Memories

Because of my eyesight and health problems my articles have been slow coming.

I would like to write about some businesses, owners and employees of past years. Let’s begin with those on the west end of Main Street and on the south side.

First, C.M. Summers and Co. which was owned and operated by Summers, V.E. Figg and Henry Stenseth. Henry had an auto repair shop across the street and south of the station. Also employed was Ernest ‘Sharkey’ Stenseth, a mechanic; and Bud Penn, who was a parts manager for many years.

Now going east was a hardware store (built by V.E. Figg) owned and operated by Frank and Gladys Buck. Later it sold to Bob and Velma Wear with children Winnie and Bill who helped. Several people were employed to work part-time including my wife Phyl. and also Lola Kittelmann.

Going east, the Ekalaka SuperValu (built by V.E. Figg) which was owned and operated by R.J. Price and family who came from Wyoming.

Some time later this business was sold to Don and Helen Hughes who came from Marmarth, North Dakota. They had two children, Donnie and Deb.

On east to the New Life Bar and Cafe. One of the owners I remember was Price Purdum. Let’s go back to the World War II years of 1941-1945 when the New Life had a dance hall in the back part of the building.

Every Saturday night there was music and dancing with a full house. Also during most of those years there was a two lane bowling alley where bowlers used small balls. I remember setting pins many nights. During later years a “drive through” was added to the east side of the cafe. Several people managed the cafe but only one person comes to mind, Mabel Purdum.

Across the street to the east was Charters Mercantile owned and operated by Matt Carey. It had groceries and a meat department. R.C. Charters started the store in 1895. The store had clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and ranch supplies.

In 1936 my folks George and Jessie Townsend moved to Ekalaka with Robert and I. The Charters store was a busy place. Several people were employed there and I remember a few of them including Ben Davis, Orra Strain, and my dad for many years. A small hardware store was added on the east side of the building. I believe Mike Moolick was the operator. The building was eventually torn down and the Carter Manor now occupies that space.