Establishments on West B Street in 1956

Heritage Days appeared to be quite the success this year, the participation and audience seemed higher. McCook has hosted many parades in its' downtown area and because I love parades, I'm always there. I miss Band Day though, when all the bands would show up and march, followed by competition at Weiland Field. It would be nice to see it back again.

I also had an opportunity to introduce our web site, www.swngs.org, to someone. He was amazed at what was available for free just by entering a surname in the search box and couldn't wait to be able to check the information we have on one of Red Willow County's oldest cemeteries. It's gratifying to be able to solve mysteries with just a click of the mouse!

So last week I covered the 1956 businesses located on B Street from Norris Ave. to the east and now here are the listings from Norris Ave. west. This city directory is available at our library for research if something you see listed piques your interest.

First listings for West B are the Mohr Barber Shop and B.C. Christopher grain dealers, then in the "Pringle Building" was the National Farm Loan Assn, American Loan Plan, and Paul Mousel consulting engineer. The final businesses located between Norris and West 1st on B Street are: Skylark Snack Bar, Randy's Cigar Store, H.R. McKinty Dentist, Butler and Alberts Barber Shop (this was my "Uncle" Fred Butler's shop), McCook Hardware, Eagles Club, Hotel Claar, Geishler Club Restaurant, Loose and Smith Billiards, Vince's Bar, Champion Billiards, Real's Bar, American Legion Club, Red Willow Color Service, Swan's Used Furniture, Dallas Divine Auto (Dodge).

Beginning at West 1st is Ray's Lunch, then Ruppert Locker Service and Stickneys Inc. (my dad's go to auto parts place) followed by M & E Café, Shores Auto Supply, Manning Motors, and Larry's Café. West 2nd intersection brings us Manning Motors used cars, Hotel McCook, Jim's Barber Shop, Nebraska Dairy Products, McCook Auto, Spot Liquor, Schneider Auto, Drake Oil filling station and Walt's Derby Service.

The four hundred block started with Budig & Sons, Ed's Grill, Thompson's Paint and Fender Shop, Sidles Co, Automotive Sales and Service, Messer Sheet Metal Works, the Rutt Apartments, McCook Tire and Supply, David Frank, Blacksmith, Al's Market (grocery) and Hull Oil. The Coney Island restaurant was located at 501 West B and across the street was Mac's Texaco Service. Also in the 500 block were Goodson Plumbing & Heating, Lyle Wiedman Real Estate, Cottage Motel, Empire Sales and Service (Ag implements). Lastly there was the Police and Fire Departments plus Police Court.

Klein's Motor Electric started the 600 Block and exists there today, then Nickerson Standard Service, Chief Motel and Harmon's Restaurant Supplies. The only thing listed for the 800 Block as a business was Albert Schaaf grocery and the 900 block lists only residences. However, situated at 1005 West B was the Delux Motel, at 1006 was Mac's Drive-In (located at 809 now) and at 1008 was the Dairy Crème.

1108 was occupied by Roy's Upholstering and Boyd's Body Shop then King Auto Parts, Northwestern Bell Telephone construction department, Tri-State Livestock, McCook Veterinary Supply, Nebraska Rendering Corp and finally, McCook Packing Corp.

Several of these buildings are gone along with the businesses that filled them, some replaced with new buildings other lots are empty but there are still examples of vibrant businesses that have survived the times!

Our monthly meeting will be this Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1:30 p.m. at the SWNGS library, 110 West C, Suite M-3. Hope to see you there!