When I started to Newton High School in September 1949, the makeup of our business district around the Courthouse was a lot different than today. After lunch, a popular student activity was to walk around the square, and perhaps stop by Hesson’s Ice Cream shop right across from Senior High for a 10 cent “Freezer-Fresh” ice cream cone before the 1 p.m. school bell.
So, turn your clock back 60 years, and let’s take a walk around the square, starting at the Newton National Bank, where I deposited my first pay check, while working part time at Newton Mfg. Co. Across the street east was Bigelow’s sandwich, newspaper and magazine shop with the Jasper Mutual Insurance office above. My future wife Mary Rosenberger worked there for Herb Dykstra and as an Office Practice student.
Heading south was Harry Doane & Son Insurance on the corner with Underbrink Jewelers next door. Then it was Helma Cole’s Style shop, that could also be entered from the Maytag Hotel lobby. Helma featured upscale clothing for the ladies — the latest styles. The Capitol Theatre, featuring first run movies still charged a quarter or less for kids as I recall, and popcorn was a dime. Off-square theatres were the Rialto, Iowa and The State.
Crossing the alley was the famous Roswell’s hang-out for young folks, but it had closed, with Pearson’s Drug Store in those quarters. Next was F.W. Woolworth Dime Store, where you could buy most anything from “oilcloth” covering for the kitchen table to goldfish, and a big section for children’s toys and books. Their sandwich counter was popular, and the large section of glass encased bulk candy was a big attraction for the youngsters.
Moving on south was the Singer Sewing Machine store, with Gambles Appliances next and then the popular Smith Walgreen’s Drug Store, a current day student hang-out with lots of booths where you could still get a nickel cherry-coke and a 15 cent sandwich.
Across the street south was the new Thriftway store, with Allen’s Alleys below. At last the big hole in the ground, where the large Iowa Mercantile (The Big Store) burned to the ground in the late 1930’s was in use. Snuggled onto that corner was also the little popcorn stand, open 7 days a week. Old Timers tell me they still miss that little fixture.
Across the street west was Iowa Southern Utilities, where you could buy home appliances, and pay your monthly light bill. J. C. Penney’s was next door with three floors of clothing and a large array of appliances and gifts. Large front windows always displayed fashions for the family! Next door was Larchwood florists, with Mrs. Meyers clothing nestled into the same area. Nollen’s Drug Store, with a soda fountain, and upstairs gift department. Next was the Reliable Department Store. Across the Alley was Coast to Coast, with Spurgeon’s next door featuring clothes for the whole family, and a large candy counter. Horn’s shoe store was right next to the Jasper County Savings Bank, with its large stone pillars out front. Check some old time pictures and post cards for nostalgic memories.
The Style shop was across the street, in a beautiful old building, housing the law offices of Hugo Schultz above. Heading north was Murdy’s Drugs on the corner, followed by Hough’s Variety Store and Hough’s Grocery. Next was Standard Appliances & Bottle Gas, with Power Rexall Drugs next door. Across the alley was Dooley’s Music Store right next to Wormhoudt’s Men’s clothing, with Keith McLaughlin Jewelers, and Leonard’s Ladies Clothing next in line. Newton Home Savings and Loan was right on the corner, and across north on the corner was The Orange Bar-fresh squeezed juice and sandwiches.
Santen’s Grocery occupied the northwest corner, with Bond’s Men’s Clothing next door, followed by Perryman Pharmacy. Next was Gottner’s ladies clothing, and Marshall Hardware was right next to the alley. Cross over to the J.J. Newberry variety story, where Mary Rosenberger worked when she was only 14 years old. Next door was Garrett Hardware and Gifts, followed by Mode-O-Day Fashions for ladies and teens where Mary also worked as a high school student. The Chamber of Commerce Office was housed in the front of the Newton National Bank, where our little tour began.
I’m reasonably sure of the names and locations from back in the early 50’s are somewhat accurate.
It would be fun to place names and faces, and experiences with these various downtown locations, and also to venture off the square to other well known merchants from the past. But I’ll leave that to anyone who wants to dream a bit further!
Olden Days appears on Wednesdays. Contact the writer at mcneer@pcpartner.net