Monday, June 1, 2009

Continuation of Rich Hill Missouri Prosperity

The Smith Pool Hall has been a family business since 1941 when Dalph and Hazel Smith started it. The Pool Hall was passed on to Orben and Margaret, to Earl and Gjra Lee and now Ora Lee and Clifford operate the Smith Pool Hall. Needless to say this has been a favorite place for men who want to enjoy a game of pool.
Times have changed and business men no longer drop by the barber shop each morning for a shave and shoe shine, however, Rich Hill does still have Paul's Barber Shop where both Paul and Larry Bill style hair to suit everyone from tiny tots to teenagers and mature men.
The D and L Variety Store and Fabric Shop are owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Zumbrunnen and offer a large variety of items needed by every household. Dan assisted by Mrs. Marshall Gordon and Eileen McCombs, serve the customers at the variety store with efficiency and courtesy. Lillian and Mrs. Clarita Wilson assist women who come in to purchase fabric from the large selection of materials in the latest colors patterns and fabrics.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hanson brought "The Spot", a well-supplied furniture store to Rich Hill. Beautiful lamps, tables, divans, mattresses, chairs and appliances can be found in a variety of colors, patterns and styles. This line of modern furnishings is equal to that of any town and certainly is a welcome addition to the business district.
Mr. Bud Stoner of the NAPA store carries a large supply of parts for tractors, trucks and automobiles.
The Western Auto Store owned by Dixon Palmer carries tires, batteries; fans, belts and parts for cars. Ivan Shelton is the service man with a smile.
Mr. and Mrs. Forrest (Toppy) Clark have rendered a valuable service to the community for many years handling prescriptions and non prescription medicines, cosmetics, jewelry, Kodaks, films, gifts, candies and stationery.
"Toppy" first came to Rich Hill in 1938 to be the pharmasist for the Northrup Drug Store. In 1945 he bought the pharmacy just east of the Parkview Hotel from Stuart and Davis. In 1955 the interior of the building burned and Because Toppy liked Rich Hill and Rich Hill needed him, he bought the Moore Drug Store and opened the Clark Pharmacy on Sixth and Park Avenue in 1963.
Doctors are much needed people in every community' and Rich Hill is indeed fortunate to have the services of Dr. J. A. Clark with Brenda Swarnes Arrasmith, LPN as his assistant and Dr. M. O. Bjerke with Sue Bolser as his receptionist.
The Kithcart Orchard south of town featured an Apple Harvest which may become an annual event. Melvin and Mary Kithcart sell apples, peaches, nuts, relishes, honey, cider, novelties and lawn ornaments at their location.
Any one wanting a basement dug, brush removed or anything requiring heavy machinery can find the service they need from Nichols Construction Company, Eason Bulldozing or Heckadon Bulldozing.
Terry and Pat Peterman of the Palmer-Pruett Lumber Company carry a line of paint, paneling, roofing, tar, plumbing materials and lumber.
The services of a plumber are provided by Randy Ross who has a well established plumbing business as well as laying sewer lines, Bill Reed, who does plumbing as well as residential and commercial electric wiring or Mr. Williams who does plumbing and sewer lines.
The K.L.M. Telephone Company, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Kern, have provided communition services for Rich Hill since the telephone exchange was purchased from Mr. A. L. Shopper in 1955. In a short time the dial system was installed and service was extended to Metz, Richards and Deerfield. Rachel Proffer is the local exchange operator and the two local line men are Dean Talbbtt and Bill Bradley.
Mowers and tillers can be sharpened or repaired as well as saws sharpened and appliances repaired at the Bill Beard Saw Shop on West Pine Street and Fayette.
The Aries Assurance Company, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Schneider, employs twelve people who all work in different departments. In the personnel department, that is life, fire, home owners, etc. Lucille Agnew and Joan Cornett are employed. The commercial department, liability, farm and package, is served by Billy Petersen, Wendy Ensor and Jeanne Oldham. In the accounting department we find Darlene Schneider, Marian Cameron and Jerri McGovern. Insurance for long haul trucks is handled by Alma Talbott, Vicki West and Jim Schneider.
MFA Insurance with Mr. and Mrs. Steve Haile as agents offers life, health, home, and car insurance.
The Bankers Security Insurance has an office in the Security Bank.
Ed and Nora Lyons sell residential, commerical and farm properties.

to be continued

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