then and now 2014 pgs

1

BY PAUL S. PETERSON

Forty-two years with the same company qualifies you as a vet-eran employee. So it was with

me, 42 years at the Ludington Daily News, and during that time I saw changes in how the newspa-per was printed, the way news was gathered, even the way it was

distributed.Those changes affected every

department, from editorial to business office, composition and press room to circulation. I start-ed at the Daily News in 1956, but had worked in the summers and while in high school for sports editor Dick Derrick.

Derrick’s sports stories, and later mine, were still being sent to the Grand Rapids Herald over-night by Western Union. A large, two-wheeled push cart hauled papers to the post office. Ken Case, circulation manager, was

still counting by hand the car-riers’ weekly collection of coins and dollars.

And press time was 3 p.m.In those “good old days,” the

newsroom began work at 8 a.m., today it is about an hour (or more) earlier. I was sports edi-tor, laid out most of the pages, and covered meetings, fires and events. We had a four-person editorial staff — managing edi-tor Agnes MacLaren, who I re-placed upon her death, society editor Grace Margaret Kelly, Evelyn Carlson, the fastest typist I ever saw, who covered police, sheriff, and city council and me. Today the staff num-bers seven and is short-handed.

Our photo department was right out of Fibber McGee’s closet. Derrick was the first to suggest that the Daily News take and print its own photos. Until then most of our photos were taken by local photog-rapher Harold Holmes. Get-ting publisher H.P. Furstenau to approve money for such an expenditure took work. Finally

he okayed a second-hand Speed Graphic camera, which used flash bulbs and 4x6 film. Der-rick fashioned a darkroom of innovations that included an old car battery case to develop film. The News took a leap forward when Dick hired Russ Miler, a Ludington High School junior, as a part-time photographer.

The Daily News subscribed to the Associated Press for state, national, world, and sports news. The AP report was re-ceived by teletype with an accom-panying machine that sent it as perforated tape to be run through a Lineotype. Later, the AP sent news and photos by satellite, and we installed a large dish antenna to receive them. (Now, it’s re-ceived via an Internet feed.)

We used the ol’ ball-point pen for taking notes, although Ag-nes still favored pencils to some extent. From our notes we wrote stories on typewriters that ranged from obsolete to electric. The electric machines gave us fits

SEE ‘GOOD OLD DAYS’ PAGE 14

Ludington Daily NewsBY STEVE BEGNOCHEMANAGING EDITOR

Then and Now takes a look at how partici-

pating busi-nesses got where they are today. Most of the

material in this special section was provided by those participating businesses as they tell their own stories.

Our area is blessed with a mix of busi-nesses, many that trace their origins back for decades or more. Others are just setting out and in the process adding to or enriching the mix resi-dents of the area see and support.

We open the section with a piece written by Paul S. Peterson, longtime managing editor of the Luding-ton Daily News, re-counting what he saw in his 42 years here.

As the Ludington Daily News moves forward, now a mem-ber of Community Media Group, we do so with a firm com-

mitment to our tradi-tion of being not just a community news-paper, but this com-munity’s newspaper and primary news source in many ways. This has been an in-novative newspaper launching web prod-ucts under former publisher David Jackson and his fam-ily’s ownership. Now, CMG continues that effort to have both a strong print product in the Ludington Dai-ly News and to have a strong presence in the digital world.

Our www.luding-tondailynews.com website has under-gone a major redo in the past year. Always a fine site, it has new levels of features and possibilities we are still exploring. The entire print product is available through a true e-Edition which allows the users to make type larger, or have stories read to them.

On top of that, we still use the free web-site to publish break-ing news, advertising and a sample of some

SEE LDN TODAY, PAGE 14

A look at the ‘good old days’

How we got where we are today

Generated by CamScanner

Then NOWyNOWNOWbThen NOWyNOWNOWbA special project of the Ludington Daily News

Pictured are LDN photog-raphers from

left Lloyd Wallace, Walt

Lister, Vans Stevenson, Todd Reed,

Richard Dancz and Russ Miller

from about 35 years ago.

April 30, 2014

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Free Badger Bingo • Kids Play Room • Upper Deck CaféFree Movies • Badger Boutique • Food & Bar Service...and more!

Call 1-800-841-4243 for details or visit

www.ssbadger.com

Life’s fast enough...slow down, relax and reconnect.We’ll do the driving!

The SS Badger is the largest carferryever to sail Lake Michigan, providinga fun, reliable and affordable shortcutacross the huge inland sea for more than 60 years.

We’re “Steaming into the Future” for many years to come andinvite you to be part of the history that almost slipped away.

McDonald’s Bakery103 E. Dowland, Ludington • 843-9495Open Mon.-Sat. 5:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Baking our best for you!Offering a complete line of baked goods.

McDonald’sBakery, celebrating 110 years

The site of McDonald’s Bakery at 201 E. Dowland Street during the early 1900s. Pictured by the

old horse drawn delivery wagon is John McDonald.

McDonald’s Bakery began oper-ating in the lumbering days of yes-teryear in Ludington, Michigan at 201 E. Dowland Street.

Looking back into the “good old days,” delivery of baked goods was made by horse and buggy. Bakers at that time worked by kerosene light. The baking ovens were all hand fired and because of their size, it was necessary to place the baked goods in the ov-ens with wooden peel. Herbert Hoover signed one of the compa-ny’s first food licenses in 1917.

As the city began to progress, so did McDonald’s and the bak-ery business. The people of Ma-son County have depended on the family of McDonald’s bakers for over 110 years.

Mike and his wife Ellamae McDonald are proud of the fine line of baked goods they produce from their modern shop locat-ed at 103 E. Dowland Street, at the corner of James and Dow-

land Streets. Mike is a graduate of Dunwoody Baking School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Ellamae is a graduate of Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Chicago.

The baking tradition has been carried on by many generations of family members.

The first generation to run the business was John McDonald in 1904. Then came Jim McDonald, next was Mike McDonald, who graduated from Dunwoody in 1956. In 1998 Mike Jr. and Bryan McDonald became owners. In 2009 Mike Jr. became the owner.

McDonald’s Bakery is friendly, fast and affordable and has plenty of parking for its customers’ con-venience. McDonald’s Bakery is open six days a week.

“McDonald’s Bakery, where family tradition is baked in all we do. We are celebrating 110 years of blessings because of you, our customer,” they said.

McDonald’s Bakery

Lake Michigan CarferryLake Michigan Carferry Service was

founded in 1992, but the company’s history stretches back to the 1800s, when the Flint & Pere Marquette Railway began cross-lake service out of Ludington in 1874.

Golden EraCarferry service entered its Golden

Era in 1947 when the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad absorbed the Pere Marquette Railway and the service continued to expand for years.

During the height of the carferry era, in the 1950s, seven ships sailed in and out of the Ludington harbor year-round, transporting rail freight and passengers across Lake Michigan to the Wisconsin ports of Manitowoc, Milwaukee and Kewaunee.

The 410-foot sister ships, SS Spartan and SS Badger — launched in 1952 and 1953 — were the last, and the largest, coal-fired steam-engine carfer-ries built in the United States.

New BeginningIn 1992, Charles Conrad — a Lud-

ington native and retired entrepreneur — purchased the City of Midland, Spartan and Badger and formed Lake Michigan Carferry Service.

Conrad knew how important the carferries were to the local economy, and he wanted to see them sail for an-other hundred years. He invested his own money to create a new life for the SS Badger, transporting leisure travel-ers, their vehicles, and commercial and commercial trucks between Ludington and Manitowoc. Having proven that the Badger could be resurrected with a new mission, Conrad sold the com-pany in 1994 to Bob Manglitz, Jim Anderson and Don Clingan to carry

on the tradition of carferries in Lud-ington.

TodayThe SS Badger is the only coal-fired

steamship operating in the U.S. Keep-ing this majestic ship a living part of our maritime history has been chal-lenging in recent years. The dedicated people who serve as crew on the ship and on shore deeply appreciate the support they have received from our customers and all those who under-stand the special significance of our historic ship.

“We have made a huge commitment to continue the heritage of the Badger with the installation of new, sophisti-cated combustion controls this off-season, and we will be installing an ash retention system during the winter of 2015 — prior to our sailing season,” said Terri Brown, Lake Michigan Carferry Director of Marketing and Media Relations. “Whether you are a first-time passenger or you have sailed on her many times, the SS Badger of-fers the rare opportunity to take a step back in time on an adventure that’s as important as the destination.

“We will be steaming into the future for many years to come, and we invite you to experience a bit of history that almost slipped away.”

2 | THEN AND NOW LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014www.ludingtondailynews.com

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Founders Ann and Hoyt Payment

2014 — Barley & Rye, The Mitten Bar, and Sportsman’s Irish Pub

A family tradition since 1955!

years!a FamilyTradiTion For 59

Then

NOWy

111 W. ludingTon ave., ludingTon • 843-2138

Sportsman’s original storefront circa 1955

•

Proudly Moving into the Next Century

Open HouseComing Soon!

Book Mark has been located on the corner of Rath and Loomis in downtown Ludington for more than 30 years. It was Daul's News. As you can see in the photo, the exterior of the building has not changed too much in the last 30-40 years. In the 1980's or 90's the book store became Read Mor. In 2000, Read Mor became Bookmark and now, in 2014, Bob and Carole Kosanovich have purchased and renovated the book store and coffee shop as Book Mark Ludington.

Conceptual View

Book Mark has recently added a pleasant coffee lounge and private conference room.

Upstairs apartments to be completed in May of 2014

Stop in for a refreshing drink, mocha or latte!

Photo from Nov. 10, 1973

201 South Rath Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431231-843-2537

Book Mark Keeping a locally-owned book-

store, newsstand and coffee shop in downtown Ludington was the goal when Bob and Carole Kosa-novich purchased Book Mark in April 2010.

Since that time, many chang-es have taken place. In 2012, a comfortable coffee lounge with a fireplace was added. In 2013, a private meeting/conference room was added. In 2014, seven two and three bedroom apartments will be available for rent on the second floor. Additional retail space will be available later in 2014.

Book Mark historyMr. and Mrs. Vincent Daul pur-

chased the Cooley News Agency in 1957. The business was exclu-sively wholesale books, magazines and newspapers and was locat-ed at 423 S. James. In 1959 the wholesale operation was moved

to 605 N. Rath and a grocery and variety and retail book store was added. The building which was formerly known as Petersen Su-per Market was enlarged by Daul in 1964. This was done to accom-modate the growing wholesale and retail businesses.

In 1971, the Dauls purchased the building originally used by the Buick Garage and later by Petrovich Antiques and located at 201 S. Rath. This purchase al-lowed the Dauls to move their rapidly growing wholesale opera-tion to the new building, mak-ing available larger quarters. The wholesale business covers Mason, Oceana, Newaygo, Lake, Manist-ee and Benzonia counties.

Daul’s News (South) featured a beautiful new retail store with gifts, jewelry, cards, Fanny Farm-er candy, paperback and hard-back books including a complete line of children’s books.

Sportman’s Restaurant

and Irish PubSportman’s Irish Pub started as

Hoyt’s Irish Bar in 1955. Hoyt Payment bought it from C.G. Smith, who ran a a former cigar bar and pool hall there.

Sportsman’s was half of the building and the other half of the building was rented out to One Hour Martinizing, a dry cleaning business.

Sportsman’s started as a shot and beer bar, and soon started serving burgers and sandwiches.

Ann Payment, Hoyt’s wife, came in and then the food became a mainstay with steaks, fish, burg-ers and of course Hoyt’s famous Pizza.

Hoyt started one of the first bowling alleys in the area, with six lanes upstairs. In fact it hosted a national bowling tournament in the early 1960s.

Mike Payment ( Hoyt’s son) bought the business in 1975. Af-ter marrying Julie in 1982, they expanded what was part of Gord-ys Skate Shop in what is now called the side room. Soon after, Mike took out the bowling alley and put in the area’s first comput-erized golf machines.

Knowing hip surgery was com-ing, the Payments decided to sell the business in 2000. After be-ing out of it for 4 years, they were happy to be able to get it back in 2004. At that time, with the help of Laurie Carey and Shirley Reed, Julie gutted the entire place to how it looks today. Laurie Carey continues to work on painting and decorating.

In 2011, Mike and Julie’s daugh-ter, Meg came to them with the idea of opening up a bar next door, strictly for Michigan beer and wine. With the help of Megan’s

boyfriend Brian, The Mitten Bar opened next door with great suc-cess.

As if that was not enough, in 2013 when the Purple Monkey building came up for sale, the Pay-ments decided that they should in-vest further into downtown. With the help of Brian, now Megan’s fiancé, they opened up Barley and Rye, an eating and drinking estab-lishment that provides whiskeys and more and has a full kitchen. They continue with new improve-ments in 2014 with a new look for the outside eating area and new menu items.

Hoyt Payment at the bar.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 | LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS THEN AND NOW | 3www.ludingtondailynews.com

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!

It all begansixty eightyears ago!

1963FoliageCompanyof Americaacquires theassets ofCastle Industries, a competing fabricator of StyrofoAm®, located in New Castle, PA. This company was moved to Philadelphia, PA and Lee Schoenherr was appointed executive vice-president.

1967Foliage Company of Americaagain expands its operations by opening a branch in Waldo, AR. This point of distribution was chosen to serve the company’s many customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, mississippi and texas.

1972The assets of KES Art Ironworks of Philadelphia, PA are acquired by Castle Industries. KES Art made wrought iron plant stands and ferneries for florists and gift shops.

1973Castle Industries acquires the assets of the StyrofoAm® division of International Assemblix of toledo, oH. The ohio operation is moved to Ludington, mI and becomes Customfoam Crafts. The L.A. operation continues in California also as Customfoam Crafts.

1986Lee Schoenherr purchases all shares of Customfoam Crafts.

1988Customfoam Crafts expands its product line by acquiring the assets of Blue Jay Brand Chenille of Paterson, NJ. Blue Jay Brand is the only domestically made chenille in the USA.

1990Foliage Company and Custom Crafts merge to form Floracraft Corporation located in Ludington, mI.

1994Floracraft Corporation expands to the straw product line by acquiring the straw producing assets of Straw Weavers of Haven, KS and Hawk Industries of Wisconsin to enter the straw business. In 1996, assets of both are moved to Celaya, mexico.

1996Floracraft Corporation is Dow Chemical’s oldest, largest fabricator of StyrofoAm® products in the world.

1999FloraCraft buys Dakota Chemiclay of fort Dodge, KS and moves company to join Straw Weavers in Celaya, mX.

2000FloraCraft buys buys the assets of Syndicate Sales of Kokomo, IN and moves company to Ludington.

2008FloraCraft buys the assets of the StyrofoAm® division of Smithers oasis of Waxahachie, tX and movescompany to Ludington.

1975Customfoam Crafts acquires the assets of Nesbitt Industries of Chicago and moves its operations to Ludington, mI.

1974Lee Schoenherr purchases, from Leonard Schoenherr, all stock of Foliage Company of America.

1978Customfoam Crafts acquires all assets of competitor Foam Plastics of minnesota and moves its operations to Ludington, mI.

1981Foliage Company of America expands its product line by acquiring the assets of Foam Fresh Corporation which produced a water absorbing foam for fresh flowers.

1982Foliage Company of America

acquires the assets of Ludington Plastics, a company which produced extruded foam. today this plant operates solely on raw materials reclaimed from expanded polystyrene scrap, making floracraft the only fabricator of StyrofoAm® recycling its waste materials.

Now...Floracraft remains family-owned with operating branches in England; Arkansas; Pomona, California; Celaya, Mexico; and Ludington, MI. The corporation employs approximately 200 employees.

from its humble beginnings of dyeing oak leaves, Floracraft now is keeping up-to-date with the new technology of the times. floracraft is continuing its commitment to provide customers with the tools needed to stay abreast of the changing market.

Not only is floracraft keeping up with its communications, the company also has the latest in fabrication techniques. Each day floracraft Corporation is working on new advances within the company to provide exceptional customer service inside and out.

Original Foliage Company of America truck which carried Styrofoam® logs

Original Foliage Company of America

Before the two companies merged

FloraCraft Corporation in 1996

FloraCraftCelebrates 1946 to 2014

A very popularcraft item in

1974 –the Do Do bird

1965Castle Industries acquires the assets of G.I. Borgman Company of New Castle, PA and moves its operations to Philadelphia, PA.

The Snowman –A popular craft itemfrom 1962

1946Foliage Company of Americain Ludington, mI, began preservingand dyeing natural foliages.

1961Leonard Schoenherr’s nephew,Lee Schoenherr, opensFoliage Companyof Americabranch inIronton, oH.

Floracraft was founded in 1946 as the Foliage Company of America of Ludington. The company preserved, dyed and painted Michigan natural foli-ages for sale to florists.

At the same time, another Michigan based company, the Dow Chemical Company, devel-oped STYROFOAM ™ Brand Foam.

Together, they discovered the unique properties of Styrofoam had valuable uses in floral ar-rangements. Foliage Company of America began to fabricate items from STYROFOAM* for sale to florists.

Then crafters discovered the multiple uses of genuine STY-ROFOAM* Brand Foam, and has been a part of a craft store’s staple inventory ever since.

Since then, Foliage Com-pany of America has grown to become FloraCraft Cor-poration. It remains a family-owned company, and is now the world’s largest fabricator of STYROFOAM* Brand Foam for the floral and craft industry.

Operating from its headquar-ters in Ludington, FloraCraft also has facilities in Arkansas and California with approxi-mately 200 employees.

Multiple locations and cur-rent customer service capabili-ties, including a state-of-the-art supply chain technology, allows FloraCraft to be a major global trading partner. These strengths also ensure the continued offer-ings of products, education and inspiration to compliment the current and future needs of our crafters and florists with tra-ditional and new shapes in all foams, wet and dry foams, spe-cialty foams, straw, glues, floral accessories and specialty prod-ucts.

*STYROFOAM is a Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

FloraCraft Corporation

At left and far left, STYRO-FOAM* logs are shown from 1955.

A snow-man from 1962.

Above, Foliage Company of America trucks lined up in September 1977.

Employee of 45 years Pam Cramer is pictured in an old ad from 1968 and now. She celebrated her 45 years in June 2013.


Above, Gary Smith makes STYRO-FOAM* balls in 1984 at FloraCraft.

At left is Gary Smith in December 2013 when he retired as the Director of Manufacturing Opera-tions after 45 years at the company.

45 year employees

Matt Urka started the business in Scottville in 1920 as a service sta-tion and then started selling used cars.

His first new car franchise came in 1937 when Matt started selling Nash cars.

In 1953 Matt and Bob Urka traded Nash for Chevrolet cars and trucks. They added the Buick fran-

chise in 1967. In 1976 Bob moved the dealership to its current location between Scottville and Ludington, and added the Cadillac franchise.

In 1981 the company added AMC Jeep Renault.

Currently Urka Auto Center car-ries Chevrolet and Buick and is proud to have served west Michi-gan for four generations.

5

FOUR GENERATIONS STRONGProud to be serving Mason County since 1920

with quality new and used vehicles

You can put your trust in Urka Auto Center

URKA AUTO CENTERCHEVROLET • BUICK

3736 W. US-10 (TOLL FREE) 888-462-8752 • (231) 845-6282www.urkaauto.com

106 W. Ludington Ave.231-843-1000

Year 2001 - 900 sq. ft. off to a great start!

Year 2014 - 3,000 sq. ft. ...and growing

thanks to all our loyal friends and customers

Evergreen Natural Foods

For sixty-two years, WESCO has been a large part of communities throughout West Michigan. Family owned, WESCO prides itself on being a local company striving to be the best place to work and shop in the world. Slowly growing since 1952, WESCO has expanded the chain of convenience stores to 51 locations ranging from Benzonia all the way down to Coloma, as well as three locations on the east side of Michigan.

In 1952, Bud Westgate built the Westgate Refinery Outlet out of concrete blocks and three used gas pumps, which cost him $75. The station was located inMuskegon, Michigan, across the street from where the corporate office is located today. Bud’s sons, Jerry and Jim (Jim has since retired), had a combined vision for the future opportunities of the business. Together they created decades of growth for WESCO.

In the 1980’s WESCO doubled in size by acquiring Rengo Oil, adding 15 locations to the chain of convenient stores. Among those 15 locations were the two stores in Ludington (5685 E. Ludington and 301 W. Ludington), the Scottville store (117 N. Main St.) and the two stores in Manistee (75 Cypress and 330 Parkdale). In the 1990’s, WESCO added 19 more stores by acquiring Weaver Oil.

WESCO has since expanded to include a distribution center, a bulk fuel and propane business, WESCO Energy, a bakery and six Subway locations.

Gail Bialochowski, manager at Store 23 in Ludington (5685 E. Ludington), has been with WESCO for 30 years. She originally worked at the Rengo Oil station in Scottville and continued working there during the transition to WESCO in July 1984. Bialochowski transferred to Ludington in November 1984 because they were in need of a manager. In spring of 1985, Store 23 officially opened as WESCO. In August of that same year, WESCO began opening their doors 24 hours a day.

At that time, the station was full service. The associates pumped gas for customers and even had two bays to service cars. Bialochowski recalls having many memories of how the station has changed. “The old gas pumps had to be changed individually by switching gears inside the pumps.” she said. “The very first cash register was like an adding machine with a handle crank on the side.”

WESCO has come a long way from the small cement block building in 1952. With the current 51 locations and rewards loyalty program, WESCO is committed to improving and investing into many communities throughout Michigan. WESCO knows that their customers are hard working and deserve to be rewarded. In order to achieve that reward, WESCO and the community can work hard together to improve and invest in the communities around us.

Jerry Westgate, President and CEO, says that WESCO’s best investments are investments in their employees, referring to the Education Reimbursement Program. The program is designed to help associates learn and grow to the best they can be. Westgate is excited for the future of WESCO. He says that WESCO is committed to improving and investing into our communities and associates in a combined future.

Store 23, 5685 E. Ludington, Ludington

Store 23, 5685 E. Ludington, LudingtonThe Original Westgate Refinery Outlet.

Rengo Oil, 5685 Ludington, before renevation.

Store 25, 301 W. Ludington, LudingtonStore 28, 117 N. Main, Scottville

For sixty-two years, WESCO has been a large part of communities throughout West Michigan. Family owned, WESCO prides itself on being a local company striving to be the best place to work and shop in the world. Slowly growing since 1952, WESCO has expanded the chain of convenience stores to 51 locations ranging from Benzonia all the way down to Coloma, as well as three locations on the east side of Michigan.

In 1952, Bud Westgate built the Westgate Refinery Outlet out of concrete blocks and three used gas pumps, which cost him $75. The station was located inMuskegon, Michigan, across the street from where the corporate office is located today. Bud’s sons, Jerry and Jim (Jim has since retired), had a combined vision for the future opportunities of the business. Together they created decades of growth for WESCO.

In the 1980’s WESCO doubled in size by acquiring Rengo Oil, adding 15 locations to the chain of convenient stores. Among those 15 locations were the two stores in Ludington (5685 E. Ludington and 301 W. Ludington), the Scottville store (117 N. Main St.) and the two stores in Manistee (75 Cypress and 330 Parkdale). In the 1990’s, WESCO added 19 more stores by acquiring Weaver Oil.

WESCO has since expanded to include a distribution center, a bulk fuel and propane business, WESCO Energy, a bakery and six Subway locations.

Gail Bialochowski, manager at Store 23 in Ludington (5685 E. Ludington), has been with WESCO for 30 years. She originally worked at the Rengo Oil station in Scottville and continued working there during the transition to WESCO in July 1984. Bialochowski transferred to Ludington in November 1984 because they were in need of a manager. In spring of 1985, Store 23 officially opened as WESCO. In August of that same year, WESCO began opening their doors 24 hours a day.

At that time, the station was full service. The associates pumped gas for customers and even had two bays to service cars. Bialochowski recalls having many memories of how the station has changed. “The old gas pumps had to be changed individually by switching gears inside the pumps.” she said. “The very first cash register was like an adding machine with a handle crank on the side.”

WESCO has come a long way from the small cement block building in 1952. With the current 51 locations and rewards loyalty program, WESCO is committed to improving and investing into many communities throughout Michigan. WESCO knows that their customers are hard working and deserve to be rewarded. In order to achieve that reward, WESCO and the community can work hard together to improve and invest in the communities around us.

Jerry Westgate, President and CEO, says that WESCO’s best investments are investments in their employees, referring to the Education Reimbursement Program. The program is designed to help associates learn and grow to the best they can be. Westgate is excited for the future of WESCO. He says that WESCO is committed to improving and investing into our communities and associates in a combined future.

Store 23, 5685 E. Ludington, Ludington

Store 23, 5685 E. Ludington, LudingtonThe Original Westgate Refinery Outlet.

Rengo Oil, 5685 Ludington, before renevation.

Store 25, 301 W. Ludington, LudingtonStore 28, 117 N. Main, Scottville

Urka Auto Center

A customer

takes his new

Buick keys from Bob Urka

in 1967.

The Evergreen Natural Foods Market has a long history in Luding-ton. This history actually goes all the way back to 1973 when Linda and Aldon Maleckas pioneered The Gra-nary, the first natural foods market in Ludington. The store was located on South James Street. In the late 1980s Margaret Ashton became the second owner of The Granary until its doors closed in 2001.

Marsha and Ron Maluchnik, knowing there was a need to keep a store going, opened The Evergreen Natural Foods Market in May 2001. It seemed like a natural fit with Mar-sha’s 20 years experience and Ron’s enthusiasm.

The Evergreen was located across from House of Flavors and thrived there until 2003. At that time The Evergreen moved to its present downtown location on Ludington Avenue.

The move to a larger space pro-vided the opportunity to expand the products and service the store offers.

“We love being downtown,” Mar-sha said. “The customer support has been tremendous and we thank them.”

It is now 2014 and The Ever-green continues to respond to the needs of its customers. The store has expanded in all directions. You will find more gluten-free products and a beautiful fresh organic pro-duce department. There is a wall of teas and lots of coolers and freezers packed with healthy choices. You can also shop for trusted brands of supplements and depend on the knowledgeable staff and personal service.

The Evergreen’s shopping experi-ence would not be complete with-out enjoying a peek at the fairtrade gifts, clothing and jewelry. If you need a special shampoo or soap you will probably find it there.

Marsha said, “Thanks to our great customers The Evergreen will con-tinue its service to the community for many years to come.”


6

Midas Auto Service ExpertsJohn and Dolores Gillies opened an automo-tive service store (building rented in Giant Plaza) in Ludington April 1, 1971. Appliances and television were in the showroom to sell. Chris Gillies (Boerema) became office man-ager and John Gillies III store manager.In 1984 property was purchased across the street. The parking lot and building were not maintained as required in the lease. The new place required all kinds of work. Equipment, inventory, etc. were moved from the old to the new location.

The Midas franchise was added to serve cus-tomers locally and offer nationwide service as they travel, with fast quality service. At the same time, they added the 10 minute oil change franchise.

The Midas store in Manistee was purchased and a new 52 by 45 foot building was add-ed for 10-minute oil service.

The stores were sold to John Gillies III from John and Dolores Gillies.

A 3600 square foot upstairs was added to the Ludington Midas store.

John Gillies IV advanced to store manager of Ludington Midas store.

1971-1984

1987

1997

1999

2002

2010

Local involvementJohn III in 2000 was Midas dealer of the

year. Previously the store was awarded Rook-ie of the Year and Pride of Midas. Locally, John serves as a church elder and with his wife, Tracy, serve as youth group leaders. John, Tracey and John the IV are very ac-tive heading the Mounted Division of Mason County Sheriff’s Department.

Midas Auto Service Experts • 5797 U.S. 10, Ludington • (231) 845-0392


7

WINERY

www.douglasvalley.net5375 Douglas Valley Drive, Manistee

231.887.3333

2046 E. US 10, Custer757-2806

www.johnsonscarsales.com

The Name You’ve Trustedfor over 50 Years!



Johnson’s Auto Body was formed by George Johnson in 1956 and is still family-owned. The business has been at the same location at 2046 U.S. 10, in Custer since opening.

Over the years, the business has seen a lot of changes includ-ing new metals, paints and re-finishing materials. The staff at Johnson’s Auto Body has stayed on top of the changes in the in-dustry, something they pride themselves on, and have received continuing education to learn about the new materials. Cus-tomers, as well, have much more knowledge about vehicles.

Most important to the staff at Johnson’s is “seeing the joy on the client’s face when they get their car back.” They like to sat-

isfy their clients as best they can and “aim to please.”

Mike says as the time changes, some of the custmers have not. “We have one customer that I remember 45 years ago that just bought a truck from us.”

Sheila said she remembers a story from her grandpa George, “There was a man walking down the highway carrying his be-longings in a black plastic trash bag who appeared to be home-less. He walked onto the lot and asked to try out a car. Grandpa George let him and he came back from the test drive, pulled out a big roll of money and bought the car.”

Mike is happy Sheila is con-tinuing the family tradition of the business.

Johnson’s Car Sales & Body Shop

Lundquist Furniture is a family owned business that was founded in 1940 by Carl Lundquist. Betty Lundquist owned and operated the store from 1964 to 1980 when her son Brian purchased the business. Our store has grown from 3,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft. over the past 20 years. The entire interior of the store has been redone, and we have added both England and Flexsteel Galler-ies. This has enabled us to greatly increase the quantity of inventory we can display. We have also added our True Sleep Mattress Center and our latest addition is Lunk’s Kidz Zone. Lunk’s Kidz Zone showcases some of the youth bedroom furni-ture we carry for our younger cus-tomers.

We have been in business for over 70 years, at times having to make difficult decisions when dealing with a struggling economy. Brian says that over the years he has had great help in building the business. He has always had the support of family, even working the kids at the store as needed. Sheryl still works on an as needed basis, Tyler gradu-ated from Michigan State school of law and works for Western Land Service, Inc. near the Pittsburg area, and Trent is now at the store full time. Brian said he would be remiss at not mentioning the sup-port of staff, current and past. This would include the late Don Rankin, Rory Fend and Betty Lundquist, and retired employees Don Lun-dquist, Tim Lemire and Rita John-son.

Brian said it is extremely reward-ing seeing ideas he has had for the store come to fruition. Living and working in our community is an honor and as a business in this com-munity Lundquist’s Furniture is proud and committed to be able to give back. As such we are mem-bers of or donate to many differ-ent organizations and needs that arise. Brian is proud to be able to pass the store on to the next genera-tion of Lundquist’s. He says that we do everything in our power to help the customer have a great shopping experience, because our store would not be what it is today without them.

One of our main challenges today is how to reach this new generation of millennials. Millennials, some-times referred to as Generation Y, are individuals born after 1980 and before the early 2000s and make up this young but influential demo-graphic who shop in an entirely dif-ferent manner. Studies show that nearly half of consumers, especially millennials, use a combination of online search and social media feed-back to fuel their purchasing deci-sions and 91% have gone into stores because of online promotions. The important and sometimes difficult task is to maintain a balance in the way we communicate between this young and upcoming customer and our current loyal customers that have relied on us for years.

In response to this, we have in-creased our online and social media presence, almost everything we carry can be viewed on our website, www.

lundquistfurniture.com. We now advertise on Google as well as TV, radio and newspaper. We encour-age our customers to leave reviews of their experience in our store. Con-necting with us on Facebook will keep customers up on the current and upcoming trends and specials, but is also a way of letting us know if they like what they are seeing in our store or would like to see in in our store. Reviews of your shopping ex-perience can be left on our website, Facebook or Yelp.

Trent Lundquist, Brian’s son, start-ed working at the store in 2012 and will be running the business when Brian retires. He will be the third generation of Lundquists to proudly operate the furniture store since it was started by his grandfather in 1940. Trent attended GRCC and played football until he started class-es at the Motorcycle Mechanic Insti-tute in Phoenix Arizona. After fin-ishing the 18 month course he moved to San Antonio, Texas and worked as a technician and in part sales at Cali-ente Harley Davison for almost two years. When asked what his future plans are for the business, Trent said that there is always room to grow. Not only in sales but in learning about what his generation is looking for in furniture and how to become more effective in the quality of cus-tomer service. Brian will not be re-tiring for some time yet, but as Trent takes on more of a management role in the business Brian will be able to spend more time away knowing that the store is in good hands.

Lundquist Furniture

Douglas Valley WineryFor most of the last century, the Co-

hodas Farm and later Lakeview Or-chards was a showcase farm in the county and in the state.

With its close proximity to Lake Michigan and high relative elevations (up to 900 feet above sea level in places), the farm was perfect for fruit produc-tion. Given these perfect conditions, a wide variety of fruits were grown since the early 1900s.

Most people in the area have some experience picking the cherries, apples, peaches, plums, raspberries and other fruits and vegetables that came from the orchards and fields. In 2005, Cliff Boomer, fruit grower, real estate devel-oper and Founder of Douglas Valley Vineyard Community, began exploring the viability of buying and renovating the farm.

After making the decision to purchase the property, Cliff wasn’t sure what to do with it, but the land was so special he knew he had to purcahse it. Based on this decision they set out to develop a new plan to keep the property as a farm while adding components that will en-

hance economic viability. Douglas Valley will emphasize the

terroir–the “place” in wine language–the land and weather that character-ize the fruit grown here. Clean Lake Michigan air, vigorous winters and warm summers not only add charm and diversity to the living environment, but richness to the soil–and of course the wine.

Many of the vines and trees selected for growth, were the same grown on the land 100 years ago. Sustainable, green building will also be a key feature in the real estate development and plan-ning of this community.

Douglas Valley Winery harvests cherries, blueberries, apples and wine grapes. During harvesting months we have a Farm Market overflowing with local vegetables including tomatoes, green beans, onions, peppers, zucchini, squash, fresh herbs and beautiful flow-ers.

They now also have a tasting room with hard cider, wine, live music, events throughout the year, weddings, you pick apples, and hayrides.

From left the Lundquist family, Tyler, Brian, Sheryl and Trent.Brian and his mother Betty Lundquist. Brian and his son Trent.

1940-2014


8

Our Commitment First Class Service. Every Guest. Every Day.

The traditions of Shepler’s are clear and evident: give the best possible service with a smile, use modern equipment, and employ a well trained staff. From the early charter boat days to the present time, Shepler’s approach to transporting people to Mackinac Island has been one of class and value. The Island, rich in national history and natural beauty, is one area that provides guests a unique experience not found in other areas of the United States. Traditionally, half the fun of a Mackinac Island experience is a ride with Shepler’s.

556 E. Central Ave., Mackinaw City

1-800-828-6157sheplersferry.com

Shepler’s FerryIn the spring of 1945, Captain William H.

Shepler returned to Mackinaw (his birth place) and realized the potential of the area, specifically transporting people to and from the Island. His dream, however, was to pro-vide a fast, efficient, and modern type of service that he felt was half of the Mackinac experience.

He started small by opening a snack bar for people waiting for the ferry. He soon discovered a need for a charter service for island guests. It was Captain’s instinct right from the start to do it right and with class. His charter service soon began to flourish and, with an opportunity to buy out a com-petitor, he was able to have a second boat with his son Bill Jr. as pilot. These two high class speed boats were named “Miss Penny” after Captain’s daughter, and “The Fiji,” after Bill Jr.’s fraternity.

With the ending of World War II in 1945, the passenger traffic to the Island began to increase and it soon became evident that he needed a larger boat with an enclosed cabi-nfor heavy weather. In the winter of 1950,

he built a 30 foot cabin cruiser with twin gas engines for speed and safety. This small yacht carried 24 passengers and was a huge step for the Shepler family. The vessel was christened the “Miss Margie” after Cap-tain’s wife, Margaret.

The construction of the Mackinac Bridge began in early 1954. The idea of taking tourists for a sightseeing cruise out to the bridge construction site soon became a popular event and necessitated the con-struction of a second high speed cruiser which was christened the “Billy Dick” after Captain’s son. The bridge was completed in November of 1957 with the formal open-ing in June of 1958. This turn of events had tremendous impact on the Shepler busi-ness. The bridge cruise business dropped off as tourists could either drive or take a bus across the bridge.

A few years later, Shepler’s was fortu-nate to be able to purchase a piece of beach frontage on the Island where a small dock was soon constructed. A larger vessel was required to give all-weather capability plus

needed additional seating. In 1966, “Mein Kapitan” arrived at the Shepler dock, ready to carry 120 passengers to the Island, but the vessel’s design, weight, and horsepower would not provide the desired speed.

In 1969, “The Welcome” was built with the desired capacity and speed. Shepler’s still uses this vessel in St. Ignace on regu-larly scheduled departures. She was the start of a new concept in high-speed, mod-ern passenger transportation not only for the Straits area, but for the Great Lakes.

Throughout the years, Shepler’s has un-dergone several major renovations of the docks and facilities in Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and on Mackinac Island. They also have added a successful freight service, all the while adhering to the high standards of quality service that has become known throughout the industry worldwide.

In May of 1988, Capt. William H. Shepler died. He was followed in death by his wife Margaret in October of 2004. His son, Wil-liam R., has taken the helm with the help of his three children, Chris, Patty, and Billy.


9

We have beenserving our members

for over 50 Years

What started as an office in the American Box Board

Company is now a full service financial institution.

Main Office1117 28th St. P.O. Box 375Manistee MI 49660

231-723-3400

Parkdale Branch1778 Kemmer Rd. P.O. Box 375Manistee MI 49660

231-398-0431

Doing it Best Since 1914!

Started as a livery stable three generations ago, by John Wahr, we are dedicated to fully assisted sales by a competent staff.

Mon.-Sat: 8:00AM to 5:30PM; Sunday: 11:00AM to 4:00PM 231-723-8335 87 Division St., Manistee

Wahr Hardware

Lots of stories go along with 100 years of retail in a small town.

John Wahr moved from Free Soil in 1913 and purchase the Central Hotel at the corner of Clay and Division next to a liv-ery stable. John’s wife appar-ently hated the hotel business and in 1914 John Wahr went into partnership with John Meyers to purchase and run the livery stable under the name “Meyer & Wahr.”

As the need for stables de-creased the store sold more farm implements and hardware. During the Great Depression, it was common for folks to trade produce for goods, nails and for chickens. Both John Mey-er’s sons and John Wahr’s sons came to work at the store in the 30s with some unfortunate in-fighting.

During the late ‘30s John’s son Barney introduced home appliances into the mix.

Frank, his other son, put the store into the propane gas busi-ness.

During World War II all hardware items were in short supply and rationed and that made business very difficult. Some of the goods for the store were shipped by rail and some by boat as there was a large

hardware supplier (Pritzlapff’s) in Milwaukee. Also a rope sup-plier (Rauschenberger) that lasted into the ‘90s. Loads of nails and fence and bailing wire came in by the car load.

In the early ‘50s John Wahr brought out John Meyer and in 1954, with a new storefront, it became “Wahr Hardware.” It was “Meyer & Wahr” so long that some checks are still writ-ten that way. In the ‘60s the bookkeeper, Margaret Dorefelt, decided to promote a small gift area which grew and grew.

By 1975 Don came back to take over from his father Bar-ney. The farm implements were gone but there were still mow-ers and chain saws and snow-blowers, refrigerators and mi-crowaves until the late 80s.

During the ‘80s and ‘90s the gift shop under the direction of Peggy Soper became regional Christmas store. Wahr Hard-ware has been computerized since the 1980s, one of the first hardware stores in Northern Michigan. It now conducts lots of business on the website.

Go to Wahr.doitbest.com where you can shop for hard-ware 24/7 and not pay freight. Going strong, looking modern, but still hometown 100 years later.

Filer Credit Union was found-ed in 1951 by workers of the American Box Board Company, currently Packaging Corporation of America, and is owned by its 8000+ member/shareholders.

It first operated out of a shoe box in one of the offices and later moved to a home in Filer City and then across the street to the current site of TES/CMS En-ergy.

As membership expanded, the Main Office was built and relocated to 28th St. in Manistee where it underwent two expan-sions in 2000 and 2010. The Parkdale Office, located at US 31 and Kemmer Rd., was construct-ed to serve members living in the Onekama, Bear Lake, Kaleva, Brethren and Wellston areas.

Expanding membership to in-clude anyone who lives, works or worships in Manistee or Mason County was one of the biggest changes for Filer as it brought significant growth to the credit union.

Knowing members by name and going that extra mile to help serve their needs while saving them money on loans and fees is a top priority for the organiza-tion.

Filer Credit Union has a wide variety of electronic products including online, mobile and text banking, e-statements and bill payer. Mortgages, home equity, VISA, vehicle and first time bor-rower are just a few of the loan products they offer at competi-tive rates.

Filer is also part of the Xtend Shared Branching network which allows its members access to over 190 credit union branches all over Michigan and Northern Indiana. If a member is visiting another city or relocating, their Filer account access follows them to those Shared Branch loca-tions.

For more information visit

them on Facebook or filercu.com.

Filer Credit Union


The Ludington and Scottville Area Cham-ber of Commerce is 85 years old this year. Over those 85 years our mission has stayed the same. In the 1940s it was “assisting the community and the greatest number of its residents whether they are business interests or otherwise.” In the 1960s, it was “to make Ludington the best possible home for those residing within its borders and foster for the city, a healthy growth in industry, business and civic improvement.”

Today, our mission statement is “to pro-mote economic growth and prosperity for our members and the community.” Our fo-cus continues to be on helping our business-es and community thrive in any way we can.

Over the past 85 years the Chamber has worked to see the community through many changes. In the early years, the major indus-tries were lumbering and mineral resources.

The focus locally was on acquiring land for the establishment of the Ludington State Park, creation of the Manistee National For-est, Lincoln Lake Sanctuary for Wild Fowl & Memorial Tree Park, as well as build-ing of the post office, bridges and high-

ways. Organizations were established like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Fin & Feather Club, and Mason County Tourist & Resort Association. In 1936 the first West Michi-gan Fair was held at the fairgrounds. New industry and manufacturing plants moved

here or opened. The carferry fleet continued to grow, rail service thrived, and city bus ser-vice began.

The Chamber was not responsible for all of these activities and projects but very few took place without the assistance of the Chamber. In fact, many of the results obtained were a direct result of Chamber activities and efforts on the part of Cham-ber members to bring about specific re-sults. (Taken from a document created by Lawrence Lind, Chamber Manager in the 1950s.)

In more recent years we’ve been a part of helping our community through the growth of our tourism industry and the seasonal in-flux of tourists who come here to enjoy our natural resources. Service industries and businesses have been established and motels and hotels built, all to supply the needs of these seasonal residents.

Through this shift in focus the Chamber continues to play a vital role in creating and promoting a climate where our local busi-nesses can operate in a productive and prof-itable manner.

10

Your FavoriteCorner StoreWe’ve got the corner on...

HAMLIN GROCERY3611 N. Jebavy, Ludington 843-2058 www.hamlingrocery.com

OPEN DAILY 6 AM TO 10 PM

OUR continuing goal is to provide our customers with themost delicious locally grown organic & farm fresh produce,

homemade jams, fruit toppings, maple syrup, honey,and more!! Free wine tasting 1-5 pm daily.

Must be 21. Picture ID required. TIPS Certified.

HAMLIN NORTHLocal Fresh and Organic Produce

We also have a large aray of Michigan made productslike salsa, maple syrup, honey and more.

They are perfect for gift baskets. Just Arrived!All NewHamlin

Lake Apparel

RV PROPANE

FILL STATIONFilling Daily10 AM-6 PMRV, 20# to100# Tanks

Call Vaughnfor RVor 100#

Tank Fills

Hosting an in-home WineTasting Party isan ideal way tospice up anafternoon orevening withyour family, friends or colleagues. Experience a variety of wines, a tasting lesson, complete with tasting notes and food pairingsuggestions, just like world-famous wineries and vineyards. It’s easy, fun and informative!

Vaughn & Sheila, Wine Consultantsand Tasting Party Coordinators

Book Your

Party Today!

Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce

Hamlin GroceryHamlin Grocery was founded in 1947

by proprietors William and Clarabelle Marble. It opened as a general store, with a meat counter, and they also sold beer and wine.

Around 1949-1950 a barber shop, apartments, and an above ground gas pump were added just to the north of the store. The Marbles owned and maintained the store until the early ‘50s when it was ultimately sold.

The store has had various owners over the years, but always remained at its current location of 3611 N. Jebavy. Growing up I would go to Hamlin Grocery for treats as many young chil-dren continue to do so today. A friendly neighborhood store just six miles away from downtown.

After living in Florida for over four years, I returned to Ludington in 1998 and purchased Hamlin Grocery. I have had many challenges over the last 16 years. I have achieved many goals and more are still in the developmen-tal dream stage. I encounter obstacles and face new challenges everyday but I have chosen to look at both in a more positive way.... making the store into the great place that it has become and me proud of owning it.

My customer base has changed over the years, as has the neighborhood. Families grow up and move out as new families move in. Hamlin Lake is also a great summer destination. We see many of the same families visiting from year to year, how wonderful to reminisce about the early years. I am most thank-ful, however, for my “locals;” they are my “Hamlin family.” They are the ones who keep my doors open year-round.

We offer a wide variety of goods at Hamlin Grocery, adding something new to the inventory each season. Our deli offers many homemade salads as

well as daily lunch specials. We carry a beautiful selection of Hamlin Lake ap-parel that keeps you in style and warm on the cold nights. Our liquor selection is second to none with one of the largest top shelf Scotch and Tequila selections. We pride ourselves in our vast wine col-lection. We offer over 500 wines which includes Michigan wines, wines from around the world and boutique wines. We also have a large selection of hand craft beers. Hamlin Grocery’s specialty gift baskets is an area that has taken on a life of its own. Christmas, Valentines Day, and Easter are our busiest times for making baskets; however, Sheila customizes baskets for any occasion year-round. Be sure to ask about our “Michigan Basket!” Local delivery is available and we offer domestic and in-ternational (FedEx) shipping.

Memorial weekend will be our fourth season for opening Hamlin “North.” Hamlin “North” features local farm fresh and organic produce along with a large selection of other local and Mich-igan-made products. Sheila offers the best in hand select fresh produce dur-ing the summer months. Frozen yogurt and homemade pies are also a favor-ite at Hamlin “North.” Free wine and beer sampling is available at Hamlin “North” from 1-5 daily for the summer season.

We hope you will stop into Hamlin Grocery often as some of our prod-ucts change with the seasons. We have many fun and exciting things planned for the future which you will need to stay tuned. All of us here at Hamlin Grocery look forward to seeing the many friendly faces that have shopped our store for years, as well as all the new faces in the years to come!

— Vaughn, Proprietor Sheila, Manager and the staff at Hamlin Grocer

Generated by CamScanner

85 years of focusing on business and community


11

Four Generations

ProudlyProviding

Quality Sign and Crane Work for

Over65 Years

(888) 219-6301

Safety DecalsSafety Decals,

formerly Tye’s Signs, has changed a lot over the 65 years it has been in business.

It was founded by Marion Tykoski 65 years ago and was located in Manist-ee. Current owner Nick Tykoski is a third-generation owner.

The company has transitioned from neon signs and hand painted signs, to second generation crane work, elec-tric signs and more modern signage, and the third gen-eration has added decals, metal plating and machinery and t-shirts.

Tykoski said the customer base for the company has moved from local to regional customers in the second gen-eration, to national and international customers in the third generation.

They said busi-ness has become more global and diversification of the products has increased. They said the challenges in production and streamlining pro-duction are always a concern during growth.A crane from Tye’s Neon Signs is pictured here from. The company has changed a lot over the generations.


12

Full-service moving and storageProfessional local and statewide moving

Packing services availableSecured inside storage – record and household

Short-term and long-term storage

A locally owned and operated business that proudly serves Ludington and throughout Michigan

231.843.8970

Keeping YourFamily Warm

SINCE 1961

Keeping your familywarm is our top priority.We wish to express aheartfelt thank you to all our loyal customers forthe past 53 years. We are grateful for yourbusiness and lookforward to serving your home heating needs.

Reliable Fuel Delivery • Prompt InstallationTrained Professionals • Flexible Payment Options

24 Hour Emergency Service

The Only Locally Owned and OperatedLP Gas Distributor

958 N. US 31, Scottville, MI 231-757-3775Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Closed Sat. & Sun.

When Only The Best Will Do! Since

1894

FLORIST78 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington 425-4133

www.beadsandbloomsflorist.comShirley & Colton GregoryCarrying on the family tradition

From a very tiny place we made our start. Just as from the seed the plant grew and finally blossomed into a lovely flower.

We furnish these flowers for all occasions, whether they be sad or glad.

Through these years of service our clientel has grown and if into their lives we have brought satisfaction and happiness through our flowers, we are thankful. We are proud to have been part of the growth of Ludington.

Flowers speak louder than words.

SCOTTVILLE — Don Ziehm got his start in the propane industry when purchasing the 100-pound cylinder delivery business from Briggs Hardware.

Ziehm LP Gas was originally locat-ed in the building across from Wesco in downtown Scottville. In addition to delivering 100-pound cylinders, the main focus was the sales of household appliances including washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators and heaters.

A year or so after starting his busi-ness, Don expanded into the bulk de-livery of propane for the larger tanks you see at homes and businesses. The tanks range in size from 120 gallons to 1,000 gallons.

The business grew in a few years and it moved to a larger location and the office on U.S. 31 was built.

Since opening the Scottville location, Don also opened offices in Bear Lake, Clare, Irons, Gladwin, Evart and soon will open an office in Cadillac.

A family businessAll of Don’s daughters became active

in the business.Connie manages the Bear Lake lo-

cation, Kathy managed the Scottville location until her passing in June 1995, and Tami took over the Scottville loca-tion a few years after Kathy’s passing.

Ziehm’s takes pride in being one of the last remaining family-owned busi-nesses in the propane industry.

Current focusThe company’s main focus is on pro-

viding propane to homes and business-es. It does, however, also sell heaters and parts.

All the employees at the Scottville location are trained and certified in various classes offered by the Michigan Propane Gas Association.

In addition to propane delivery, the company also fills portable cylinders and RVs at its fill station.

Propane is safeIt is combustible, but at a narrow

range involving air saturation and tem-perature.

Propane will not ignite in the air un-less the ignition source reaches 940 de-grees and the mixture of propane in the air must be between 2.2 percent and 9.6 percent.

Also, while propane is a liquid, it can only escape as a gas.

Customer serviceZiehm’s strives to provide customer

service with a personal touch.The company is also active in sup-

porting various community events and organizations such as FiveCAP’s Walk For Warmth, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Coats For Kids, Manistee’s National Guard troop and Mason County Central Schools.

Clean-burning fuelPropane is one of the cleanest burn-

ing fossil fuels. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, propane emits 30 percent to 90 percent less carbon monoxide and 50 percent fewer toxins and smog-creating emis-sions than gasoline.

It is also considered a primary en-ergy source, which is what the EPA calls a naturally occurring fuel that converts directly to energy. By con-trast, electricity is a secondary ener-gy source, no matter how it’s created, and so requires more input per BTU.

Converting from electricity to pro-pane will reduce a family’s emissions. It is one of the cleanest-burning fuels on the planet.

Selecting a dealerThere will be some variance in

price between dealers and it pays to shop around if you’re a new custom-er and even established customers should keep an eye on prices to make sure their business is not being taken for granted.

But people should not base their choice of vendor only on the basis of a few pennies per gallon.

Before choosing a supplier, people should ask other customers if they are happy with their suppliers and ask for recommendations.

Can a supplier respond quickly to emergency requests for tank refills?

Does the company have clean, well-maintained vehicles and equipment?

Are they friendly?Service counts a lot when the price

doesn’t vary much between suppli-ers and people shouldn’t feel guilty about choosing a supplier who will make them happier.

Ziehm LP Gas

Beads and Blooms

Wm. Gregory and Son Florists was inaugurated in 1894 in Ludington by William Gregory, the great-great grandfather of the current owner of the company, now Beads and Blooms, Shirley Gregory.

Beads and Blooms is a sixth-gen-eration owned company with one of the biggest changes over the years being the location. Shirley Gregory said Beads and Blooms is “still of-fering the best in service and prod-uct, when only the best will do. Flowers speak louder than words.”

Shirley said the most satisfying thing about running the business is bringing beauty and joy to people’s lives. She said one of her favorite stories about the business was the forming of it by William Gregory in 1894 and all of the history involved.

Shirley says in order to be suc-cessful, “you have to go the extra mile for customers.”

The staff of Beads and Blooms offers a lifetime of experience by growing up in the florist industry.

Shirley’s son is involved in the company and the vision is that he will keep the family company going for another generation.

History

When the company was Wm. Gregory and Son Florists, it was a 6,600 square foot business of glass greenhouses, the largest grower in North America.

The business was located where Spectrum Health Ludington Hospi-tal is today.

Larson Moving & Storage, Inc.

What is now Larson Moving & Stor-age, Inc. was started by Emil Larson in the 1920s.

The current location is 63 S. Jebavy Dr. and prior to this location, it was located at 109 S. Robert St., which is the current location of the Ludington Fire Department.

The current president is Kyle Lar-son. He is the fourth generation, suc-ceeding his father Jeffrey Larson, who succeeded Otto Larson, who succeeded Emil Larson.

Larson Moving & Storage, Inc., still offers many of the same great ser-vices to Ludington and the surround-ing areas that it has for generations. They still offer local moving, pack-ing, premium storage and state wide moving. Moving within Michigan over 40 miles is regulated by the state of Michigan. This requires special licensing with set rules and rates that

must be followed. Larson Moving & Storage Inc., holds all such licenses and insurance.

Larson Moving & Storage, Inc., is proud to be a family-owned and operated business located in Luding-ton. They also serve the surrounding countries and will pick up or deliver anywhere within Michigan. They will do everything from an entire pack and load going 130 miles or as simple as moving a couch from one room to another.

They also have individual inside storage units. This is premium stor-age located within their warehouse. If you find yourself between homes or planning a remodel, Larson Moving & Storage, Inc. will be able to prepare and transport your goods to their fa-cility, store the goods for any length of time, and then deliver goods when needed.


13

Serving Area Communities

FOR OVER 100 YEARS

Smith & EddYinSuRAncE

www.smith-eddy.com

119 S. Rath Ave., Ludington • 845-14811554 US-31 South, Manistee • 723-3500

201 S. Main St., Scottville • 757-4743

For you, your familyand business

Insurance

WE AREON THE MOVE

Proud to be serving

you with quality

antiques for 29 years.

Stop in and see our new store!

120 N. MAIN ST., SCOTTVILLE(231) 936-1123

Now OpenAt Our New

Locationin Scottville

The Only Broker Serving the Mason County Area Continuallyfor the Last 43 Years

Let our Experience Work for You!

Doug231-510-9838 231-499-4651

Rich231-690-6724

Pam231-510-6259

Scott

Our Wordis as

Good as

Sold!

Cole’s Antiques VillaJerry started refinishing furniture

at 322 W. Ludington Ave. in 1985 and Sally opened the first antiques mall in town at that location when the rest of the building was mostly empty. A few of the original dealers are still involved with their business.

The mall increased in size over the first 13 years and then it was expanded to 4,800 sq. ft. in 2000. Some dealer fluctuation has occurred over the years which kept the inventory ever chang-ing and interesting. Collecting habits change with popularity and decorating suggestions ever present in daily life. Owners said changes that come along, keeep displays fresh and inspiring to browsers.

Their clientele has remained strong even with the economy challenging purchasing power. “We just tweaked pricing, ran storewide sales and ramped up our services as we gave our customers lots of reasons to come in our doors.”

The demands of running a retail business have been a great responsibil-

ity. It was always important to be open long hours seasonably to accommo-date the summer tourists who counted on passing time browsing the aisles at Cole’s. And then “the merchandise.” Their trusted antiques dealers have al-ways been searching endlessly for the popular trends of collecting, the unusu-al, useful, playful and decorative items. Condition is critical. Some antique items are expected to be flawed, others need to be perfect. The quest has been ever pres-ent and always will be for those dealers who choose to keep mainstream with their selling. The dedicated dealers at Cole’s Antiques Villa have been just this way and some will continue to keep the vigil as they move to Scottville with Sally and Jerry.

After all these years, downsizing is a tall order but the end result is going to be worth it. The faithful clientele of Cole’s Antiques Villa will continue to enjoy browsing at its best and will find the quality antiques they’ve been accus-tomed to over the years.

— Sally Cole

Doug Shoup began as a Real Estate Broker for the Mason County area in 1971, and remains the only broker who has continually served since that time.

When he began his career in real es-tate, there was no technology or conve-nience such as fax and copy machines, corrective tape for typewriters, internet, computers, cell phones, etc., to assist in the efficiency of Realtors and Brokers. The multiple listing system was not yet in place and thus no cross communica-tion or working between area brokers. The business faced many limitations.

In 1981 Doug, following the purchase of the building on the corner of Luding-ton Avenue and Washington Street, he also purchased 607 E. Ludington Ave., and began combining the two pieces of property, for a lot covering half of a city block. During this time the economy was experiencing a deep recession of which Coolman-Anderson Realty was one of just a few surviving companies.

Doug’s involvement through the years as an instructor at U of M Real Estate Education Department and the Michi-

gan Association of Realtors allowed him to assist in pioneering and promot-ing many of the new technologies and systems currently used today in the real estate broker business. He also served as director at the state level for the Michigan Association of Realtors for 17 years.

The biggest changes to be seen through the years have been the value of acreage and lake front properties as well as historic homes.

Doug’s excitement for real-estate has continued to grow due to the nature of just “loving the business.” He says that his main goal is to help buyers who are interested in buying and sellers that are interested in selling.

“When you combine those basic needs and bring everyone together, you can help create success for all parties in-volved, and that is satisfying work.”

Coolman-Anderson has been pleased to serve you for the last 43 years, and we look forward to continuing for many more to come. Let our experience work for you!

Coolman-Anderson Realty

The history of Smith & Eddy Insur-ance can be traced back to 1902 when it was known as McPhail and Cole Agency.

The agency has a total of 22 employ-ees currently with more than 400 years of experience.

- In 1930, Mr. I.J. Eddy joined the agency as its manager.

- In June 1946 Major Robert J Smith returned from duty in World War II and opened the Smith Insur-ance Agency.

- In 1949 McPhail & Cole Agency merged with Smith Insurance Agency and became Smith & Eddy Insurance.

- In 1957 Mr. Eddy retired andRob-ert J. Smith promised him that his name would remain. Mr. Eddy passed away in 1978 at the age of 96, however his name remains “on the shingle.”

- Robert A Smith joined his Father’s agency in 1974 and purchased the agency in 1976.

- In 1994 Bob expanded from the Sears building to their current loca-tion at 119 S. Rath Ave. in Ludington was purchased.

- In 2000 Smith & Eddy expanded again to Manistee at their current

location on South U.S. 31.

- In Novem-ber 2010, the office merged the Sny-der Insur-ance Agency into Smith & Eddy.

- In Febru-ary 2011, Vil-ladsen Agency offices in Lud-

ington & Scottville merged into Smith & Eddy, a merger that was in the talks back in the 1980s. The merger made Smith and Eddy one of the largest in-surance agencies in West Michigan. The business owners felt a combina-tion would provide customers with more products and better service as the industry expands and becomes more complicated.

- Prior to Bob’s unexpected passing in October of 2013, the key compo-nents were already in place to carry the business well into the future.

Smith & Eddy Insurance

R.J. Smith Sr.

Owners Patty and the late Robert Smith.


14

Not a Safe Harbor Member? We can Solve that!YOUR Success is OUR Success • We Belong to you1200 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington • 231/843.2323

www.safeharborcu.org

Dow Credit Union was founded in 1952 and operated from the Dow Chemical clock room until opening their first official office in 1980 located on the grounds of Dow Chemical.

In 2000 the name was changed to Safe Harbor Credit Union & a ground breaking

ceremony took place at their new location

at the corner of Tinkham and Nelson

roads.

Now with an expansion completed in 2011 to 7,000 sf, the 16 person staff carries on the

institution's 62 year history.

Serving Mason County for Over 60 Years!

Safe Harbor Credit Union

Early in 1952, Joe Clark, a Millwright at Dow Chemical Company of Luding-ton, became interested in the idea of a credit union. The Midland Dow Chemi-cal Plant was successfully operating a credit union, so why not in Ludington? Joe contacted the directors of the Mid-land credit union to find out how they got started. After talking to the direc-tors there, he was even more excited. Joe saw a means for the employees of Dow Ludington to help each other to save, borrow and prosper. He then contacted the Credit Union National Association and requested all available information on the mechanics of a cred-it union, including its organization.

After carefully reviewing the infor-mation provided by CUNA, Joe ap-proached the plant manager, Louie Carmouche, with the hopes of approval and assistance in starting a credit union within the plant. Here again the idea was considered good and it was turned over to the Dow Activities Committee, then headed by Russ Sauers.

Soon considerable enthusiasm gener-ated throughout the plant. The interest and enthusiasm got the attention of the personnel manager, Jim Coates, who arranged a meeting with Mr. Marble of the Credit Union League. All employ-ees of the Ludington plant were invited to attend the meeting to hear what a credit union could offer them and how it would function.

On Dec. 30, 1952, a state charter was granted to the newly organized Dow Ludington Employees Credit Union. The membership would in-clude employees of the Ludington Di-vision of the Dow Chemical Compa-ny in Ludington including those who were on a Dow pension, employees of the credit union and members of their immediate families. The entrance fee was set at 25 cents.

The Dow Ludington Chemical Company employees held their first official credit union organizational meeting on Jan. 26, 1953. Coates opened the meeting by saying, “One of the basic philosophies of the Dow Chemical Co. is, there is not such a thing in industry as standing still. This is another step forward of the Dow Chemical Co. of Ludington.”

The Dow Ludington Employees Credit Union was officially opened for business and accepted its first deposit on Feb. 9, 1953 from Joe Clark. The first loan was on Feb. 13, 1953.

During the first year, 224 Dow employees, the Dow Activities Club, and six members of employees’ families were accepted as members. Thirteen members left the employ of Dow and dropped out of the credit union.

The company continued to be sup-portive of the credit union, providing office space in the plant and allow-ing the plant employees operating the credit union time to do so dur-ing normal working hours. Over the years, the credit union grew and Dow continued to provide of-fice space. In 1978, Dow Chemical sold the credit union a piece of land on the premises for $1. By 1980, a new office had been built and Dow Ludington Employees Credit Union moved into its new home.

In 1995 the State of Michigan granted Dow Ludington Employees Credit Union permission to expand its membership base to include employer groups and organizations within a 25-mile radius of the credit union. For the next five years, memberships in the credit union continued to grow. Talk began about the need for a larger building in an area more visible and accessible to the members.

In the year 2000, a contest was held to rename the credit union. Members submitted their favorites and through a voting process among the staff and board of directors the name Safe Har-bor Credit Union was selected. Later that year, ground was broken on the corner of Tinkham Avenue and Nelson Road for the construction of the new of-fice building. The credit union changed locations in 2001.

Safe Harbor has continued to grow from one person performing the du-ties of manager, loan officer, and teller to a staff of 16 and from a “spot” in the clock room of Dow Chemical to another expansion in 2011, bringing the current building up to a 7,000-square foot build-ing.

BY PAUL S. PETERSON

Remember the old days when you were sent to the neighbor-hood grocery store to fetch an item or two that Mom forgot? I do. We had a couple of them near the 300 block of North James Street where I grew up.

They weren’t super-markets, nor did they pretend to be. Most of them were fashioned out of what had been their parlor or living room. They were small, but contained a lot of groceries, and house-hold needs. Few sold meat. But if you needed a quart of milk (I think milk was sold only by the quart in those days), a pound of coffee, bread or a can of vegetables, you could count on the neighborhood store to provide it. They thrived on selling items that had been overlooked during a family’s trip to a large market.

Neighborhood stores were found in just about every section of town, most not more than a half-mile apart. Gil Larsen, who with his brother once owned a small grocery store on South Madison Street, said at one time there were 13 such stores in the Fourth Ward alone.

There were two of those mom-and-pop stores in our neighbor-hood, and a third that I went to with my aunt. Closest to my house were Lessard’s, 504 N.

Rath Ave., and Davis on the corner of Rowe and Haight streets. Da-vis carried bubble gum, Lessard’s did not. For some reason it seems I was sent to Davis more than Lessard’s, and my parents didn’t chew bubble gum. What I remember most about Lessard’s is that it al-ways seemed very quiet, as if you should talk in a whisper. Lindquist’s was on the north side of the old Lakeview School. There I remember Mrs. Lindquist giving me a sugar cookie each time I went there with my aunt.

Among other such stores I remember were Abrahanson’s, 402 S. Washington Ave.; Al-brecht’s, 329 E. Dow-land; Forrest, 325 E. Dowland; Fonnes-beck’s, 207 S. Madi-son; Serv-U-Well, 306 W. Ludington, and Wrede’s, 208 S. Madi-son. I know there were many others, but they escape my memory.

Neighborhood gro-ceries peaked in the early 1950s as the large chains made little stores uneconomical, and two-car families made it easy to shop outside the city.

Ludington’s stores

FROM PAGE 1

until we learned to keep idle fingers off the keyboard. From the typewriter the copy went down a sheet metal chute to the first floor where Gardner Miller supervised four Lineotypes. He also was high-commissioner of spelling. Lineotypes cast let-ters into a single line of type the width of a column, hence the name. Another machine, the Ludlow, did the same process but in larger type for headlines and advertisements.

After a story was checked by (1) Gardner, (2) the Lineo-type operator, and (3) the proof reader, a proof of the entire page was again read by the proof reader. The stories, now cast in lead, were locked in heavy metal forms. The news-room sent a dummy of the page, showing where each story and picture was to be placed.

An impression of the page was cast in lead on a circular plate that fit over a sleeve of the press, and inked by roll-ers. Once the press started, it was Case’s domain. We didn’t have an automatic counter on the press, but every 50th paper was kicked out at an angle. Ken would scoop up a bundle and count them out for each route as fast as he counted the car-rier’s money.

Without question the biggest change started in 1970 when we converted from letter press to offset. Second is the technology which had tremendous impact on every department. Third

was the remake of the Daily News building.

Offset printing is the com-plete opposite of the letter-press. Instead of “hot metal” used by Lineotypes, offset presses used a huge camera that took up nearly one wall and made page-size images. The image was exposed to a light-sensitive aluminum plate that went on the press. That camera step was eliminated a couple of years ago with the addition of an image-setter which takes a digital image sent by the news-room and burns the plate di-rectly.

The technology, oh the tech-nology. Our first computers were actually second-hand word processors, but we typed away on them, doing things faster than before. Our first personal computers —Macs — came in 1990, and ushered in a new era. The PCs, also, have undergone evolution, allow-ing the staff to do more things faster and with more creativ-ity. And the old Speed Graphic had long given way to digital cameras.

Today Daily News staffers may use a small tape recorder to assist note-taking, or more like-ly open a laptop and write their stories to meet today’s 10:10 a.m. deadline.

Circulation department has changed just as dramatically. In the Ken Case era, except for a route or two in the Fourth Ward and Scottville, the car-riers picked up their papers at the Daily News in a room off the alley made of cement blocks

with cement benches and ce-ment table — in deference to the sometimes boisterous carri-ers. I remember when the News was 35-cents a week, and Gene Brady, a former Daily News press foreman who started as a carrier in grade school, remem-bers it being a quarter a week. Case spent Saturdays dispens-ing papers, and counting piles of dimes, nickels, quarters and – yes – half dollars. He did it with speed that was legend-ary. There were about as many carriers then as now, between 35 and 40. Case inaugurated the first motor route, driven by Oscar Loxen. Basically it was parts of Pere Marquette and Hamlin townships. Today there are 15 motor routes.

The building was basically the same in 1956 as it was when it was built at the turn of the 20th century. The newsroom occu-pied most of the second floor with the publisher’s office and the paper’s archives in front. The front of the ground floor was the business and advertising office, with the rest of the build-ing shop and press room. An ad-dition on the north side had been built years before for newsprint storage. In 1970 the building un-derwent a massive change when we converted to offset. The building nearly doubled in size with a new press room, dark-room, business and advertising office and newsroom in the same configuration as today.

I am proud to have been a part of the Daily News in the “good old days,” but just as proud that it is not mired in the past.

‘GOOD OLD DAYS’: ‘... oh the technology’

FROM PAGE 1

our other news that print sub-scribers enjoy. We can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Who knows what tomorrow

will bring? Once we produced a telephone audiotext product that was the latest and great-est technology of the day. That’s come and gone. We will con-tinue to evolve and innovate as we bring news and advertising

from our communities to our communities, just as we have done for 123 years — 101 of them as the Ludington Daily News.

Enjoy this special “Then and Now” publication.

LDN TODAY: We will continue to evolve and innovate

Neighborhood stores were found in just about every section of town


15

1941 - Rye Funeral Home Opens under

James Rye, Deceased 1972.

2011, Clock Funeral Home, with roots tracing back to 1897 - 5th generation.

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309 S. Washington Ave., Box 458, Ludington 49431Jack Clock - Manager

231-843-2531On the Web: clockfuneralhomeofwl.com

213 S. JAMES, LUDINGTON 843-8250 www.ludingtonpaint.com

LUDINGTON PAINT & GLASSMixing Paint & Service Since 1948

Mixing Paint and Service Since 1948

When you or your loved one is faced with a serious illness, you want the most experienced team of professionals at your side.

Choose the experts at Hospice of Michigan.

Our local care teams are uniquely trained and certifi ed through the Hospice of Michigan Institute—the state’s fi rst education, training and research organization focusing on end-of-life care. It’s just one of the reasons Hospice of Michigan is your best choice.

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Alice Emery, MDMedical DirectorBoard Certifi ed in Hospice and Palliative Care

Ludington Paint and GlassLudington Paint and Glass was

founded in 1948 by Hoyt and Anne Payment and continues to serve the community today. The business was purchased by Otto Jebavy in the 1960s and then by Larry and Judy Ewing in 1979. In 2005, current owner Matt Ewing purchased the business from his parents.

Ewing and Mark Cooper both grew up in the area and are pleased to con-tinue to offer personalized service to the community.

The business has changed quite a bit over the decades, with the biggest inno-vation being automation in everything from point-of-sale, to tinting paint.

Ewing said it’s no problem these days to bring in a competitor’s paint chip to match it.

“Honestly we don’t care whose chip it is as long as the color is right for you,” Ewing said. “We really want to be the guys making the paint for you.”

“We sell a lot more paint than people think,” Ewing, who has more than 20 years in the paint business, said. “A rea-son for that is consistency.

“Product knowledge is the other reason we sell a lot of paint. From wall paint to high build epoxies, to catalyzed urethanes and dry fogs, we have it cov-ered — literally.”

Mark Cooper specializes in installa-tions, especially custom shower doors.

“This guy loves nothing more than to take a beautifully tiled shower sur-round and put a fantastic heavy glass shower enclosure on it,” Ewing said.

He said in addition, the company will go onsite to people’s homes to service glass, including breakage and insulated units.

One thing that hasn’t changed about the area and the business over the years is that people still care, Ewing said.

“Customers still ask, ‘How’s your dad, how are your kids?’” Ewing said. “I’m lucky enough to have a family business in one of the most beautiful areas in Michigan, and we get to travel it installing glass and delivering paint. It gets us as far south as Montague and as far north as Onekama. It takes us east to Baldwin and as far west as Manito-woc, thanks to the Badger!”

Hospice of MichiganHospice of Mason County was

founded in early 1982 as a grassroots initiative led by dedicated members of the community who were interested in bringing hospice services to the county.

The formal organization, Hospice of Mason County, was established on November 11, 1982. Instrumental in bringing hospice service to Luding-ton in the early days were:

Dr. Jim Waun, Founding Chairman & Secretary, Mike Magee, Found-ing Treasurer & Finance Chairman, Bill Nickelson, Roger Anderson, Rev. Ray Flessner, Doris Gerkows-ki, Judy Janish, Dr. William Nickel, Lela Pavlick and Brenda Tewel.

Originally located at 1004 E. Lud-ington Ave., Hospice of Mason County moved in January 1987 to 10 Atkinson Drive directly across from what was then Memorial Medical Center. This office was gifted to the organization by Dr. Nizar Umran.

In 1994, Hospice of Mason County merged with Hospice of Michigan to become part of a growing statewide provider. In August 2007, Hospice of

Michigan moved to its current loca-tion at 5177 W. Ludington Ave., across from the Mason County Fairgrounds.

Continuing the traditionHospice of Michigan continues to

play an important role of the com-munity, providing comfort care and support services to Ludington area patients and families facing serious ill-ness. In 2013, 23 dedicated hospice care professionals - doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, and spiritual care advisors – met the needs of nearly 250 patients and families in Ludington and the surrounding com-munities.

Our amazing group of over 80 vol-unteers provided additional and mean-ingful support including candlelight vigils, patient visits, touch base phone calls, fundraising support, helping pa-tients document their life stories though our “My Stories” program, and making Memory Bears for families.

We’re thankful for the support our community provides through the many signature events that we either host or partner with in.

a 58 year tradition!Mabel Polcin, owner of Gunberg's and a prominent figure since the late seventies, continues to carry the values and traditions since Gunberg's first opened in 1955.From the late 70's to today you can find Mabel at her store doing what she does best, providing the best available customer service and meeting competitive pricing.

Gunberg's is a true asset to the Ludington community, seeing is believing! Gunberg's Appliance

and Television is proud to carry General Electric, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, and more.

612 S. WASHINGTON • LUDINGTON • 843-9531Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9-5:30; Fri. 9-6; Sat. 9-3:30; Sun. Closed

GECAF FINANCING • SERVICE AFTER THE SALEFREE DELIVERY & REMOVAL OF OLD UNITS (except dishwashers & gas products)

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PDWT180VGE PROFILE STAINLESS INTERIORDISHWASHER WITH HIDDEN CONTROLS• 5-Stage Filtration with Piranha hard-food disposer• Steam Pre-Wash• Holds up to 16 Place Settings

PB915STGE ProfileTM 30" Free-Standing Electric Range with Warming Drawer• PreciseAirTM convection system• 5.3 cu. ft. oven capacity• Bridge element• Fifth element warming zone


16

Our Greenhouses Are Bursting With Color!

Colorful Annuals& Perennials

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Orchard Market

FREE SOIL8400N.US31(231)464-5534Hours:Everyday8AM-7PM

LUDINGTON212S.PereMarquetteHwy.(231)843-4603

Mon.-Sat.8AM-7PM;Sun.9AM-5PM

Open7DaysAWeekViSiTOUrWEBSiTE:www.orchardmarket.us

Spring has Arrived

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Caring for those in need in our community since 1966.

1001 Diana Street, in Ludington • 231.845.5185www.oakviewmcf.com

Sutter Living Center, - an Alzheimer’s/DementiaSpecial Care Unitnow open!

OakviewLike Family

Orchard MarketOrchard Market at the corner of

U.S. 31 and Free Soil Road is a Mason County landmark.

The market was founded by Julia and Ed Malkowski in 1960 and was run by Gerald, Len, Dan and Bob after their parents’ retirement. Bob and Te-resa Malkowski own the market today and Bob’s brothers are always willing to lend a hand. Son Kyle and son-in-law Bill Sturgeon are working hard to bring the business into the next generation.

Orchard Market has evolved over the years. A second market was added on Pere Marquette Highway near Luding-ton in 1986.

No matter the location, the highlight for the family continues to be working with the multiple generations of their own families and developing relation-ships with their staff and customers. Those friendships have lasted a lifetime.

The markets initially served as point of sale for farm products from the Mal-kowski farms, but over the years the product line has expanded to include more homegrown, local and out-of-area produce. Other product lines including honey, maple syrup, jams, jellies, frozen fruits, bulk candies, fruit and nut mixes,

bulk spices, cheeses and more.The businesses’ early season revolves

around a growing greenhouse and nursery business — bedding plants, pe-rennials, hanging baskets and nursery items.

The former restaurant space at the Free Soil location has been renovated to showcase homemade bakery, fudge and deli products.

Agritourism

Mason County remains a popular tour-ist destination and is expected to unveil its agritourism trail later this year. Or-chard Market currently offers U-pick strawberries with plans to offer more in the future.

The biggest factors impacting the business from year to year are weather and the economy — the same factors that affect tourism.

But regardless of the weather, the de-mand for healthful, homegrown farm-to-table produce is higher than ever. As it looks to the future, the Malkowski family will continue to focus on pro-duce with emphasis on farm markets and greenhouses.

Oakview Medical Care Facility

Oakview Medical Care Facility has been in continuous operation since November 10, 1966. Over the past 48 years Oakview has been here for the residents of Mason County. Our motto is “Like Family” because we are family. Oakview has provided dedicated service to countless Mason County citizens by offering truly out-standing high quality, loving, com-passionate long term and rehabilita-tive care.

Each and every employee is com-mitted to enhancing the quality of life of our residents by helping create a positive, caring environment, “Like Family.” The dedication, commit-ment and professionalism of our staff speaks volumes while reflecting back in a positive way to the citizens of Mason County as well as our commu-nity leaders, and our board members.

Oakview belongs to you, the resi-dents of Mason County. We do not serve stockholders, corporations or private owners. We are here for Mason County residents, providing post-operative rehabilitative services and long term nursing care for those unable to function independently in their home.

Oakview services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, recre-ational therapy, speech therapy, with twenty-four hour nursing care and routine medical visits by attending physicians. Oakview has 96 Medi-care and Medicaid licensed skilled nursing beds. This includes a 20 bed secure dementia unit.

When you need to choose a medical care facility, think of family, think of community, think of Oakview, we are “Like Family” because we are family.

LUDINGTON CARPET CLEANINGServing the community since 1973

www.ludingtoncarpetcleaning.com • 843-8722

THENGaryGouldFormerOwnerfar right

NOWMarcBryant,Owner

andRandyDereske

SPRINGSPECIAL

Mud Season is Here!Call between April 14

and May 16 for 20% offResidential Carpet

CleaningAlways competitive consistent pricing

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Ludington Carpet Cleaning started off as a family business and is still very much one to this day.

Founded in 1973 by Gary Gould and originally located on U.S. 10 in con-junction with NSI Drycleaners which his wife Marsha Gould operated, it was bought by Marc Bryant in 2008 when the Goulds sold both businesses and retired.

Marc had worked with Gary in Lud-ington Carpet Cleaning for 18 years so the transition was seamless.

Today, Marc still heads up the day-to-day operations. His wife, Candy, is instrumental behind the scenes with paperwork, advertising, website and sometimes scheduling.

The Bryants’ oldest son, Josh, start-ed his work life helping Marc on the road, learning the ethics of hard work and customer service — the basis for any successful career and the fine preparation for his current position as a U.S. Army soldier, according to his parents.

They’re not yet sure if the two young-est children will grow to take over the business in the future, but they say the

do know the children will get a good start at Ludington Carpet Cleaning.

Over the years the biggest change has been to keep current with new materials in carpet manufacturing and how to clean them properly. Educa-tion in techniques and keeping pace with new equipment in the industry also present challenges.

What hasn’t changed is the custom-er-oriented focus Ludington Carpet Cleaning maintains.

“It is fun to meet new people, espe-cially those who are moving and ex-cited about their new home. Howev-er, we have a steady base of long-time customers who we are grateful for and always happy to see.”

Over the years the Bryants have learned to plan for slow times and be prepared for the seasonal nature of busi-ness in the region.

“It is the working man that is the hap-py man” is a Ben Franklin quote that the Bryants live by and share with their children.

And they’re as happy now to serve their customers as Gary Gould was when he founded the business in 1973.

Ludington Carpet Cleaning16 | THEN AND NOW LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014

www.ludingtondailynews.com

17

SKOOG HEATING& COOLING, LLC

1102 S. MADISON ST., LUDINGTON 231-845-6302

Providing ComfortTo Your Family

Since 1910

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Mason County Area’s Only Authorized Factory Trained Amana Dealer

Skoog Heating and Cooling is highly experienced and trained to be on hand for any heating

and cooling problems you may have. We conduct routine

HVAC maintenance and repairs, as well as the installation of

leading brands. We carry and install products designed to

give you the most in comfort and savings. Our heating and

cooling systems are built with proven components to provide

safe, clean and reliable comfort year round.

Serving the four (4) county area for over 104 years, Skoog Heating and Cooling has one goal in mind, and that is to provide area residents with the best HVAC service available. Employing only certified technicians and focusing on the highest level of customer service. You can be assured your job will exceed your highest expectations.

66 S. Pere Marquette Hwy. Ludington • 845-5611

TreaTing you righT since 1950

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PIPER TAX AND ACCOUNTING, LLCBusiness – Farms – Personal

1975 S. PM Hwy., Ludington 843-1040

Dairy QueenThe story of Dairy Queen started

on August 4, 1938 in Kankakee, Il-linois, when a father and son served their first, yet unnamed, product at a friend’s walk-in ice cream shop. Within two hours they dished out more than 1,600 servings of this new treat. Hence, Dairy Queen was born. In 1941 there were fewer than 10 Dairy Queens in the U.S., However, shortly after the war the company took off and over the years has grown to the 6,000 stores currently around the world today.

Ludington Dairy Queen is a part of that history. Arriving in Ludington in 1950, it was one of the first 10 origi-nal franchises in the state of Michi-gan. The store was originally located by the beach across the street from the old roller skating rink. After the roller skating rink burned down, the owner decided to move it to its current location at 66 S. Pere Marquette Hwy. Dick and Elaine Saxton owned and operated the DQ from 1965-1973 and then sold the building to Chuck Wallace who operat-ed it for two years before selling it to its longest-term owners, Richard and Jane Nelson in 1976.

The Nelsons owned and operated the DQ for 29 years and then sold the busi-ness to their daughter and son-in-law, Kirstin and Jeff McDonough, in 2004, who currently operate the business.

Over the last 30 years the building has changed a bit with additions of a new roof, two additions to the rear of the building, a picnic area, a drive-through window and a paved parking lot, along with countless smaller renovations and upgrades here and there. Buildings may change, but what has remained the same over the last 64 years is the privi-lege this Dairy Queen has had of being a part of a community’s daily lives and memories —Little League wins or loss-es, birthday parties, wedding proposals, trips to the vet, prom dates, beach days, fishing trips, good grades on report cards, spelling bees and occasions of all sorts.

We truly feel blessed to be a part of this community’s history and look for-ward to many more years of making memories with you and your families. May God bless you and yours.

— Kirstin and Jeff McDonoughRichard and Jane Nelson

Skoog Heating and Cooling LLC.

Skoog Heating and Cooling LLC has been doing business in Lud-ington since 1910 and is still grow-ing.

The business, which is a fourth-generation owned and operated business at 1102 S. Madison St., was taken over by Mike Skoog from his father Duane Skoog in 2007 at which time it was transi-tioned to the heating and cooling company from the hardware store it had been. The business had al-ways been located on South James Street, recently moving to the Madison Street location in 2013.

Mike has 24 years of experience in the business and looks forward to his sons taking over for him in the future. Until then, he continues to look into “new energy and cost efficient systems and technology to help assist customers in meeting their needs.

“We look forward to building our new addition/showroom in the spring,” Mike said.

The company hopes to start working on the showroom within the next month and it will feature many of the fireplaces and prod-ucts they are able to offer.

Skoog Heating and Cooling LLC offers installation and service of furnaces, air conditioners, fire-places, water heaters, space heat-ers, heat pumps, geothermal units, air cleaners and humidifiers. They also do duct cleaning and sheet metal. Skoog carries brands in-cluding, Lennox, Amana, Climate Master, Heatilator, Regency and Mendota, among others.

The biggest change the company has seen over the years is challeng-es due to the economy.

Looking back

The firm of Skoog & Bord was

organized in 1910, the partners Charles Skoog and Herman Borg, opening a new hardware store in the Johnson block on South James Street. Borg, who had worked for some time previous-ly in the Goodsell (Ackersville) hardware store, was at first the only one of the partners to de-vote his full time to the business. Charles, who had been a lumber inspector in the mills and a car-penter by trade, continued on at his carpenter work.

Ten years later in 1920, Charles quit his carpentering to devote his time to the store along with his son Herman Skoog who, in 1919, bought Borg’s interest in the busi-ness.

In 1916 the stock of merchan-dise had been moved into Blu-menstock block of South James Street and in 1932, was moved again to the store at 307 S. James Street. Charles and Herman con-tinued the partnership until it was broken by the death of Herman in 1933.

W. J. Skoog (Pep to his friends) was the youngest brother of Her-man, son of Charles and had grown up in the business, helping at times in the store. While he was young, he also worked as a car-rier boy for the Ludington Daily News and was later employed in the mail room of the newspaper for some time. Pep worked with his father and brother in the store from 1922 through 1933 and then for 16 years worked elsewhere.

When his father Charles died in 1948, W.J. took over the hard-ware business and had devoted his full time to the store.

He purchased the building in which his store was located and he and his family lived in the top floor of the business.

Piper Tax & Accounting

Piper Tax & Accounting was founded by Paul and Linda Piper in 1985.

The business is a combination of the firm founded by Roland Piper in 1965 and by Paul and Linda in 1985 . Paul Piper began working with his dad Roland in 1980.

Paul is an enrolled agent, mean-ing that he specializes in taxation and has unlimited ability to repre-sent clients with the Internal Rev-enue Service.

Linda has been preparing busi-ness and personal income taxes since 1985 and specializes in taxa-tion. Christopher Piper graduated from West Shore Community Col-lege and started working with the family firm in 2011 as accountant and bookkeeper.

Nicolle Sheafor, BSB, and En-rolled Agent, began working with the firm in August 2008 as tax pre-parer and accountant.

Piper Tax & Accounting has grown in size over the years and said changes in the company that have happened as times have changed including new e-filing systems and changing tax laws.

Piper Tax & Accounting looks forward to meeting new people and helping others. They are proud of their good attitude, educa-tion and attention to detail given to customers.

Linda and Paul enjoy living in the area with a vacation-like setting and in a small town.

Visit the website at www.piper-taxllc.com.


18

1923 – Jackson creates electric vibrating hand tamper and incorporates Jackson Vibrators in 1937 and later becomes Jackson Jordan.

Electric Tamper and Equipment Company (Harsco Rail) was founded in 1923 by Corwill Jackson in Ludington, Michigan. The company manufactured electric vibratory hand tampers. Incorporated as Jackson Vibrators in 1937, the company later acquired the O.F. Jordan Company and became Jackson Jordan. The product line later expanded to include production and switch tampers as well as tie gang equipment.

1940 – In the heyday of the Electric Vibratory Hand Tamper...35 men, 16 tampers, 4 generator sets and 16 hand jacks.

"The Good Ol' Days"...time honored method of raising and cross leveling track with hand jacks in preparation for tamping.

1947 – Next big step brings self-powered, self-propelled "Multiple Tamper" machines. One operator, 12 tools.

1950-60 – More power, more speed. The Jackson "Track Maintainer" of the the Mid-'50s to Mid '60s, (Prototype Shown)

1973– The latest in a series of automated, electronic-controlled Jackson power tampers....The Model 2600 "TampTrak" that raises, cross levels and lines as it tamps.

1990 – Pandrol International Ltd. acquires Jackson Jordan.

Pandrol International Ltd., a subsidiary of Charter plc., acquired Jackson Jordan in 1990, along with Speno Rail Services and Dapco, and formed the Track Maintenance Division. The division was known as Pandrol Jackson and was comprised of the main offices and manufacturing facility in Ludington, Michigan; the grinder re-manufacturing and operations facility in Syracuse, New York; and the rail flaw detection research and manufacturing facility in Danbury, Connecticut. The rail flaw detection division was sold to Sperry Rail Services in 2002.

1992 – Harsco Corporation acquires Tamper, creating Fairmont Tamper

1999 – Harsco Corporation acquires Pandrol Jackson. Fairmont Tamper merges with Pandrol Jackson to become Harsco Rail.

JACKSONVIBRATORS

Corwill Jackson

200 South Jackson Road Ludington, MI 49431

(231) 843-3431

2010 – Harsco Rail successfully launches automated Drone surfacing vehicle which requires no operator. 2012 – Harsco ( Jordan) Spreader first built in early 1900s

redesigned and reengineered in 2012

1984 - 6700 Switch Tamper over 1000 units sold to date

then and now 2014 pgs

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