire area." Forrest was the prime organizer for Harold McArthur Appreciation Day. Saturday, January 24, L981, was a very special day for a man who has devoted most it was Harold of his life to helping others McArthur Appreciation Day.- Harold and his wife, Ines, moved to Burlington from Flagler in 1945. There he was operating a John Deere dealership before assuming ownership of the one in Burlington which he purchased from Jack Chalfant. He also kept the Flagler facility open for a short time. The business was operated for many years where the City Hall is now located. In 1964 Harold moved to 2181 Rose Ave. and became one of the largest independent John Deere dealers in the United States. In 1984 he moved to his present location at 17777 Hwy. 385. This was accomplished by becoming a service center, a parts center, and a new farm equipment center for an area encompassing a radius of 100 miles. He has always kept up with the latest technology, and he has also helped several and feed. They also manufactured high grade feed. A few of their special lines were Purina Chows for livestock, hogs, and poultry, and other dealers in the area get started by providing them with financial assistance. One might think that accomplishing such Pure GoId Flour. a task would take all of one individual's time. Not so with Harold McArthur. He was mayor of Burlington for 12 years, has been on the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital board for 25 years. Harold is an original member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Burlington, is on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Boys Ranch, and an original member of the East Central Activities Center, now known as Dynamic Dimensions, and the list could go on and on. �Harold has helped many young farmers get started by loaning them equipment and money, and offering advice when asked for. As Jerry Brenner says, "I thought I knew a lot about farming when I took over the farm, but it didn't take me long to realize I needed a lot of help. Harold was always ready to help, not only myself, but all of the farmers". He has proven over the years that he is never too busy to help, no matter how large or small the task, such as helping someone who needs a fork lift to unload a truck or a railroad car. Kermit Buol, representing the Burlington Rotary Club, expressed the Club's gratitude for being an outstanding member. Carol Dvorak, representing the Board of Directors of the East Central Activities Center, expressed his gratitude to Harold for his generous assistance in making the center a reality. Not only giving money to the center, but by his personal presence on the board. Ted Wickham said, "I have been told several times that we would not have a hospital if it were not for Harold McArthur." Russ Wilcox also said, "He has donated a lot of the 'long green line' to the hospital, and I don't mean John Deere farm machinery. He has given thousands of dollars to the hospital over the years." Now it is six years Iater and we still find Harold contributing in many ways to the betterment of this community through con- tributions of the building for the Senior Citizens Center in Burlington and in helping the town get "Old Town" off to a great start. As long as he is able, we will see the imprint of Harold wherever there is a need. January 9, 1988 - Harold McArthur honored for being John Deere Dealer for 50 years. Last Saturday, January 9th, was a special day for the people of the area and for McArthur Implement Co. of Burlington. Saturday was the annual John Deere Day, and it also marked the 50th Anniversary of Harold McArthur being a John Deere Dealer. Harold was informed that he was the only dealer in the Kansas City division of Deere and Company (and quite possibly in the United Stated) that had been affiliated with them for 50 continuous years. "There are several dealerships that still retain the same name; however, none where the contract with Deere and Company was with the same man for 50 years," stated a spokesperson. Over 1000 people attended the free lunch provided by McArthur Implement Co. It was followed by a joint program (John Deere Day and recognition of McArthur). A crowd in excess of 700 filled the Burlington High School auditorium. McArthur expressed his gratitude to the firm's many customers over the years. "Without you (the customers) we certainly would not be here. We have appreciated your fine support over the past 50 years." Harold started as a John Deere dealer in 1938 in Flagler. His first location was where the present Case-IH dealership is located. He then moved to where the John Deere dealer in Flagler is now located. Harold moved his dealership to Burlington in 1945. The firm was located at 480 - 15th St., which is now serving as city hall for Burlington. The firm then moved to Rose Avenue in 1964 at the corner of Rose and Lincoln. In 1982, McArthur Implement Co. moved to its present location. Over the 50 years, McArthur has continued to expand, providing additional services for farmers over a wide area. Without question, Saturday was a very special day for McArthur. He has been affiliated with John Deere for one-third of the years the company has been in existence as Deere and Company celebrated its L50th anniversaryjust last year . . . The Burlington Record, Jan. 14, 1988. by Marlyn Hasart SNELL GRAIN CO. B'42 J.W. Borders began buying grain in 1910 in the days when horse and wagons were used to haul the golden berry and employees were paid one cent per bushel for hauling wheat coal an automatic fuel and which reduced to % the cost of coal in a home or business house. The Iron Fireman is also especially adapted for schools, churches, and public buildings. This business was originally established about 30 years ago in 1929 and had been under the present ownership about 10 years. John J. Esch was the president and manager, of this local enterprise. THE BANK OF BURLINGTON B'44 from the grain bins and loading it into boxcars for shipping. Borders was a buyer with the Snell Milling Co., Clay Center, Ks. for a period of approximately 10 years. The elevator at Stratton was built in 1912 and later one at Vona and then one at Flagler. In about 1926, The Snell Milling Co. decided to go out of business and the Snell Grain Co. of Colorado was organized and purchased the interests of The Snell Milling Co., in its Colorado elevators at Stratton, Vona, Flagler, and Arriba. Mr. Hillenkamp passed away around 1944, and at that time Floyd Borders, H.C. Harrison, and J.W.'s son-in-law of Arriba, then became active owners in the grain firm. The firm then purchased the two elevators at Hugo, which had been idle for a few years time. At this point, Ugene G. Brown and Richard Borders became active members of the firm. In 1954, the concrete elevator at Arriba was enlarged and a modern concrete elevator was built at Genoa and the Snell Grain Co. took over the three small frame elevators at that time. Bank of Burlington, 1930's. Mr. Borders had noted many changes during his 50 years of active management. New modern mechanized machinery has taken the place of the horse and buggy. OLD LUMBER COMPANIES IN BURLINGTON Bank of Burlington, 1956. 843 The Foster Lumber Company's yards and sheds cover about a half of a city block in Burlington. The Stock comprises of lumber, shingles, roofing, sash, doors, windows, brick, lime, cement, plaster, sewer pipe, drain tile, paints, oil, glass and anything necessary to build a house. The Burlington yard was managed by P.L. Bruner. The main headquarters were maintained in Kansas City, with yards in Kansas, Eastern Co., Oklahoma, and Wyoming. The Esch Lumber Company Inc. was located on 14th Street, opposite the City Hall. The stock in addition to lumber for buildings also carried fence posts and fencing wire. They had the exclusive agency in Kit Carson, Lincoln, and Cheyenne counties for the lron Fireman, the machine that made Bank of Burlington, 1988. The progress of the Burlington community and the success of The Bank of Burlington have moved forward together for 56 years come December 5, 1987. Eventful years, through bad times and the good, have taken place since the fall of 1931 when there were no banking facilities in Burlington. Realizing the need for such a service, George D. Tubbs, H.W. Gleason and his father, John E. Gleason, Benjamin B. Foster, George W. Foster, John M. Foster, Mrs. Anna Foster Ford, together with local �businessmen Orin Penny, P.L. Bruner, J.D. Brown, Ned R. Brown, E.L. Weinandt and John S. Boggs, organized and opened the bank at its present location. General conditions were not encouraging in the thirties, and the beginning was very modest, but by careful management and following of conservative banking principles, the bank has shown a steady growth. On opening day, its total assets were approximately $93,000. Thirteen years later it was $1,500,000. On December 5, 1956, when the bank celebrated its 25th anniversary, its assets were $2,800,000 and on its 50th anniversary they were $22,000,000 and are presently over $25,000,000. Following the death of H.W. Gleason in January, 1983 the bank was sold to Gary Brooks who became president and Leo Van Dittie who became chairman of the board. Mr. Brooks and Leo Van Dittie, along with his brother Jim. became directors of the bank, replacing 3 members of the Tubbs family. The Brooks and Van Dittie families are well known in Colorado Banking circles. The efforts to provide a safe and sound banking service to the people of this territory have been accomplished by the loyal support and friendship of the people of our community. This patronage is deeply appreciated by every officer, director and employee. From depression years, through cycles of good times and difficult times, the bank has kept its steady gain. With the rapid changes 1940, John Ellis, who was then serving as assistant cashier. was elevated to cashier of in agriculture, the money needs of both farmers and businessmen have increased the bank. He held this position until 1943 when he entered the military service, along with assistant cashier Bob Montgomery. At this time, L.L. Reinecker joined the bank as cashier and in 1949 was named executive vice immensely and the bank has strived to meet these needs. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have made The Bank of Burlington what it is today, and the officers and personnel president. George D. Tubbs, Jr., was elected president following the death of his father in look to the future with confidence and high resolve to continue to serve this community to the best of their abilitv. 1949. The Bank of Burlington has been in the same location for 50 years. It started out in the building that was the quarters of the former Stockgrowers Bank. In 1950 the building was remodeled inside and out and expanded in size. Its present building is now considered one of the most modern and beautiful buildings in Burlington. Consider- gasoline pump. His was the first pump in town. His first six week's business was a total of 50 gallons of kerosene. But Ray, the young man with a vision and the forward look, had gotten on the right track. From the single team and rattling wagon, he progressed. He added a few barrels to the cream cans. Then a tank wagon drawn by horses, of which he now had a dozen or more. Next came a truck with a tank, a somewhat crude affair minus a top to the cab, but it served. From the modest beginning has evolved the widespread business located in Vona since 1925, with the most modern tank trucks, a well equipped office, with branch offices in Kirk, Joes, and Cope. From that a 8-gallon-per week record he has gone to one-half million gallons in one year. He now takes the route to Kirk, Joes, and Cope in 2% hours where in the horse-drawn days it took 4 days. He built the tanks used by White Eagle and Conoco in Seibert. and took the first load of gas to Joes, Kirk and Cope. Mr. Ray A. Roberts married Leona Bell, daughter of early settler, Stephen Bell. They have two children, a son Lloyd and a by Willard Gross daughter. Ray is the son of George Roberts who came, with his wife and two sons, from Missouri to Colorado in 1908. They homesteaded four miles south of Seibert. Lloyd is in partnership with his father. RAY A. ROBERTS AND by Janice Salmans SON OIL CO. able new modern equipment has been added so that the bank can better serve its custom- B'45 ers. The bank is proud of its past and present employees, most who served for many years. Leland Reinecker served the bank as execu- STRATTON HEALTH CENTER B'46 tive officer for 38 years. He retired in January, 1981 and the following June was awarded a 50 year plaque from the Colorado Bankers Association for his 50 years of service to banking. He continues to serve on the board of directors, a position he has held for over 44 yearc. Willard Gross joined the bank as assistant cashier in June 1945. was named cashier in 1949, and executive vice president in January 1981, a position which he presently holds. He also has been a director of the bank for 42 Ray Roberts Oil Co., Seibert location. years. "Bud" Boyles, became associated with the bank in 1965 and was elected vice president and cashier in 1981, a position he Stratton's health care facilitv held until his retirement in January, 1986. Irene Wilcox served as assistant cashier for nearly 28 years, until her semi-retirement in January, 1981, and then continued as a parttime employee until March, 1987. Jerry L. Gross, son of Willard Gross, joined the bank in June, 1981 as assistant cashier Doctor Richard D. Ramos, Denver born, doctor of Chiropractic, came to Stratton in January 1956. Until this writing, he has practiced in Stratton continuously for thirtytwo years. He married Lolita Klotzbach, a Stratton born lady. They had five boys, and was named vice president and cashier in January, 1986. Other officers are Connie Witzel, assistant cashier with 31 years of service, Carol Zimbelman, assistant cashier, 14 years, and Rick Haynes, assistant vice president and ag loan officer, about 2 years. Other faithful employees are Margaret Smith, 19 years, Margie Mersch, 16 years, Mary Sue Woodrick, 8 years, and Carol Lucas, 6 years. Newer employees are Charlene Flock, David Carter, Tara Duerst and Fae Mehling. John and Gene Penny have served as directors of the bank for over 25 years. George D. Tubbs, Jr. was the bank's nresident and director for 34 vears. In Ray Roberts Oil Co., Vona location. Back in 1912 there were not many automobiles in Seibert, Colo. People had not begun to think much about them. "Filling stations" were hardly known. But a young fellow with 'more imagination than sense', some said, got the idea that after all, the horseless buggy might grow. So he decided to go in the business of furnishing fuel for motors. His first "equipment" was a team, some milk cans. and finallv an old Howser "blind" Richard, Michael, James, Ronald, and Daniel. Dr. Ramos also had two children from a previous marriage, Randlyn and Donald. Dr. Ramos started practice in the old Collins Hotel. Then he bought the old bank building on Colorado Avenue and practiced there for 16 years. At present he owns and operates the Stratton Health Center (pictured) which houses Dr. Cockerham D.D.S., Dr. Ramos, D.C., and Dr. Warwick, M.D. This health care facility is rare for a small rural community. For thirty years Dr. Ramos was the only doctor in town and provided much of the Drimarv care for the communitv. When asked �by big city colleagues why he would stay in a small community where there are no recreational facilities, he pointed out that "There are a lot of things Stratton doesn't have: smog, traffic problems, drugs in our schools, and crime on our streets." UNITED FARMERS MARKETING CORP.N' by Donna llake THE COLLINS HOTEL by Dr. Richard D. Ramos LTZ'S LITTLE BIT the ornamental concrete, other landscaping items will be offered in the future. B50 It was "the best hotel between Kansas City and Denver," wrote on local historian. Its beautiful landscaping, its fountains and its spacious accommodations attracted famous world travelers and local cowboys alike. It was the Collins Hotel, in Stratton, B'47 Colorado. The hotel was named after its builder and first owner, Joe Collins, an early day, Eastern Colorado "mover and shaker" who learned at The facilities of United Farmers Marketing Corp. west of Burlington. United Farmers Marketing Corporation is wholly owned and operated by dry bean growers in eastern Colorado. After several months of organizational meetings and Liz's Little Bit, near I-70, Stratton To begin with, I began by researching convenience stores over the country. The thought of building a convenience store, with the selling of gas, was taking shape in my mind. Then I drew up plans as to what would be suitable. but the location was another thing. I contacted our local banker and talked with others to find property available in the area near I-70. I found it was not as easy as I had thought it might be, but the proper place was found and purchased. Then the ground work began: upgrading and leveling done, the gas tanks were put in, followed by water and sewer lines. Then the concrete was poured for the foundation and floor. The building was purchased and it took about a month to arrive. While the building was being put up, the work went on measuring for gas Iines from tanks.to dispenser, getting the pumps in before the weather got too cold and bad; the island around the dispensers was poured with concrete. Then the weather began to get pretty cold and bad. So we were delayed in getting to finish all concrete work, but between snows it did get done in February. Inside work was being done and in the searching for finance, UFMC was established in October L7 ,t978. Through the sale of stock to bean producers in Yuma and Kit Carson counties and a construction loan from the First National Bank at Burlington, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, enough funds were obtained to start con- struction in April of 1979. During that same year UMFC handles approximately 60,000 cwt. The corporation has grown steadily in both storage capacity and processing ability Collins and some of his brothers homesteaded in Colorado. Making good in horses and cattle, Collins went into the hardware business, and selling that, he began dealing in real estate as a specialty. In 1917, he bought out the Square Deal Lumber Co., and in its place Joe Collins built the Collins Hotel. According to Dessie Reeves-Cassity, "He hired a landscape gar- dener to landscape the surroundings created a sunken garden set out beautiful flowers, kept a professional caretaker and made it the show place of both Kansas and Colorado." Nor did he scrimp on the interior; the linoleum was brought from England. There was hot and cold water, and all electric lights. The hotel was big. It had 104 doors with by Gay Cure numbers on them, but only 80 were 9x12 bedrooms. The rest were chutes and closets. The hotel boasted three public bathrooms, THE LEISURE GARDEN B49 and two of the rooms had bathrooms, as well. The halls were 10 feet wide. In the attic, space was sold to cowboys who wanted a spot to roll out their bedrolls. For 75 cents a night, cowboys could rent curtained cubicles, and one retired cattleman, Lloyd Pugh, recalls "some real parties" in that attic. When the hotel sold in 1966 the wires which held the curtains were still there. In the east wing was a large dining room, which could seat 72 persons, and a smaller cafe with 18 stools and two tables. Meals were cooked on coal stoves. The cooks were particularly busy packing lunches when the waiting to be brought down from Denver and installed. We opened the 26th day of April, 1980. In early June the black top went in, after a very moist winter. Other restrooms were added in July. Diesel has been another product that has been added plus the making of a rest room back of our lot. Thus you have by Liz Coulter would lead to success. A Wisconsin Native, Collins bought and sold his first farm - for a profit - at the age of seventeen. Fifteen years later, in 1906, and in 1986 - 305,000 cwt were received and processed, making it the largest single Pinto Bean facility in the country. meantime all equipment for the store was the history of Liz's Little Bit. a tender age that buying and selling land survey crew (working on Highway 24) stayed at the hotel. Loretta (Pelle) Ehlers, a former waitress and cook in the hotel, said a T-bone steak dinner sold for 60 cents, in the 1930's, The Leisure Garden, one of Stratton's newest businesses The Leisure Garden was opened in Nov. 1986 by Jim and Donna Hake. Its primary and the luncheon special usually went for around 45 cents. A cheap lunch, including roast beef, potatoes and gravy, vegetable, coffee and a roll, could be purchased for a quarter. Mrs. Ehlers said about 35 drummers (salesmen) stayed at the hotel each week. While they all enjoyed the hospitality and the business is the retail sales of ornamental concrete to be used in decorating homes, comparative luxury, at least one salesman had cause for irritation. Mrs. Ehlers said a precasted and the painting and detail work is finished at the Leisure Garden. Over two hundred different items are available with new ones added periodically. In addition to ketchup - yards, and gardens. Items are purchased ketchup salesman arrived in the dining room one day, only to find some other brand of in his company's bottles! To appease the salesman, and keep him as a customer, the hotel removed the offending ketchup from the premises. �ETRATTON FIRE DEPART!@NT CONsTITUTION ARTICIJE t. Tltle and Object. SECTION l..-Thefe lr horeby croatcd o,n orgonlratlon wbtch rball be known oE "Stratton Flre D€partmcnt." SECTION 2.-- The object ol thla Dopartm€nt ghall be to creat and malntein I spirlt of frlendshlg and lraternal loellng b€twe€n ltE m€mbers; to meet and egsemble ln reSiular stated conventions. and tbere devlse wa,ys and m€aDs to lmprov€ the flre-flghtlng servlce; to combat and extinguish nres, end at ell tlmes to do tts utmost in the savlug ol property from destructloD, and the llvee of persons ondanger€d by flre. AII,TICIJE 3. Clagses ol Membershlp. SECTION 1.- The membershlp of thls bepartment shall conslsl of volunteerg clasaed as lollowe, vlz: "Active",. "Assooiate", "Honorary" Collins Hotel, the best hotel between Goodland, Kansas and Denver of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Among the famous names who registered and stayed at the Collins hotel were Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey, Paul Harris (founder of the Rotary Club, from Chicago), Paul Whiteman, Marian Davies and Governor aud "Llfe" members. SECTION 2.- Actlve memberg sball be aselgined to duty with any flre equlpment by the Chlef ol th€ Flre DeDartmeDt, or by tbe Asststant Chlef ln the abeeuce of tbe Chtet. They shall be eutltled to vote ln ConYentlonB, and to hold olllce, SECTION 3.- Assoclate member8 shall be those who wlsh to Jol[ the DepBrtmeut lor th6 general good and ghall be subject tor th€ payment ol dues, but shsll not be entltled to vote In cotrventlons nor to hold ofilce. SECTION 4.- HoDorary memberrhlp may be attalned only lD recog- Johnson. Although there were a number of hotel managers, Joe Collins owned the hotel until he died in 1949. He continued to deal in real estate, however, and is credited with bringing many new residents to the area from across the nation. The hotel was willed to five heirs, upon Collins' death, and one of them, Frances Van Ness, bought out the interests of the other four. She and her sister Rose Huber, operated the hotel until Mrs. Van Ness died in 1965. Mrs. Huber and another sister, Isabel Ross, then sold the hotel to Harley and June Pottorff in 1966. The Pottorffs have remodeled the old hotel, now known as Twin Oaks. The 18,000 square feet of floor space received new Moon Theatre competes with today's high tech, remaining one of a few small town theaters. Stratton Fire Department Constitution, Feb. 4, calibre movies for the area. Stratton should be very appreciative of the fact that in this day of more theaters closing than remaining to fight the inroads of high technology and high costs that this small town still has a quality movie theater. Stratton Fire Department was organized in February 4, L924 according to the written constitution which gave membership in the Colorado State Firemen's Association. The carpeting, although the English linoleum was "still in good shape," and the walls received more than 100 gallons of new paint. The wide halls were converted to bathrooms. A portion is now used as the Stratton Senior Citizens Center. Since Collins died, the gardens and fountain have made way for a paved parking lot. STRATTON FIRE DEPARTMENT B52 The dining room and kitchen are no longer in use. But in a casual glance from across the street is still looks much as it did, 60 years ago. by Terry Blevins MOON THEATRE 86r After purchasing the Moon Theatre from E.J. and Betty Buhr, Melvin and Dorene Koonn had their first movie showing on June 3, 1977. For two years they commuted from their Denver home to open the movie each weekend. They now live in Stratton. Although this is a very trying period in time for the promoters of movies and theaters because of cable, satellites, and VCR inroads, the Koonns staunchly continue showing high 7924. equipment which consisted of two hose carts and twelve buckets were stored in the old town hall. An informal membership for each volunteer cost $10.00 for life. In 1926 a chemical truck was acquired. On December 29, L952, the Stratton Fire Protection District was formed and board members were named: Lloyd Pugh, president, and Ernest Pottorff, Lawrence Dasenbrock, G.L. Hatfield, and Joe Droste, the directors. In 1953 a new 500 gallon Ford pumper truck was purchased. The purchase of a 1949 Chewolet pumper truck from the Burlington Fire Department for 91.,250.00 on September 15, 1962, by the Stratton Fire Department provided a gift to give the city. In 1976 a new 1,000 gallon prtmper truck was bought. After construction of the new building to house the fire equipment, provide office space and an area for the am[ulanss service equipment, the move was made to that building in 1983, and in 1984 the department received a 2,000 gallon water truck. Present home of the Stratton Fire Protection District Headquarters. by Ron Wolfrum �KUKUK BLACKSMITII AND MACHINE SHOP 853 Modern equipment, scientific methods and efficient service were characteristic of the Kukuk Blacksmith and Machine Shop in Burlington. The business was first started by F.W. Kukuk back in 1913, and he operated it under his own name until 1921, at which time his brother bought an interest and took an active part in its operation. They were prepared to take care of any- thing in the way of blacksmithing, woodwork, machine work and acetylene gas welding. In the welding department they could weld anything made of metal, including articles from the size of a teaspoon to a heavy pump or engine cylinder. STRATTON DONUT SHOP B64 Stetson hats and Florsheim shoes. This business w{ut owned by Frank E. Koenig and Orville Swain was the manager. Originally Lloyds Clothing and Cleaning Shop, owners were Mac and Clara Lloyd. They were located in the north half of the building. Cecil Felzien purchased the cleaning shop and moved it to the Satin Petticoat location (1987 store). Mabel Davis and Les Sutton were employed by Mac Lloyd. Overalls were sold at $1.98 a pair. C.E. McCartney and J.J. McCune pur- chased the Men's Shop and Les Sutton was the manager. Employees were Doris Hawth- orne, Virgie Luecke, and Cleo Gipe. Later Mabel Davis joined the staff replacing Virgie Luecke. Levis were $3.98 a pair. In 1962, Robert E. and Bonnie Baker purchased 7s interest and Bob became the manager when Les Sutton moved to KLOE in Goodland, Ks. Cleo Gipe joined the Navy. Later David McCune joined the staff and eight years later moved to Arizona. Levis were $4.29 and a shirt was $4.00. In 1965, The Men's Shop purchased the J.C. Penny Store and doubled the size of the business and Bob Baker purchased C.E. McCartney's interest in the business. Later Lori Witzel joined the staff and married and moved to Tex. and her mother Barb Witzel replaced her. 1987, the present staff in the Men's Shop are Doris Hawthorne, Mabel Davis, Barb Witzel, and Bob and Bonnie Baker. Levis are nor $20.00 - $29.00 and shirts are $16.00 and $22.00. The Burlington Cleaners and Clothiers was situated on Main Street. This firm operated a thoroughly modern dry cleaning and pressing plant. They also carried a stock of men's clothing, furnishings, hats, caps, shoes and made suits to otder in the latest weaves in spring and summer woolens. This firm was established and managed by rad's, Jim Hake's and Dale Courtright's. With lot's of hard work and planning, we opened the door as a donut shop on Novem- necessities for a well-organized sale ring. Cressie Seal was the original initiator of the business and he and his wife Merna, assisted by Gladys and George Quinn and Frances Van Ness in the office, ran the establishment that had quite a reputation in the area. Leonard Beeson who worked there from 1934 to 1948 vividly recalls the many sales. Sometimes a miscellaneous sale preceded the regular cattle sale. Special horse and mule sales were common and these sometimes lasted until 2 a.m. Trucks were small in those days and it was the time when machinery pulled by tractors was taking the place of horse drawn machinery. Leonard recounted that his father sold 40 head of horses once at $f6.00 per/head. Auctioneers through the years were Claude Irwin and later the Peters Bill, Roy and Bud. At first Harley -Greenlee clerked the sales, but when he was unavailable Leonard Beeson was called into service from his work in the yards and did such a fine job that he became the sale clerk. In the mid-40's Bill Peters and Swede business the D&D Cleaners. In 1975, they purchased the Felzeins and moved to the new bunches as space allowed. In 1958, Dallas and Dean Stevens bought The Stratton Donut Shop opened November 4, 1980. The Stratton Press building was purchased early in 1980 by the Steve Con- self storage building. Hornung took over the sale barn and operated it until it closed in the early 1950's. It seems hard to visualize a large number of cattle or other animals right in town, but if the pens on either side of the building grew too crowded the overflow was taken to the railroad stock pens and driven back in small M.M. Lloyd. Stratton Donut Shop: a center of morning and afternoon gathering in Stratton "The Barn", Stratton's first sale barn site, now a the Jack The Cleaners and called the new location at 260 14th street. In 1987, the business has been going for 28 years. In 1929, the Golden Rule Dry Goods Today this historic site is a community storage rental establishment owned and managed by Joyce and Gene Clark. Company could be counted as a leader of its line. This firm was incorporated in 1912 and was moved to the city in 1919. This business was located in a brick building. It was ber 4, 1980. managed by Joseph Floyd. They dealt in dry In 1986 the Jim Hake's choose to leave this business to start their own. ery, men's and boy's clothing, and furnish- goods, notions, ladies' ready-to-wear, millin- COUNTRY CRAFTS AND GIFTS 867 ings, hats, caps, and shoes. by Irene Courtright The Eastern Colorado Cleaners was prepared to remove soiled spots and give the cloth that freshness and newness of new CLOTHING STORES IN BURLINGTON goods. The business was established January 20, 1930, by W.L. Willis, manager and he was ably assisted by his wife Mrs. Willis. B56 Koenig's store was modern in point of equipment and completely stocked with clothing, men's furnighings, hats, caps and shoes, in short they were "Outfitters from Lad to Dad". They carried one of the best selected stocks of its kind in eastern Colorado. Among the high grade lines featured by the concern might be mentioned Wilson Bros. Haberdashery, Hart, Schaffner and Marx and Kuppenheimer clothes, John B. STILL "TIIE BARN' 856 An interesting Stratton landmark is the building known today as "The Barn" on the south side of the post office on Colorado Avenue. It began in the early 1930's as a sale barn with an arena and scales, holding pens, and a snack shop with offices and all the ro Countrv Crafts and GifLs at Stratton �On October 17, 1987, Larry and Rhonda Shutte opened a new craft store in Stratton next to the Dischners Grocery called Country Crafts and Gifts. At the time this book was published it was one ofthe newest businesses in town. The Shuttes both enjoyed doing woodworking and various other crafts and with the growing interest of crafting in the surrounding area, they decided that it might be a good business for Stratton to have again. REAL ESTATE OFFICES B60 The installation of electrical comforts and The Bently Land Company, Iocated in the Winegar building, Burlington, was prepared to furnish interested parties with the most authentic information on all subjects pertaining to farm land in eastern Colorado, western Kansas, and Nebraska. The active head of the concern was Mr. C.B. Bently. Mr. F.E. Winegar, located on the ground floor of the Winegar building on North Main Street, had been engaged in business in this locality for the past 20 or 25 years, in 1929. He made a specialty of improved and unimproved farm and ranch lands in this part of the country. He also wrote insurance and surety bonds. necessities and the handling of supplies for this purpose was the line in which Guthries' Electric Shop was engaged. It was opened for business in Burlington on Jan. 1, 1930. They took care of anything pertaining to electrical construction or repair work and also carried a line of electrical appliances. A specialty was made of house wiring and the installation of any kind, from the smallest town lot to the by Rhonda Shutte Marion, "Emp", Carolyn (Mrs. Justin Williams), GUTHRIE'S ELECTRIC SHOP 858 complete electric light plants in country homes. The business was owned bv J.S. Guthrie. WILLIAMS PHARMACY and Lawrence, "Larry", Williams. 859 The rapid development and consequent increase of real estate transfers. fostered the need for a well equipped abstract plant. The Baker Abstract Company was situated on Main Street. Their records showed in whom the title to all real estate in Kit Carson county is vested, and the abstracts of real estate of Lawrence, "Larry", Williams Dr. Harry L. Williams purchased the Flagler Drug Company from a Dr. Charles Schroyer on November 28, 1906 with a payment of $50.00 on stock and fixtures when he and his family became snowbound in Flagler on their way from Denver to Illinois. (No record of Dr. Schroyer is available. His letterhead on the bill of sale lists him as Physician and Surgeon and Manager of the Flagler Drug Company.) The family moved into the building, dividing it into home, store and Dr.'s office. Jennie raised the boys, Marion, Justin and Lowell, managed the store when Dr. was out on calls and nursed patients. The first patient was brought into Dr.'s office one night by his friends. In addition to being drunk he was more dead than alive having ridden his horse through newly strung barbed wire fence. His recovery took three weeks. Marion, "Emp", graduated from the Denver University School of Pharmacy. He took over management of the new store, built in Williams Pharmacy, built in 1915 or 1917, at its either 1915 or L917, after having served in the present Flagler Iocation. Army. (Marion said the family home and new store were both built in 1915. However, the Assessor's Office shows the house built in 1915 and the store in 1917. In 1969 Marion received a certificate of recognition signed by Governor Love and members of the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy for having been a registered pharmacist in Colorado for 50 years. His The original drugstore purchased by Dr. H.L. Williams from Dr. Schroyer in 1906. registration number was 2518 and registration date was May 24, 1919. Marion's only son, Lawrence chose not returned from World War II and-'11411y", to return to Denver University where he had been studying Chemical Engineering. Instead he attended Capitol College of Pharmacy, and joined his father in business in 1947. when Larry retired it will be the end of an era; his only child chose not to carry on the family tradition. by Vivienne E. Tfilliams largest tract of land. They also wrote fire insurance and surety bonds. The Baker Abstract company was organized in 1907. It was managed by E.C. Baker. Another worth mention in the Real estate business is Mr. Wm. Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson sold Real estate and Insurance in the two- story brick Wilkinson building. Later on to have housed Thomas and Thomas, Attorneys at Law. Located on Main Street is the office of The Kit Carson Abstract Company. This com- pany was organized back in 1916, and was very ably managed by H.G. Hoskin. He was one of the most widely known and progressive men of the community and his name had been prominently identified with the growth and development of the county for 42 years. (1929) Another of our real pioneers in the business world of Burlington is Burt Ragan who specializes in Insurance and has other busi- ness ventures to add to his name. He was also Special Deputy Tax Collector for Kit Carson county; bought and sold horses, mules and all kinds of livestock; took care of rentals; was a Notary Public, a dealer in Real Estate; and engaged in farming. He operated one of the largest general insurance agencies in eastern Colorado. Among the companies represented were: Aetna Insurance Co., Home Insurance Co., Commercial Union Fire Insurance Co., Hartford Insurance Co. (writing all lines), The Franklin Life Ins. Co. Queen Insurance Co., Colonial Underwriters, Fidelity-Phoenix Insurance Company, Liverpool, London, and Globe Ins. Co., and others of more or less importance. He had been in the fire insurance business here for thirty years in 1929, and added Life ins. a little over a year ago. He also wrote surety bonds. �STRATTON EQUITY COOPERATTVE CO.r*, In 1914, fifty seven interested persons purchased shares of stock dated December 16, 1914 and the Cooperative was born. It was named and formed the Stratton Equity Exchange, now known as the Stratton Equity Cooperative Co. During the formative years the company had the usual ups and downs of a new business with the position of manager being changed quite frequently. During the years 1918-22, fle managers were hired. When the business was organized R.M. Farquhar was the first manager and started operating the business with a grain elevator and attached corrugated metal shed, which served as the office. The first board of Helen Kerl, bookkeeper, Stratton Equity Exchange, in the 1930's. directors were, O.L. Boone, D.S. Manley, J.J. Harris, U.S. Clark and Arthur Radspinner. The manager and four employees operated the new business in 1914. In 1934 Dick Rose was hired as manager. : t;i :,: i.rt?'t: ttr Stratton Equity Exchange when Dick Rose was t manager. 4 rl t, ::"..:,: Lumber yard and Elevator in early days. During the hard years the board of directors saw the need for a capable manager with experience and determination necessary to pull the business out of financial trouble. During Rose's long tenure as manager many improvements were made. First, a 60 ft. scale was installed. two steel bins were erected with approximately 36,000 bushel grain storage, Iater on adding an expansion to it,22'x40' more steel bins. This gave them storage capacity of 510,000 bushels. In 1929 the first service station was added in 1959 for the cost of$35,000.00. It featured the latest in equipment to service automobiles, truck and farm machinery. The fertilizer plant was built in 1964. At this time the Coop had 650 shareholders. In 1968 Dick Rose retired as manager of the Coop. Ben Davis was hired as manager on May 1, 1968. During this time the Coop has added more needed service. The Coop added grain storage at the Kirk Coop of 1,000,000 bushel for corn and wheat, and added a new service station at Kirk, built a new hardware store with new office spaces and added grain &. I t t h storage at Stratton. A new feedmill was installed that services the county with feed being delivered when needed. Transport trucks were purchased to deliver fuel and grain. The Coop now has 4,266,000 bushel of grain storage to serve its members. The Coop now has 1582 share holders in 1988. The present directors are, Jim M. May, President; Jack Shafer, Vice President; Ron Richards, secretary; Charles Clapper and Dale Conrardy, directors. Bennie C. Davis is presently serving as manager. The Coop employs 63 employees to service their members. Elevator and Feedmills, 1988. Stratton Equity Exchange. �STRATTON BARBER SHOP B62 Otte Collier and wife Birdie Sholes Collier operated the barber shop and beauty salon in Stratton about the years 1928-1930 before moving to Yuma, Colo. to operate a shop there. The barber chairs were in the front part of the building with the beauty shop booths further to the back. Short hair styles became popular in the 1920's making heated curling irons the latest in hairdressing. Small irons for the small curls and larger heated irons for longer hair came along with the waving iron. Mrs. Collier was a sister to Charles Sholes. The shop was located in the building where Ray Jones has his present business on Colorado Avenue, Stratton's main street. One of the customs at that time was at the death of anyone in the community the Marshall of the town would go down one side of the street and up the other side stopping at each business informing them the time the funeral was to be held. and the merchants would close their doors for that hour in ft. building owned by Jack and Maurine Mauch. Later it became a family corporation, including John, Ron and Cheryl. In July of 1968, a big fire caused by an electrical short at night almost destroyed the building. The remains of merchandise was sold for salvage to a Denver dealer and the fixtures were replaced and cleaned. The reopening happened 6 weeks from the day of the fire. Loyal customers returned and enabled the corporation to double the building size to 17,000 sq. ft. in L974. In December of 1981, the business sold to a life long competitor Safeway, Inc., who leases the building from Jack and Maurine, now retiring in Sun City, Ari. of the framework and sides to the floor, the cabinet installation, enclosure of the unit, a wood sealer coat followed by much sanding and two coats of varnish. Then water lines and electrical components plus refrigerator and stove were added. Insulation and tinning followed with much crimping. Then at the finish station, windows, a ventilator, door, interior lights and clearance lights, curtain rods and curtains, and table preceded the precise sealing of all seams with a liquid sealer. A serial number for identification was stamped on the unit in the final manufactu- ring step. A thorough checking of all operative components was made before any unit left the factory. by Jack Mauch This is a partial listing of the persons known to have worked there during the peak years: Richard Ellsworth, Virgil Pugh, Weldon Vance, Shorty Vance, Muriel Lindsey, Oral May, Walt and Leona Meyers, Marvis COLORADO MOBILE HOMES Husler, Mary Flageolle, Loretta Ehlers, Jerry Shean, Sarah Campbell, Lola Gramoll, Mar- . qrll Joe Dvorak, Larie (Bauman) Smelker, Doris (Thyne) Boes, Ab and Dorothy Lucas, and 864 Urban, Alvin and Millie Menke, Gladys tin Bauman, Robert Gerke, Leota Mitchem, Dean Campbell. In 1965 Rex Zurcher took over manage- ment and production was done on order only. On June 19,1972, Rex Zurcher and Mrs. Lee respect for the person that had died. If anyone came to town they would know why they couldn't get in the store. Zurcher disposed of all equipment and materials at a public dispersal auction. by Stella Sholes Arends SAVE U MARKET by Dorothy Lucas STRATTON REALTY 863 865 Colorado Mobile Home production line. Palamon (Pal) Hornung owns and manages the Stratton Realty. A little over two years ago he studied for his sales license and then he decided he would go ahead and get his broker's license. He passed both tests the first time he was given the test. Pal's Father, Swede, was also a realtor. His office was on the opposite side of the street and on the northeast corner - Batt Realty. Batt Realty was the former bank in Stratton and the old safe is still in the building, which is now a liquor store. (1988). Pal and Shirley Hornung bought the Finished pickup camper units ready for delivery, peak production 1961. Grocery store on Highway 24 owned and operated by Jack Mauck. Lee Ellsworth founded the 1800 square foot grocery store, called Save U, south of Hwy. 24, in the late 1940's. It was founded because of a need for the Bonny Dam employees, and Hwy. 24, fiaffrc customers. Lee and his brother, Carrol, built the building and operated it until they leased it to Bill Dittmore, who later declared bank- ruptcy. The White House Market Inc. of Goodland, Kansas re-opened it and operated it a short time. In 1953, one of their officers, Jack Mauch, purchased it from them and operated it for over 30 years. Then, in the year 1964, the business moved across the highway to 111 18th Street in a new 8,000 sq. Colorado Mobile Homes was a late 1950's to early 1970's business in Stratton producing long and short base pickup camper units and some pull type mobile units from a site on First Avenue across the street south of today's Stratton Equity Coop loading dock. The business was originated in 1957 by Lee Ellsworth, Burlington, in association with "Shorty" Vance. Peak production years were 1960-62 when as many as 26 people worked on the production line, completing two units per day. The mobile trailer factor enjoyed a reputation of having the best constructed mobile camper unit of that era, boasting top grade full dimension lumber, glued and nailed joints, well insulated walls and custom cabinetry made at the factory. A production line process started with the lumber precisely sawed, placed into jigs for nailing and gluing, following by attachment building from the Town of Stratton in 1987 for Pal's real estate business and Shirley's floral business and travel agency. The building was the former City Hall for the Town of Stratton. It still houses the original Stratton jail. The south side of the building housed the fire truck and the maintenance equipment for the Town of Stratton. Pal and Shirley just had a bathroom, walls, and a new front window and door put in the building. They plan on doing few major alterations from the original look of the building for historical purposes. Shirley and Pal enjoy history and one of their family hobbies has been stopping off at museums and historical sites wherever they travel. Pal is using his father's desk and chair in his office, and Shirley is using the old Stratton Credit Union roll top desk. The Credit Union was in the Batt Realty building, also. Lawrence Torline managed the Credit Union. by Shirley Hornung �tions in the town. The following list of Vona businesses was originally compiled by J. Carl Harrison. The names of businessmen are not necessarily in chronological order. The list VONA BUSINESSES B66 covers business from 1889 to 1988. Auctioneer: J.R. Taylor, Claude Irvin also worked in the Vona area. Bank: Vona State. A.V. Jessie - Pres., S.W. Abbott - V.P., Warren Shamburg - Director, Marc Waynick - Cashier 1923, J.J. Delaney, and Leon Snyder. Barber Shops: Guy Gingles, Mr. Melen, Harry Lambert, Doran Alexander, Jack Cottrell, Vic Gagnon, Bruce Teetters, Mr. White Eagle, Ray Roberts in Vona Bean, and Russell Sawyer. Blacksmith Shop: Mr. Cooper, CIem Borah, Al Martin. Bulk Oil Plants: Ray Roberts, Norris Merriweather, Orval Burd, and Will Odle. Butcher Shop: Paul Wilson, Nelson, and Inside Vona State Bank. Marc Waynick, Herk Hill and Mrs. Waynick Dean Dew. Clothing: Stover Bros., Doles, Mrs. Effie Helderman, and Bernard Waldrons, Hayes Clothing Store. In the years between the inception of Vona and somewhere in the thirties or forties, Vona was considered somewhat of a boom town. During the time called the homestead days, there were probably a hundred families in the Vona trade area which was about 6 miles wide and extending to Yuma county line north and south to the Cheyenne county line. There were. at one time, about 35 business institu- Construction: Glenn Edmunds Cream Stations: Fred Mohr, Bernice Carlstedt, Bill Hartsook, Fanny Thompson, Mrs. Foxworthy, Louis Schiedegger, John Kerl, Mae Chester, and Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Palmer. Dairies: E.H. Haynes, Mr. Carey, Roy John Kerl's Creamery, Perl and John Kerl George, Ernest Elsey, Mr. Howell, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Ford. Dance Halls: Dr. Hewitt. Bill Harsook. and Homer Bridge. Depot: Henry Wallace, Mr. Blakeman, Mr. Folaom, Mr. Henry Weikel, Mr. Liggett, Mr. Jeffers, John Hale, Mr. Tracy, E.G. Monroe, Harry Rice, and Fern Carpenter. Doctors: Dr. Whitaker, Dr. Leslie, Dr. Fencedamocker, Dr. Thomas, Dr. Myers, Dr. V.M. Hewitt. Dray Line: Walt Bridge, Terry Atkins, Roy George, Leo Gagnon, Chester Burd, Nels Iverson, Leonard Dawson, Carl Remmick, and Homer Bridge. Drug Stores: Edgar Thompson, S.J. Brown, Edgar Ancell, Kougers, Art Krier, Steve Neil, John Cochran, Dr. and Mrs. Hewitt. Electric Repair Shop: Rex Howell Elevators: The Vona Equity Cooperative Assn. - Tuck Anderson, Snell and Farmers: A check drawn on the Vona State Bank Elmer Ferris, Floyd Borders, Hal Borders, Max Deakin, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Ancell, A.W. Morgan, and Snell Grain: 1931: E.B. Wilson; J.W. Borders, Joe Doughty, 1964, Smoot Grain: Leo Gurley managed from 1961-1979; Vona Grain: 1979 Schultes. Filling Stations: Newt Howell, Adam Elsey, B.H. Williams, Ray Roberts, Loyd Roberts, Clint Wilhite, C.L. Snyder, Orville Atkins, Buck Weaver, Clyde Coleman, Dale Courtright, Bob Baker, Leo Gagnon, Leland Kibbee, Norris Merriweather, Paul Klassen, f:' ,:llrl: ";;" Edna Monroe. Mabel Fuhlendorf Neva Monore taken in the summer of 1930 in Mick Monroe's Model T Ford in front of the Vona State Bank Frank Wilson, Jim Camp, Louis Scheidegger, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Burian. Garages: Maxwell; Millard Harrison. Chevrolet: Ezra Harlan, Adam Elsy, B.R. Baker. Ford: Buck Weaver, George Moyes, Earl Webb, Mr. Madison, John, Barney, and Lou Thompson, Louis Scheidegger, Charlie O'Neil, Bates and Howell, Ralph Meisner, Leon Blystone, Jim Millerand, Joe Oliver, Leland Kibbee and Carl Woller, Kemper Brothers (Jim, Bill, Art, Roy) 1931 - Farmall Tractor: Pat Murphy; East Garage: Frank Brugman; Willeys Cars: J.O. Bates, 1933; in the late 1940's: Jim and Joes Garage and Body Shop: Jim Miller and Joe Oliver �purchased some property from Mabel Harlan and Ottis Hubbell worked for them part time with Wanda Miller as the bookkeeper; Camps Service: Jim Camp, Diltz Fix It Shop; Ronnie Diltz. Shops: Orval Burd; Hydraulic Fix It Shop Liquor Store: 1988: Lone Pine Liquors and VCR Tapes, Frances Camp by Janice Salmans VONA BUSINESSES flr,ro:Ltoyi Bill Harper, Sam Lloyd, ? Lloyd, Bert Kvestad, 867 Fred Flanagan, Nelson, and Burcar digging potatoes. in 1909. Roller Skating Rink Homer Bridge. Second Hand Store: S.P. Townsend, Bob Miller, and Zella anci Lester Yonts. Section House: John Delanev. Archie Doc Hewitt, Bill Eaton, Walt Proctor, Joe Burian. Pat Murphey, Herschel Salmans, and Bill Anderson in front of the Vona Drug Store. Ferris, Harry Shepard, Clyde Mullis, Allie Ferris, and John Hendricks. Section Crew: John and Earl Webb. Archie Ferris, Ben Borders, Bill Borders, Charles Howell, Harrison Schultz, Sam Lloyd, Mr. Elevators in Vona, Colorado Ledbetter, and Pete Groves. iis '{ $ . utl::r.tri:.. ..,t:,,ti.... i ....,. .-:.t:1.::i'l Taxi Service: Will Odle. ::f ut: l::t,:: rrrla:lr: Telephone Operators: Roxie Gray (later Kvestad), De Etta Mohr, Katy and Clara Boese, Mabel Harlan, Mr. and Mrs. Clvde Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Palmer. Telephone Repairman: Ed Sparks. Upholstery Repair: Mrs. Schiffner, and Kathy Thorson. Well Drilling: Clem Borah, John Puirshon. Mr. Densmore, and A.V. Hardin. Windmill Dealer: S.L. Howell. Woodwork Shop: Mr. W.E. Melling. Telephone Operator: Charles George. Vona Inns: Adams Always Inn: Shirley Adams, Ginger's Place: Ginger Sechrist. Hill- Top Inn: Dan Hubbell. Grocery and General Stores: Red and White Grocery - 1931 - Fred J. Adams; and Cary Mercantile - 1933 - E.H. Carey. Erastus Johnson, I.D. Fuller, Fred Adams, Newt Howell, Emmit Carey, Charley Carey (1g11) W.A. Cottrell, Mr. Mccorkle, Jim and Lee Erskin, Mark Crocker, Claude and Viv Brantley, Mr. Frye, Jim Stover, Charles Foster Lumber Yard in Vona Alexander, John Collins, Ollie Bates, Roy George, Park and Sadie Bonham, Mr. Hayes, J.J. Gladden, Pat and Merl Ford, Gust and Helen Herrell, John and Evelyn Hendricks, Mr. and Mrs. Rayrnond Monroe, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Zimmershied, Lillian Sechrist, Mr. and Mrs. �Rex Regnier, J.J. Elliot, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Estin, and Scotty Elliston. Hardware Stores: Harlan Haynes, Leon Snyder, Emmett O'Brien, and Charlie Davis, and A.L. Hitchcock. Hotels: Mrs. Becky Stover, Mrs. Laura Alexander, Mrs. Kunkel, John Webb, Edd Gagnon, and Joe and Syble Burian, T.S. SEIBERT EQUITY COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION erected across the railroad tracks to the north in 1986. This increased the total storage capacity of 2,633,000 bushels. B68 The Seibert Farmers Equity Exchange was organized August 9, 1915 by a group of prominent farmers, J.O. Hendricks, W.J. Stover. Insurance Agents: Herschel Salmans, Ronald Stone. Jewelry Store: A.A. King, and Mr. Warren. John Deere Agency: Fred Adams Livery Barn: Newt Howell, Jim Cannon, to G.W. Klockenteger. The amount of origi- Millard Harrison, Earl Webb, and Mr. Mat- nal Capital Stock was $5,000.00 divided into teson. 200 shares of $25.00 each. Lumber Yard: Z.J. Kiser, Harlan Haynes, Carl Alexander, Phil Bruner, Gib Anderson, Oscar Strehlow, John Hendricks, Hamy Burd, Foster; Paul Rauseur, and Norris Merriweather, Phil Bruner 1935-37. Peterson, Thomas J. Jones, James O. Parnell, and Alva J. Smith. The first stock was issued The first elevator, with 10,000 bushel capacity, was purchased from B.E. Roller. Gus Fuhlendorf, Chauncy Webb, and Homer The original set of scales was ordinary wagon scales with a capacity of 8,000 lbs. In 1924, the capacity of the elevator was raised to 20,000 bushel by remodeling. Later, a warehouse was built and coal bins were added. Bridge. County Deputy: Herschel Salmans. Meat Market: John Dennis, Paul, Wilson, and Mr. Nelson. Millinery Shop: Laura Alexander, Mrs. Webb, and Olive Harrison. hides and feed were handled along with grain. A cream station was operated for many years. The company was reorganized and changed the name to Seibert Equity Cooper- Marshals: N.E. Sharp, Morris Thompson, Newspapers: 1889 Will Rogers, Orville Rogers (not related), 1908 Vona Enterprise: Wiley E. Baker, and Scheidegger Bros. Nursing Home: Blanche Howell Photographer: W. C. Taylor, and Dale and Margaret Felix. Picture Show: J.O. Bates, Fred Flanagan, and Jim Hurd. Pool Halls: Harry Lambert, Musselman, Garnhart, Mr. Martin, Jim Cannon, Guy Gingles, George Moyes, Jack Cottrell, Joe Burian, Martin Matteson, Pat Murphy, Mrs. Hal Borders, and Homer Bridge. R.R. Pumpman: Mr. Brink, Harry O'Neil, and Roy Mussleman. Real Estate: Paul Wilson, S.L. Howell, E.H. Haynes, and Gus Herrel (Violet Edmunds tells us that Mr. Howell measured the land by tying a rag on his wagon wheel and figuring so many wagon wheels per mile.) Restaurants: August Carlstedt, Ma Haxtun, Mr. J.G. Brookshire, Lena Jensen, Mrs. Molly Ancell, Lena Alley, Mrs. John Tyron, Hubert and Rachel Dawson, Colemans, Martha Roberts, Hazel Wilhite, Irene Courtright, Fred Harper, Guy Youtsey, Lyle and Pearl Snyder, Tex Furguson, Isabelle Monroe, Vera Waterman, Frances Camp, and the Vona High School. South of Vona Blacksmiths: Al Tilbury and Alton Hardin. General Stores: A.S. Baker, and Bill Goff. North of Vona Blacksmiths: Frank Boger, and Abe Klassen. Cream Separator Agency: Ed Sparks. General Stores: Mr. and Mrs. Brownwood, Dick Roorda, Fred Loopstra, and Will Weisshaar. by Janice Salmans Produce, chickens, hogs, flour, salt, fruit, ative Association in 1935. In 194?, a 60'scale with capacity of 105,000 lbs. was installed. A bulk gas and filling station was operated from 1947 through 1954. In the spring of 1950, a 250,000 bushel capacity concrete elevator was constructed. In 1957, following several years of drought, the country was blessed with sudden moisture. Because the wheat had already blown out, the farmers planted milo. Therefore, a new grain dryer was installed to accommo- The Co-op takes prides in the speed in which grain can be unloaded to enable trucks to return to the field in record times. The access to 5 dumps and 2 sets of scales makes this possible. The record number of bushels received in one day is 235,081. During the wheat harvest of 1987, the oldest set ofscales collapsed and was replaced by a new 80's scale to weigh the longer semi- trucks of the future. The first manager of the Co-op was Ross Lowe. Other managers in succession have been, Charley Barber, A.L. Carpenter, E.M. Short, Henry Daum, Lloyd Murphy, Jack Allen, Martin Rasmussen, B.D. Hargrove, Eugene L. Hase, Robert Schmitt, B.D. Har- grove, John Keener, Bill Stramek, and Eugene L. Hase, who is manager to this time. Net sales: L927, $244,374; L937, $44,487; t947, $505,322; 1957, $197,171; 1967, $L,028,342; t977, $2,813,088; 1987, $4,858,490. by Carla Herman STATE BANK OF BURLINGTON B69 date the big milo crop. An office building, annex, cleaner and more concrete storage were added increasing capacity to 960,000 bushel by 1960. At this time the 60's scales were moved to the front of the new office building. In 1970, the Co-Op purchased some inventory from Gorton's Hardware and Kliewer's Hardware of Flagler following the closing of both businesses. A hardware department was set up in the basement of the office building. Later in 1976, a 240'x30' building was built to provide a new hardware store, a feed warehouse. and new offices. Things got very hot down by the railroad tracks in 1979! A fire broke out in the frame elevator, the original building acquired by the Co-op, which was presently being used as a grain roller. The adjacent warehouse, containing hazardous chemicals, burned also. Therefore, the Town of Seibert was evacua- ted for a few hours as a precaution. This building was replaced by a new feed mill in 1980. In that same year, a warehouse was attached to the cleaner to store bagged seed. Also, a warehouse was congtructed south of the main location to store oil and supplies. Due to increasing crop production, it was necessary to add to the concrete elevator. Four concrete tanks were constructed in 1980. This increased the storage capacity to 1,609,000 bushels. In 1983, a set of 70' scales with capacity of 120,000 lbs. was installed parallel to the 60' scales as a backup in case of break down and to avoid long lines at harvest. Because of good weather conditions and good farming, crop yields increased. The board of directors made the decision to build additional storage. Three steel bins were The first bank in Burlington in 1887-88. The first bank in Burlington was called the State Bank of Burlington. The building was first located about where Lee's Barber Shop is now. In 1888 the bank moved to the building where The Corner Cut, operated by Dean Sailer, is now located on the corner of Senter and 14th Street. The bank was later sold to W.D. Selder who then organized the Stockgrowers State Bank in about 1901. The year of establishment is not known but it must have been late 1886 or 1887. by Willard Gross �PEOPLES NATURAL GAS they serve and plan to be a part of these communities in the future. B70 Plateau Natural Gas Co. operating in Southwest Kansas and Southeast Colorado including Lamar, Eads, Limon and small MONTEZUMA HOTEL 871: communities around Colorado Springs in 1960 and 1961, arranged to bring natural gas into the communities east of Limon and Hugo. Their plan was to supply natural gas service to these areas and also to serve the irrigation wells being drilled in east central Colorado. The experience in southeast Colo- The lovely dining room in the hotel. 1900 - Minnie Kuker is girl in photo. The administrative office, at first, was real estate dealer and promoter whose surmise proved correct that the Rock Island railroad would be coming this way. It is on Newell's land that Burlington platted in the rado in serving the irrigation development proved to make this investment possible. operated out of a mobile home until the present office was completed at 304 14th Street in Burlington in the fall of 1962. The first service was, of course, natural gas service to residential and commercial customers and then to the irrigation wells, as this industry was developed. The price of natural gas was very low at the beginning. The irrigation rate was 370 per 1000 cu. ft. ofgas. year 1888. His hotel was a thriving, vital establishment a year before that, and well able to take care of all the business incident A crowd gathers on the north side of the Hotel as a salesman extolls the virtue of "Buster Brown" to the long awaited coming of the rails in September of '88. shoes. The Montezuma was not located in its present site in those early days. Its first location was in the block near where Grace Manor now stands, at 5th and Senter. A sparse settlement from west of the main part Duane Ply was the first manager in the Burlington area. He was replaced by Olen Brown in June of 1963. In the early years, Curtis Moran served in the Stratton area, Everett Adolf was one of the construction workers along with Asa Clark and Everett of present Burlington had moved to a Johnston as construction foreman. The present district manager, Ray Snodgrass was transferred to the Burlington area in July of 1963 and has served in several management assignments in the Burlington area in July of 1963 and has served in several management assignments in this area. He became District The alley view of the Montezuma where the cow Manager of the Burlington Area in 1982 when and "facilities" were placed. Brown retired. During the depression, the natural gas business was a new business and was just coming into being. Because of the hard times, its growth was quite slow. After World War II, it really came to life with the help of John L. Lewis and the Unions making the cost of coal so high. During the energy crisis the prices really were increased too fast and the industry found that the customer would only pay so much and something had to give. The price of natural gas never reached the high price crossroads in the eastern section and the two story farm building formed the first community center. Freight wagon operators, homesteaders, explorers prospectors - brave travelers all - making up the traffic of this pioneer period, headquartered there. The main supply points for this area were Haigler and Benkelman, Neb., and Julesburg. Nearest west, Hugo and the Kit Carson County came into being in the year 1888. In an interview before he died, Elmer Harrison recalled that he charged hay haulers 25 cents per night, but fed traveling men a bit fancier so he could get 50 cents per room. Most of the hay haulers slept in the Harrison livery stable anyway. Boarders who forgot to wash up with bowl and pitcher in their rooms could use the kitchen pump. But this often ran dry as did the town well, a block up the "I was born in the Montezuma, just a couple of years before the turn of this century," this from Hobart Harrison, retired Burlington Mercury dealer. His parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Harrison were the second owners of the hotel buying it September 3, 1897. The builder was R.S. Newell, a predicted. Most of the residences of the towns in East Central Colorado. as well as the business places have been the customers of the Company since it began business in 1962. During the first 10 years of operation, the Company ran many miles of pipeline to serve more and more customers. In 1968, Plateau ran a line into Yuma and Washington Counties and in 1970 a line from the south was installed to Cheyenne Wells, thus offering these areas natural gas service. In 1970 our Company was merged with Northern Natural Gas Co. Distribution Company, which was Peoples Natural Gas Co. The Company is now owned by a Corporation called UtiliCorp United Inc. of Kansas City, however, the headquarters for Peoples Natural Gas is in Omaha, Nebraska. Their plan is to serve their customers with good service in the future. Our Company, over the years, has participated in many activities in the communities rt;l,.tt',1 ,*i.,:"; 'il Main Street late 1890's, looking south on right side of street is the Montezuma Hotel. �the sequel to the hanging! Not long after the lynching, a Cheyenne Wells woman, taking her cows to pasture across the railroad tracks one early morning, alerted the town with piercing screams. Two ghastly corpses swung from the same water tower. It is surmised that some irritated resident has hung a couple of barking hound dogs. One of the most public spirited citizens of early times was the late A.W. Winegar, whose search for settlers involved elaborate promotion. It was even more intensive in the first years of the century than is the present Lake Havasu campaign, or those of other land promoters who give free dinners and pitches at local cafes, even offering "no obligation" plane tickets to prospective buyers. Enlisting the brand new Pullman cars put on the smooth, just lain Rock Island tracks, Winegar and his agents (only one prospect of each agent) would bring Easterners to Burlington. The aim was for permanent settlers, not investors. 'ri::rr::i ].it,.' ;:;:;:1;1;,::: -":,q,* l;r:t The Montezuma Hotel in 1956 which was rebuilt in 1950 after the devastating fire that destroyed it in 1945. street in the center of a square. After three years the Harrisons built a home on Eleventh street which is the present William Peters home. There could be little effective law enforce- ment in those days where the passport was a six-shooter, backed up by a rifle. The wild kind of effervescence of "devil may care" characters had brought them to the frontier in the first place. No jails nor court rooms existed. After all, there was not even enough lumber to put with the sod for settlers' houses. So it was in the Montezuma in February of 1888 that a murder's victim died. The story goes that a homesteader named Franklin Baker, who was proving up on his Iand about six miles northeast of town, where the C.H. Bollwinkel farm now is, decided that he would no longer allow trespassing. So he put up a "no crossing" sign on his south fence. Baker, an ex-buffalo hunter, was no relative of families by that name who later came to Burlington. According to an account, kept by C.A. Yersin, late grandfather of Burlington's Henry Hoskin, this sign could not be seen by three men in a spring wagon coming from Haigler. They were astonished when Baker and his two sons accosted them and an argument ensued. Baker ordered his wife to fetch his shotgun and he filled two of the men with buckshot, a trunk protecting the third. The wounded ones were T. McConnell and John Morrison who had homesteads southeast of town and were well liked. Of course there was no such thing as a hospital, and so the wounded men were rushed to the Montezuma for care by the early day medic, Dr. would be held in the butcher shop down the street from the Montezuma. Then the prisoner, Baker, would be slipped out the back door of the butcher shop. The idea was to get the killer to the Union Pacific train at Cheyenne Wells where he could be sent to Denver for safe keeping. Enroute there would have to be a fresh team for extra speed since threats of lynching were heard all up and down the board walk in front of the hotel. Not long after this a scout came with news of Baker's removal from town and an angry mob did form in the lobby. Then, hot on the trail of the sheriff, his deputy and the prisoner, men took to horseback, carriages and buckboards to give chase southward. The second team of horses, no longer fresh after their share of the 44 mile journey, galloped into Cheyenne Wells. They were just ahead of the angry Burlingtonites. Since it was found the train was an hour late, the prisoner was hastily locked in the only available "jail", which was an empty box car on the siding near the coal chute water tower used to supply the steam train engines. While part of the Burlington men argued with the sheriff, short work of the lock up was made by others wielding a railroad tie. Soon the body of Baker was swinging by a rope in the chilly winter air. There was not a single tree in those days, so the water tower served the purpose. A greenhorn traveler, one Scott Vitatole from Kansas City, making his first trip to Colorado, arrived on the UP train that fateful morning. Later, in the Montezuma he told Barnes could arrive. He and his local deputy, the story of now deathly quiet greeted him as he stepped off at the station. It was evident that shocked Cheyenne Wells citizens had hidden after the vengeful Burlingtonites had departed. Glancing around, the third traveler found nothing greeted his eyes excepting the sagging body of the hanged homesteader. He was so appalled that he frantically grabbed his two grips and ran down the track after the butcher. It was decided that a hasty trial departing train in an effort to get back on. Nels Larsen, another early day resident who served in the Colorado lesislature told Paul Godsman. However, in two days, McConnell died and it was not long afterward that Morrison also died as a result of his wounds. This shooting roused the frontier, where news spread like wildfire. Feelings ran high even before Elbert County Sheriff Jerry Frank Mann, consulted the justice of the peace and Bud Page, who happened to be a However, the boom was on, and other promoters wanted land buyers of any intention. One prospect to one agent, Winegar believed would prevent the "sidewalk leeches" from stealing away any potential resident. For a time the Rock Island would allow the Pullmans to be set out on a siding in Burlington so that while trips for land buying were made roundabout the country, lodging and board for the visitors could be supplied. But it was soon evident that the Montezuma could serve better. Since the Harrisons wished to sell out, Winegar imported Mrs. Martha Coakley from Omaha to run the hotel. The Montezuma was moved to new Burlington, its present site, renewed with paint and soon "no vacancy" signs could be penciled on placards. Winegar reserved rooms in the hotel for specialists he had enlisted from Colorado's agricultural college, whom he implored to improve the strains of grain grown locally. The flint corn variety, with two foot stalks and nubbins only, was only a little worse than the type of early day wheat. Corn was found in Peru to cross with that of Eastern Colorado and wheat test plots were begun. These were to result in the world records possible in fields here today. Winegar's vital ground work, combined with a concept by Powell, a later Montezuma owner, of how to pioneer in irrigation from wells, all saw birth in the halls of Montezuma. "While campaigning or visiting the country every governor of Colorado from 1905 through 1944 stayed at our hotel" states Burlington's Mrs. Pearl Schell, daughter of Mrs. Coakley. In subsequent years, Mrs. Schell's husband, the late Henry Schell, assisted and then took over the Montezuma operation until August l, 1944, when it was sold to Earl Powell. Mrs. Schell remembers when she was a young, impressionable girl, that the famous Commodore Vanderbilt made the Montezuma his overnight stop as he paused enroute to Reno to get one of his divorces. When the hotel was moved. Mrs. Schell remembers, back steps were reinforced for the considerable traffic necessary for clients to reach the outdoor privy. It was not until 1909 that the first bathroom drew tourists from miles and miles away. What an improvement since the days when two horses and a milk cow were permanent residents - in an �attached shed in back! But problems beset quest in those days, as well as hotel operators. Wainscoting was fashionable, so in the high style re-do, the rooms afforded extraordinary comfortable breeding grounds for bed bugs. These reddish brown vermin, their color suggestive of the nightly banquets of human blood, spent daytimes in the wooden up and down grooves. With such halcyon food and lodging, these couch masters became so hale and eupeptic that "corrosive supplement," mixed with gasoline had to be dribbled down the wainscot crevices regularly to route the scourge. A popular pastime for travelers was to compare the bed bug population of various hostelries. It is a fact that in Brewster, Kansas, all legs of beds stood in cans of coal oil. This was either to prevent the arrival of lower floor newcomers or to cause a wretched demise for any bedbug inadvertently dropping from a mattress. In Colby, this old timer remembers, in second story rooms, coils of rope lay in corners. The ropes were attached to hefty rocks. Thus fire (or bite victims) were encouraged to escape by pitching the rock out the window and climbing down hand over hand. In spite of tall tales heard frequently, there is no record of any bed bugs growing to sufficient strength for this feat. But many renovations later, the Montezuma was free of multi legged pests and it was felt safe to build on a new third story. No end of dismay resulted when it was learned that in those days the bugs often were found in new lumber! So eradication had to begin all over again up there. With the coming of modern sanitation, no bed bug had registered in the Montezuma since before World War I. Something of a different nature, however bugged the owner who built on a third story. The difficult job was done by propping up the roof, sawing off the eaves and building underneath. Rains were problems during construction. The late J.A. Haughey, well known early day artisan, was in charge of the work. When taxes were raised to what the owner considered exorbitant heights because of the improvement, and no relief granted, the owner hired the construction crew to take the third story off again! Progress brought it back eventually and then came the only elevator - "lift" - between Norton and Colorado Springs to delight travelers and townspeople. Burlington's William Haughey, installed this first Otis elevator in the 1920's, after his father. J.A. Haughey, engineered the shaft. Bill also remembers that along about that time another famous visitor, the noted author, Ernest Thompson Seton, was a guest of the Montezuma. A northwest wind blew bitterly cold the night of December 16, 1945. Pheasant season was still on in Yuma County and those staying in the Montezuma had to be kept warm. So the coal furnace clinkers had to be removed, as stoking was done by hand each evening. That fateful night Owner Powell sat late in his office off the lobby, pondering his dream of beating the drought, and carrying on his office work until almost two in the morning. He did not smell smoke coming from the ignited wooden basement stairs, where, it is believed, the clinkers had been placed too close. But his daughter, now Mrs. Weidman was alert. Lockingthe hotel money and all her good clothing, including a brand new coat, in a closet which she never saw again, she turned in a fire alarm and quickly proceeded to rouse all the guests. This included 21 permanent residents. Horrifyingly soon, tongues of flame came up to the stairwell, and even though by the time the outside walls have been covered with concrete, the disaster was nearly complete. Roaring into the pre dawn pitch black sky, the blaze could be seen 25 miles away. Only Powell's files and business records were saved, even the register of guests becoming a cinder. Insurance covered only a fraction of the loss. Performing feats which reached the foolhardy at times, Burlington's fire department rescued people and battled the holocaust for hours. It was the most spectacular fire since the school had been destroyed in 1924 and Gold Bond Hatchery had burned in 1936. Commended for heroic efforts were Lester Sherman, Fire Chief; Martin Furuseth, Pat Andrews, Red Pugh, George Cockrell, Clay Gould, Bill Hendricks, Jack Chalfant, Ted Backlund, Luther Mangus, Shirley Standish, Hank Stevens, Beryl Springer and others. Further tragedy was averted as the roof began to smoke on the old square wooden resident which at that time housed Mountain States telephone company. This was just across the alley east. Onlookers got peppered with window popping out of Stevens cafe just south, although a25 foot court separated the two buildings. Following the fire, after a long time of staring at the ruins, a corporation was formed which was able to make the Montezuma block the great community improvement it has been for the past twenty-one years. The rebuilders included C.D. Reed, Harley Rhoades, Bill Jacobs, Albert Crouse and Floyd Whitmore. Harold McArthur bought out the Whitmore interest later. After a year and a half of building, and an expenditure of $300,000, the Montezuma was as nearly fireproof as it could be made. Lower outside facing was green terra cotta, the concrete above being painted desert green. Frontage of 75x100 feet included space for the J.M. McDonald store, which resident Hotels Company hopes will remain. Besides the lobby, coffee shop, large kitchen, cocktail lounge on the main floor, there is a banquet room in the basement. Fifty rooms, all carpeted, with bath and phones, plus outside ventilation, even include a bridal suite. Following the death of her husband, Mrs. Crouse took over from the corporation. Besides McDonalds, for some years the Federal Crop Insurance office was located in the hotel offices east of the lounge. Mrs. Dorothea Hammond operated the first of several beauty shops that were there. Seismo- graph crew headquarters, irrigation firms and other companies have been tenants. Maybe some octogenarian spirit lingering through the years, is chuckling in the halls of Montezuma at the thought of how the pendulum has swung back again. Nostalgic and oddly comforting is the thought of bed and supper all of a price. "Condividual" is a 1971 word. It could have been coined because there's still a little of the same lonely living as back in pre-homestead days of 188?. But the old ghost surely could appreciate the modern cure - Resident Hotel. The English author, Bacon said, "If a man be gracious to strangers, it shows that he is a citizen of the world. and his heart is no island, cut off from other islands. but a continent that joins them." Well, situated near mid-continent, our town's oldest hospitality house has been gracious a long time indeed. Without reservations, it can surely be said, the best is yet to come! Mr. and Mrs. Don Downen are the present owners and WB Drug, Inc. and Burlington Book & Music occupy the ground floor. by Bonny Gould PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 872 On August 16, 1985, a frightful fire destroyed a historic building at the edge of the town of Flagler. This building was conceived and built by a man who had farmed 14 or lb miles north of Flagler, Pearl Lord. His vision of service stations, cafe, bar and some rooms was realized in about 1931. The size was great enough to house a repair facility along with a service station, cafe and bar. The economy of this day was very depressed and ali activities were graduated to fit this uneasy time. After much debate and assessment, adobe blocks for the building was selected, Robert McCurdy agreed to make the adobe blocks and to lay them into the walls. Concrete piers were used to support the massive domed roof at intervals along the adobe walls. Roof trusses, made by Olaf Olsen and other builders in the town, were constructed of one inch lumber, laminated for strength. One thickness of one inch lumber criss-crossed the trusses for the bridge-work to cany the load of the roof of one inch sheeting, roofing paper and tar. This roof proved to be the buildings demise for it burned like tinder and of course, collapsed into the interior, burning everything in the building. Under the south end of the building, near center, was a partial basement, dug by hand by many members of the community who showed up to work after doing their farm chores and other duties in order to make a dollar or two in spare time. John Shulda told me of hurrying through the work on the farm to make a trip to town to help with it. He said the dirt was removed on a 1929 Chevrolet Truck which was driven out of the basement area on a dirt ramp. He said he remembered so well how hard it was to remove the dirt ramp when the truck would no longer be used; the dirt was pitched out of the basement by hand. He said no one would believe the massiveness of the footers that were installed under the building and basement. Bob McCurty lived eleven miles south, a little over a half mile east on the correction Iine, one and one half miles south, one mile east and about a quarter mile north on what was later the Harris-Davies ranch. His place was about a mile northwest of Conrad Stone who had located in the expanse of buffalo grass and the cactus, constructed a home and even a barn of the fabulous adobe blocks made in the area. I can attest to the warmth in winter and the coolness in summer. the roof of the "Connie" Stone house was one inch sheeting, tar paper and a generous layer of sod. This sod was always placed on the roof with the grassy side down to discourage �growth of the grass; some persistent prairie plants, including cactus soon appeared in areas over the roof. Pearl Lord eventually contracted with Bob McCurdy to make the adobe for his building near Flagler and to lay them into the walls. This gave Bob an opportunity to make a little money and provide some work for his neigh- bors in making the blocks. The process of making adobe blocks began with a circular area on the prairie that was gone over with a disk harrow pulled by a team offour horses. It was disked over and over until the top layer of the soil, grass, roots and sometimes cactus was loosened. A fresno, an earth moving device of that day, was used to scrape the Ioosened area into a pile at the center. The fresno had a four foot blade between two runners. a metal area where the dirt was collected, a long handle at the rear which raised to dump the load of dirt, pulled by four head of horses. After the pile was formed, the area previously cleaned was used for the base of the forms 1X4 inch lumber. nailed and sawed by Lyle Stone In high gear the "T" moved at about five miles per hour. Bob came to a hill and even with the advantage of the gearing, the "T" wouldn't climb a hill he encountered on the trip, causing him to push the low pedal. He spent several hours getting over the hill; he said it moved so slowly one almost needed to make a line to see any progress!! After the blocks were made, the task of hauling them to the building site began. Wagons with two horse teams were loaded for the long trip. Two trucks were used, both 1929 vintage. One ofthese trucks belonged to the Hyde family. Bob and his crew, along with the various carpenters and builders from Flagler then ran the concrete pillars, foundations and layed the walls. When the walls and domed roof were in place the adobe portion was covered with chicken wire, applied to the exterior. Although the cost of material for the building was held in check, the amount was tremendous because of its size and the expenditure of labor was momentous but so very welcome at this time of few jobs and relatively hard times. Mr. Lord should have been commended for his foresight and courage. PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE having geared teeth on the wheels. Two gears were installed where the "T" rear wheels had been and these ran on the gear in the wheel. Pearl had previously operated an oil 87S into squares the size of the blocks desired. It took a large number of these forms to accommodate a day's run of blocks. A mixer which Bob had made from a threshing machine blower, smaller paddles installed, driven by a Model T engine was used to mix the mud. The radiator of the engine was a 30 gallon barrel, fitted with hose connections to the cooling system. The barrel was then filled with water. A trap door on the mixer was hinged to a handle near the lower portion of the blower assembly. It opened to allow the mud which had been whipped within, after station at what is now the Tip Top Corner, the south end of Main Avenue, where he had learned the ins and outs of the oil business. He earlier operated a station near where Arthur Gaines house now stands. He had experienced a Spring Auction when his farm equipment had been sold and chose the oil business when he moved to town. During the operation ofthese endeavors he had accumulated quite a large amount in his accounts receivable ledger which came in handy when the adobe building was erected. Many of these accounts were settled at this time in the form of work performed in constructing the building. by Lyle Stone dirt from the pile and water had been added, to be released. The mud was then moved in wheel banows to the forms which were filled, skreeded and given a slick finish with a trowel. Next day, the forms were removed from the blocks; sometimes this could be accomplished on the same day if it was hot enough to cause the mud to crack away from them. The forms were carefully lifted and the blocks left to bake in the sun for a number of days. Other area were disked and this operation continued on for days. After the desired number of blocks had been made or had sufficiently baked they were trimmed and stacked to protect them from rain; this happened so rarely at this time but when it did rain, it came in downpours. When the blocks were raised from their position on the ground, often clumps ofthe under earth stuck to them and had to be cleaned off. This proved to be a man killing job. Bob devised a trimmer made from a disk of an implement which he belted to the "T" engine. A trough or slide was made where the blocks could be pushed through under the spinning disk. This proved to be a great device. Bob moved the equipmentone day to a new area. He had converted his Model T Ford to a tractor with a kit called a "pull-Ford". It consisted of a pair of tractor-like wheels PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 874 When he was barely old enough to lift a scoop, Pearl became a miner at mystic, Appanoose County, Iowa. He did not like being a miner and left as soon as possible, setting out west to escape this occupation as a means of livelihood. He helped in the construction of the Cog Way Railroad at Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs. He later worked for Bob Lukow near Arriba, Henry Brown of Flagler area and then began farming for himself north of Flagler. In 1905 he married Mina Young. She was only a year old when her parents arrived at Otis by rail, the first to come in this manner, to take up homesteads in the area. Mina was born in Missouri from where they began the long trip west. "Pearls" became an instant success. High- way 24 ran close to the south frontage. Travelers from the east and west were aware of Pearl's station as they arrived in town and with the increase of automobiles and travelers, business was good. First operator of the new cafe was Waddey Butler who may have come from the Vona area. John and Beula Bower ran a good cafe that benefited from the visiting tourists, as well as the local clientele. They resided in the living quarters located on the second floor; several of the waitresses roomed there also. During the time Johnny and Beula ran the cafe, the doors were never locked, the service continued 24 hours a day, never a shuffle to find a key. The bar was a success with good business, not without an occasional problem, Pearl was usually able to keep order or had those in his employment who could. During the hours of the big flood of 1935 the establishment had standing room only for many days as travelers waited for washouts to be repaired. Locals engaged in helping where possible took meals there, one of the assiduous times in the history of the building. Operators of the cafe maintained on hand a large inventory of food and supplies, not only to reduce the cost of supplies but because of the slower supply routes of this day. Many residents of the town called to buy food when local supplies ran low. The flood stopped the normal supply to the local grocery stores. Gasoline prices challenged any in town; Pearl shopped for it at various refineries, taking the best buys. It may have smelled different but it burned fine in the cars. The cafe was operated very successfully by several operators, one of these operators was B.K. Moss. The Moss family ran the cafe for many years, living for a time in the quarters provided there. They ran a successful business with Mrs. Moss doing the cooking for halfofthe day and Zenelda the other, a night and day operation as the business was seldom closed. I do not know the reason, but I suppose it was the times, the building changed hands and became agarage operated by Millard Petersen who obtained a dealership for Chrysler-Plymouth. When he started the business he needed a name. chose to conduct a contest where people of the community picked names; at the special day of the naming the lucky contributor would receive $25.00. Mrs. Moss, who was so very familiar with this old building, submitted the winning entry, the M&S Garage. One of the cars sold went to C.G. Dorsey, a Plymouth; it returned to the building recently and met its demise with the building as it burned. Mr. Petersen operated the business for a number of years with much success and turned the operation over to Rhynold and Crystal Fager who continued the dealership, serving the customers of the business and selling Chrysler products. Two Plymouth station wagons were delivered to the writer of this history. There are many memories and bits of history this old building could tell; as a young boy my memories were probably different. Uncle "Bill" who embarrassed me at times. called me "Bub" and was so very good to all of by Lyle Stone �I am very sure a volume could be written of the humorous, sad and important happen- PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 875 us children. He insisted that I should play the slot machine that was located in the cafe. He provided me the quarter I needed; it was rare I ever had more than a dime to spend when we ventured into town. I put the quarter he gave me into the slot and pulled the handle. You might imagine the thrill I felt when I hit the jack-pot and quarters rolled all over the cafe. Uncle Bill insisted I keep all of them, got a paper sack for me to put them in; what a happy kid I was that afternoon! While in high school, several of us used to hang out at the cafe at times, a nostalgia of this time of growing up I shall never forget. Years before, I understand, that one evening a fight developed here. During his fight Bruce Bradley suffered a knife wound in the abdomen; luckily, Flagler had a few very adept doctors who treated him and saved him. Wilbur and Norman Haeseker made a necessary trip to town. Before going home they decided to visit the cafe. They parked the old car around back in the dark area. When they left, they found the spare, which was mounted outside on the rear of the car, missing. They returned home to find their father seriously ill. Dr. Reed checked him over and sent him to a specialist in Denver who treated him but he never returned. Father never knew about the lost spare. In later years, during the time of the Chrysler Dealership, many stories appear. Jerry Amos was serving as a mechanic; this day he removed the drive line and repacked the universal joint bearings on a Plymouth. This is quite a task and requires some finesse. Others waited until he had tightened the last bolt on the rear joint, layed two tiny rollers from another car in the place where Jerry had reassembled the joints. This oversight was pointed out to him. "And some Kill-joy has to come along and find the little rollers!" Jerry sputtered. All had a good laugh when they told him what they had done as he began to remove the drive line. Millard planned a special showdate when the newmodels would be shown, a general clean up was in progress. Jerry disappeared; Millard searched the area for him. Jerry was on the west side with paint brush in hand painting a silhouette of a hand, pointing to the door with the lettering "DOOR". Sylvan Morris was among the crew that worked for Millard at the M&S Motor Company. I believe Ken Goin, Pat Burgess and Virgil Fager, worked here also at this time. A new Plymouth was sold; Sylvan and others worked frantically on it to make it ready for delivery. When it was road tested, the speedometer made erratic excursions over the dial. Millard was informed of the difficulty. He said, "Finish getting the car ready. Take the speedometer out and bring it to my office. I'll fix it and have it ready by the time you finish the car." When the crew finished, Sylvan went to the office for the speedometer, Millard said, "We will deliver it without the speedometer; a new one will be here in a day or two." As Sylvan left he noted a few gears, odometer, pointer, dial and case strewn over the papers in the wastepaper basket. In this writer's years of repairing things, I understand! ings in this building. It is unfortunate that they could not be written at this time. Perhaps, this short record will be of use to preserve some of the history of the building. It has certainly been a land mark for those who grew up around Flagler. Already I have experienced its loss as I turned off I-70; for a fleeting moment I thought, "Is this Flagler?" After Rhynold moved from the building, Richard Petersen operated an implement agency in it for a time, dealing also in automobiles, gasoline and other services. In time, Richard was able to build a fine new station by Lyle Stone PEARL'S GARAGE AND CAFE 876 more accessible to I-70 and move into it. It is then that several others operated various businesses in the building, woodworking, cabinetmaking and others. The last business was that of Mark Amos who turned the area into a fine machine shop. He was able to do almost anything needed in the way of fabrication of metals, installed some of the very latest welding apparatus. Mark was enjoying a well established and successful business when a welding accident caused a fire in a vehicle within the shop. The fire spread so rapidly that in few minutes the rear area wErs engulfed in flame. Within minutes the roof was ignited and when this happened, there terrible toll. Written by Lyle Stone and published in The Flagler News, February 20, 1986. by Lyle Stone RED FRONT GROCERY 877 On Sept. 19th, 1910 W.H. Yersin opened a combination general store, post office in Bethune, Colo. W.H. Yersin did business in Bethune until 1914 when he and his wife. Alta B. Yersin, purchased the Red Front Market on main street in Burlington, Colo. From there the Red Front Market moved in 1968 to another larger location on Burlington's main street, which was formally occupied by an implement dealer. Then in 1976 the Red Front Market moved again to a new location, east highway 24 in Burlington, where it still remains today. by Ken Yersin BACKLUND 878 was little hope, for the one inch lumber, tar and tar paper burned like tinder. The Flagler Fire Department arrived in good time and water was immediately applied. The fire had already grown in size; the hope of saving anything was growing dim. It took some minutes to tap a fire plug about a block and a half away, string the hose and couple it. Backlund Garage on south end of 14th St. 1956. When this water was applied to the fire through two lines, a four inch and one inch and a half tap, along with the water from two other trucks, a pair oflines on the truck which arrived from Arriba. the fire was so immense that all that water hardly dented its furor. During the fire, the red fire truck was stationed between the M&S building and the LP Gas Company's Gasoline storage tanks. As the fury of the fire continued, these tanks became hotter and hotter. Due to the concern of the fire department for spread of the inferno to these tanks the red truck played streams of water upon these tanks to attempt to keep them cooler. Occasionally the mechanical pop off valves a-top these tanks released the vapor building within. At a point when the heat was at its maximum, fear for the firemen manning the red truck, caused a change in location of the red truck when it was moved west and played water through the air to these tanks. There existed a grave danger should the tanks blow. Luckily, as the fire began to abate, the tanks were still intact. It is very difficult for anyone who serves a fire department to give up, and losses such as this leave an emptiness hard to describe. With all the preparation for such emergencies, there are those that even then take a T.W. Backlund featuring Case Equipment, 1956. On Jan. 1, 1920, T.W. Backlund, began business in Burlington with his brother, Al, under the firm name of Backlund Co. He purchased the interest ofhis brother in 1930, and has been the. sole owner since that time. The original agencies were the lines merged into the Oliver Corp. in 1930. He has been the J.I. Case dealer since 1934, the agent for several short line implement agencies, and Goodyear Tires. In 1939, he becane the agency for Dodge cars and trucks. During the 46 years, Ted has operated in three different locations. Originally, the firm was located in the building now occupied by �On June 7,I9L5, a group ofwell known and progressive farmers of the Burlington and Idalia area came together and formed the Burlington Equity Exchange. The motivating factor in forming this Co-op was to try and receive more of the spoils for their farming efforts. Prior to the June 7th date, one thousand shares of stock had been sold for $25.00 per share to raise seed money to get the Co-op off and running. The first board of directors were: W.M. Kreoger, President; C.D. Munter, Secretary; David Byer, Vice-President; and Directors: A.W. Winegar, W.A. Walters, G.W. Broadsword and Wm. Byer. It is also thought that John Lengel was one of the directors. This group ofpeople purchased the grain elevators at the north end of Main Street, near the Rock Island Depot. This was a familiar landmark until it was torn down several years ago. About this time, the Burlington Co-op along with several other Co-ops in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska formed the Equity Union Oil Company which later combined with Consumers Co-op Association to form Farmland Industries. Backlund Machinery Co. This picture was taken in 1920. Note advertisement on the side of the building' Machinery consists of threshing machines, grain drills, and tractors. ::i:1 , :,::i' Sometime after, the new elevator was built along the railroad in the N.W. corner of town, the water pipes froze and broke. This flooded the basement of the office building where many of the records were kept. As a consequence, all of the old records were destroyed; therefore, writing the history of the Co-op has been more or less a process ofgetting bits and pieces of information from here and there. I believe everything is accurate but I can't be 100% sure. The new elevator was built in 1951. In 1953, due to the Building Contractor's insistence of using substandard materials, one of the big concrete silos broke open, spilling wheat across Railroad Avenue. To solve this problem, the Co-op hired another contractor to pour sleeves inside the silos at a huge irril:,:':itl li:,:,,ll.,iri expense. In the early years of the Co-op the annual meetings were a social event for the farm people that were it's members. Many of the founding members and other farmers hauled their grain to the Co-op from north of town and the Idalia area. In 1935, the name was changed to Burlington Equity Co-op Exchange. A line up of "Hart-Parr" tractors with threshing machines behind lead tractor. Circa 1920. Backlund Machinery Co. the Burlington Locker Service. Later he moved to the old Hainline garage building (at the site of the new Safeway store), and six years ago erected the new building on Highway 24. The above was found in the old 1966 paper. by Janice Salmans BURLINGTON EQUITY COOPERATIVE EXCHANGE 879 At one of the early annual meetings of the Burlington Equity Exchange, the wife of the manager, Mrs. Edith Hedding, read a poem that ended with this verse: "Its fun to be a farmer And get out and till the soil, But the one who farms the farmer Is the one who gets the spoil." by Author unknown I remember that during the 1930's when I was a young boy, weekly trips to town on Saturday were not complete without a stop at the Co-op for supplies. Supplies ranged from axle grease to flour in pretty colored patterned sacks so the women could pick out the material they wanted and make dresses out of them. For a time the Burlington co-op had an elevator and a branch business in Bethune. I think this was from about 1956 to 1965. It was at this time many of the people in the Settlement, north of Bethune, became members of the Co-op. The managers of the Bethune branch were in order: Don Vallin, Ruben Zeigler, Curt Wood and Buster Jenkins. For about ten years, we also had a fertilizer plant west of town. This plant was sold to the Stratton Co-Op in 1982 or 1983. In 1897, we acquired 7a interest in the G.W. Sugar Factory west of Goodland along with the Kanarado and Goodland Co-ops. This facility will be used for extra grain storage. Many well known farmers of the area have through the years served on the Co-Op Board. Space and the fact that I don't know �Burlington's flour mill. l, u,1i $ &,# Y * wa" iai=-r'l' Present day Burlington Equity Co-op who they all were doesn't permit me to list them. I do have a list of the managers which I will list in order: Rinehart Hedding, W.W. Lumis, Herb Johnson, Walter Bauder, Fern Farnsworth, Bruce Channel, Oliver Service, Elmar Wilson, Otto Weiss, Arvard Burges, Dale Kelly, Curt Wood, Charles Bush, Joe Hughes, Don Berggram, Bob Peterson and supplies for its many members and commu- Tom Redman. From this humble beginning in 1915 and along with the cooperation of the members, 880 employees, management and the community, the Co-op has grown through thick and thin. Today it is a major business in the Burlington area with facilities to store 2 million bushels of grain, sell feed, fuel and many other nity. by Russ Davis FLOUR MILL November 25, 1903. Ten years ago this Thanksgiving day the Burlington Roller Mill first started. On November 8, 1893, J.L. Eaches arrived in our little town to start the new mill. After getting all the machinery in shape and everything ready, the first grist was manufactured on November 26, 1893. A run oftwo days each week during the first year was all the trade then demanded: but it had increased steadily, year by year until in 1901 new machinery was added to meet the increasing demand and capacity increased 40%. Opposition arose against its fast increasing trade, but like the swelling tide against the sturdy vessel, it had little effect - only to prove the old saying: "opposition is the life of trade," Renewed and strenuous efforts on the part of the faithful manager to introduce an unequaled quality in grades of flour to please the patrons had now brought the mill to what it was, running day and night that they might fill the orders ahead until the last of thc vear. Have our business men ever though how much they are indebted to the mill lor the growth in trade in our town? When the farmers receive cash for the produce they bring to the mill, they buy lumber, hardware, furniture, groceries and general merchandise, were it not for the mill the trade would go where they take their wheat and corn. We hope that the next ten year's trade will not only come to the mill from Tri-Milling Co. of Tenn., for several carloads, but also from many parts of the U.S. and while we do give thanks, at this time for other prosperity, do not let us forget to unite in a hearty good wish that long may be heard the whistle from the flour mill in our little town. (signed) A patron of the mill. Source not known but contributed by Lucy Russmann. HOTELS, MOTELS, CAMPS AND CAFES B81 fQU,rY ir : l There is no class of institutions throughout the whole category of business concerns which has so important a bearing upon the general character of a city as its hotels. These establishments have an individuality and to ';.;t.,,,,.' t,'i,,,iilt ':a::,,.:t Early day photo Burlington Co-op, taken about 1g21 Yarnell Hotel also known as the Hotel West. �the vast majority of traveling fraternity, a city is just what its hotels make it. In this connection special mention should be made of the New Burlington Hotel. This hotel was located one block west on Main Street. It was a substantial three-story stuccoed building, containing a number of neatly furnished and comfortable rooms all of which are provided with running water, steam heat and other conveniences. Bath accommodations had also been provided. A special feature of the house was the dining room, where they served choice, regular meals for fifty cents. The daily rate for a room was $1.00. The hotel was owned by R.C. Yarnell. Quick to take advantage of a new idea that would add to the comfort and convenience of his guests, and a man of wide experience of catering to the public was Harry L. Shank, the proprietor of Shanks Cafe and Rooms. Shank's Cafe and Rooms were located on South Main Street. The place was provided with both tables and a lunch counter, also Bill Hudler ran the paper until his death in 1956. Then his son John took over. Born in Iowa like his father, John attended the University of Iowa journalism school and THE BURLINGTON RECORD 882 Iowan. In1944, he bought the Record's competing paper, the Burlington Call, and the two paper's merged. He lived in Burlington for 62 years until he died in 1981. The Record moved from its original home in 1946, and has twice doubled its space; the first time with the purchase of an adjoining building, and the second with the construction of a new shop area in 1971. This year the Record building underwent lr a facelift as its entire exterior was remodeled. The Record was a pioneer in roll-fed offset for weeklies between Kansas City and the West Coast in 1965. The paper is currently run on a four-unit News King, along with two other eastern Colorado papers printed at the Burlington plant, the Flagler News and the Office of the Burlington Record in 1956. Wray Gazette. The Hudler family maintains a commercial booths. Frigidaire equipment throughout and every other equipment that was necessary to a first-class establishment of this printing business besides publishing the Record. John Hudler's wife, Maxine, at 73, remains kind. the head of the Record accounting department. Her son Rol and his wife Joy are They also had a number of comfortable rooms, which were rented at the rate of $.75 a night. currently co-publishers/editors of the paper, which has expanded impressively over the Shank's Cafe and Rooms was also the years. headquarters for the Atlantic and Pacific Stages, Inc. who operated two buses per day. Sunset Park Camp is located in Sunset Park, in the western section of Burlington, on U.S. Highway #40 North and State Highway #51. It was formerly operated by the city but was leased by Mr. O.A. Ross. It was situated on a beautiful elevation and was equipped with a number of semi-furnished cabins, the rooms having beds, springs, mattresses, tables and chairs, and in close proximity to these cabins is a cook house, shower bath and toilets. In connection with this camp is a filling station where they carry the famous Powerine gasoline and Power-Lube motor oils, also fancy groceries, cold drinks, cigars, tobacco, and confectionery. Although Mr. Ross had only had charge a short time in 1929, he was not new to the area, he had lived here for ten years prior. A publication professing to mention the resources and business interests of Burlington should contain mention of the East Side Tourist Camp, located in the eastern section of the city, on United States Highway 40 North and State Highway 51. The place contained 15 cabins, 8 of them with running water, and all partly furnished. It was originally established around 1925 and underthe ownership of C.F. Langendorfer for a year in 1929. He built a number of additional cabins and added the most mod- ern conveniences. He also operated a service station in connection, where he carried gasoline, motor oils, greases, fancy groceries, confectionery and campers' supplies. A man of philosophical mind once said that he could judge the character of the people by the restaurants of their city, and if this be true the people of Burlington have reason to be proud. One ofthe best equipped and most sanitary eating houses in eastern Colorado was Beatty's Cafe, situated on Main Street. This business was owned and managed by Mrs. Millie Beatty. worked as an apprentice printer for the Daily While the Burlington community has tripled in population since 1930, the Record's subscription list has gtown 51/z times, and its number of pages has grown eight times. Rol Hudler, perennially active in civic affairs, has served as mayor of Burlington for 20 years. Rol and Joy's oldest son John, 27, is Owner, John Hudler in 1956. advertising manager of the Record. Another son, Adrian, is a student at the University of Nebraska and works during vacations at the As part of the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the National Newspaper Association, Publishers' Auxiliary has contacted newspapers around the country that have a long history of family ownership. These are the families that have carried on family business. the newspaper tradition for four or more generations or for more than 100 years. reported by David Van Pelt - When A.W. "Bill" Burlington, Colo. - Burlington RepubliHudler purchased the by Maxine lludler SCHAAL DRILLING COMPANY 883 can and Kit Carson County Record in 1928, the first thing he did was shorten its name. The paper became the Burlington Record, and it remains so 58 years and three generations later. Hudler was born in Audubon, Iowa, and entered the printing business at age 20 in the employ of the Audubon Republican. He later moved to South Dakota, and with his wife Martha, ran a homestead and published a claim paper. They came to Burlington in 1919 with their son John. Bill worked briefly for a land company and then as a printer before purchasing the Record, which had been in existence since 1889. Ruben Schaal owner of Schaal Drilling Company. tion to the weekly paper, which consisted of eight pages, four printed at the home plant Ruben Schaal Jr. married Linda McKinney in 1971 after serving two years with the U.S. Naly and working in various capacities in both the oil field and water well industries. In L972 they obtained financing to purchase the necessary equipment to pioneer what is and four of boiler plate printed in Denver by the old Western Newspaper Union. They have since constructed and equipped The Record survived the Depression and the Dust Bowl of the 1930s by consolidating with two other papers in the area. In those days $1 bought a year's subscrip- now known as Schaal Drilling Company. �over 1000 water wells for farmers and businesses in the Colorado and Kansas area. in addition to servicing domestic, irrigation, and municipal wells. Today, Ruben and Linda continue operating the family business with the active participation of their two sons, Warren, born in 1975, and Aaron, born in 1976. Perhaps the following poem written by Linda commemorating their 10th anniversary in 1982 best expresses what living and working in Kit Carson County has meant to the Ruben Schaal Jr. family: There are many fine professions that a man might choose to seek, but none of them could offer him a challenge so unique - for it has been a pleasure serving this community, providing top notch service through the drilling industry. - Growing with you farmers, our neighbors and our friends. has shown us more than anything, where life really begins. - We're proud to live in Burlington!, We're proud of what we do! - We say, in all sincerity, we're proud we work for you! by Linda Schaal COLORADO - KANSAS GRAIN COMPANY 884 the company has elevators in Lamar and Carlton, Colorado as well as Burlington and Idalia. The company is licensed and bonded automobile technicians and consultants. thus being required to be able to obtain certain high-tech models. Corn, wheat, milo and barley are all stored for both the government and area producers. As $15,000.00, therefore leasing has become more popular and will become tomorrow's automobile business. in accordance with the State of Colorado Agricultural Department and the U.S.D.A. well as elevator storage, Colorado-Kansas Grain Company has been instrumental in merchandising grain off area farms offering Incorporated, June of 1982, Colorado-Kansas Grain Company is wholly owned by William Pictured, an aerial view of Colorado-Kan- sas Grain Company, Burlington facility, taken in the fall of 1987. Built in September, 1985 with storage capacity well over two million bushel, by Fall, 1987, had increased their capacity in Kit Carson County over two fold with the use of contemporary ground storage. The land, purchased from the City of Burlington and financed with Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, is located in the industrial sub-division of Burlington along the Kyle Railroad. The City of Burlington built the unit train trackage which extends beyond the company boundaries. In August, 1986, Colorado-Kansas Grain Company purchased g acres of land and scales at ldalia, Colorado from Great Western Sugar Company, increasing their total storage capacity to over 8,000,000 bushel. With headquarters in Lamar, Colorado, B86 O. Broyles of Lamar, Henry A. "Shay" Mockelman, Jr. of Cheyenne Wells, William D. Grasmick, Inc. of Granada, and Larry Hostetler of Burlington. by Sandy Harmon VINCE'S CHEV - OLDS - cAD, rNC. 885 Sim Hudson Motor Co. became the first Chewolet dealership in Burlington, Colorado in 1923. Prior to that, Sim Hudson owned his first automobile garage at 463 13th St. which is currently Duerst Machine Works. At that time, a small portion of the existing building were the only improvements, that of which originally was a livery stable. There he had automobile storage and sold Whippels. In 1923, Sim moved his business to the Sim was always a great promoter, such as the Knee-action parade ofthe 1934 Chevrolet automobiles, introducing their new suspensions. Also the celebration after the Roosevelt Logo for Colorado-Kansas Grain Company. CALDWELL'S INC. is Delmer Zeigler of Bethune, Colorado. Burlington. Petroleum products also became a large part of his business. 1987. by Jana Schreivogel the farmer additional competitive marketing for farm stored grains. Branch manger for the Burlington facility current location at L332 Senter Ave. in Pictured, an aerial view of Colorado-Kansas Grain Company, Burlington facility, taken in the fall of The average automobile today is election in which Sim and Ed Weinandt wagered $4,000.00. The money was used to throw a big party for everyone in the area. This included free lunch at noon, a free picture show from noon until midnight, a parade featuring four bands from around the area, and two free dances . . one at each armory. Eldon Snowbarger was hired by Sim Hudson in 1948, and later became a dealer partner with Sim's wife, Hazel, in 1960 following Sim's death. The Cadillac and Oldsmobile lines were added in the early 1960's. On July 1, 1984, Sim Hudson Motor Co. was purchased by Vince and Jana Schreivogel and became Vince's Chev-Olds-Cad, Inc. Through the years the automobile business has changed a great deal. Todays business requires a larger staff with great qualifications because of high technology. Now, in 1988, our business requires features such as: Telemarketing - telephone communica- tions directly to the manufacturer without the use of traveling representatives. In-house computers - used in the bookkeeping and parts departments and includes vehicle locator, vehicle ordering, service bulletins, and warranty claim submis- sion. Video Network - training and testing of Caldwell's Inc. 1988, the store has been operating since 194?. ',t k I Caldwell's in 1956. J.M. Caldwell, owner of Caldwell's Inc., made his way through high school by working nights at the Goodland, Kansas, power plant in the early 1920's. The knowledge and experience gained there enabled him to do a great deal of wiring when the rural areas began to acquire electricity. In 1928 he was able to open his own store in Goodland at the age of 25. Shortly after World War II, Dick Brock was hired to construct a 1300 sq. ft. building at t7L2 Rose Avenue in Burlington and in 1947 it opened for business selling appliances, butane and propane. The first manager was Bill Robinson followed by Wes Heinrich and Gene Wilson. In the fall of 1954, after serving in the Korean conflict, Don Caldwell, his wife Jeanne, and their year old daughter, Debbie, moved to Burlington and Don took over the managerial duties. Another daughter, Dawn Ann, was born in December 1955. A drive-in cafe west of the original building was purchased in the 1950's and in 1959 Charlie Sholes built in between and connec- ted the two buildings, and furniture was added to the appliance business. Another addition was then added to the west and the square footage was increased to just under 10,000. Ron Wendler has been emploved with �Caldwell's since 1958. There have been many changes since the first store opened sixty years ago, but one thing that has not changed over the years, according to Don, is the friendly, caring people of Burlington and the surrounding community. by Don Caldwell KNAB RADIO KNAB Radio went on the air on JulY 11, 1967. Thus began a new era for Eastern Colorado and especially Burlington, Colorado, for now it has it's own local radio station. Progress has come to this area thanks to Mr. Al Ross who started this station as owner and operator. The call letters of this station were derived from the following. The letter K signifies west of the Mississippi and the letters NAB stand for the National Board of Broadcasters. The signal begins at sunrise and ends at sunset for this 1.000 watt AM station' In 19?4 Al Ross sold the station to KNAB' Inc. In 1980 KNAB FM began it's broadcast day at 6:00 a.m. to midnight. It first age{ on March 7, 1980. On April4,L972, Good Friday, a tremendous ice storm did $26,000 damage to the lines and buildings. The tower was blown down due to the collection of four inches of ice and accompanying winds clocked at 60 miles per hour. KNAB went back on the air by the use of copper wire strung between two telephone poles. The signal had to be adjusted constantly due to the stretching of the copper wire due to the temperature variations throughout the day. The present tower is 406 feet high' Miss Betty Bailly came to Burlington in 196? to operate the station. In 1984 Betty Bailly bought out one of the three remaining stockholders of the station. In September of 198? Betty and Mr. Lockhart purchased the remaining shares. Ray Lockhart has interests in KSTC in Sterling, Colorado, and KOGA in Ogallala, Nebraska. The format of KNAB programming provides a variety of music and news to maintain a middle of the road format with an emphasis on agriculture concerns and news for the industry of the area. agribusiness -KNAB is an affiliate of the ABC network. BURLINGTON CENTENNIAL PARADE 1988 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of Kit Carson County Description An account of the resource Brief historical stories and elements from the founding and recent history of Kit Carson County, Colorado. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Book Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Businesses Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1988 Subject The topic of the resource history Description An account of the resource A history of local businesses within Kit Carson County as recorded in the book History of Kit Carson County. Type The nature or genre of the resource text Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Salmons, Janice Hasart, Marlyn Smith, Dorothy Language A language of the resource English Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. History of Kit Carson County Volume 1 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource text/pdf Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Curtis Media Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/</a>