March 28, 2024

ON THE SQUARE

Gus Becker’s Barber Shop was located on the north side of the square from 1915 to 1929.

Two produce companies were later at that location, the last was Crawford Produce. Paul and Bernice Neidt purchased the Crawford Produce building in 1952. In 1953, Neidt jacked up the frame of the building and moved it back on the lot, where he built a completely new block and tile structure on the front.

The Crawford Produce building was somewhat of a landmark. About two steps above the ground level, its “stoop” served as a park bench for town loafers. The old stoop was supplanted by a ramp, which enabled easy rolling of wheeled equipment between the store proper and the old produce building.