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The Shed gives new life to old items
Anna LaBay
McCook Gazette
McCOOK, Neb. – The Shed opened its doors at the end of November, welcoming the community with a unique offering. After many years away, owners Bob and Susan Ihrig moved back to McCook in 2020. “We both graduated in 1969 and met at McCook Junior College, where we attended on music scholarships. We’ve been together ever since,” Bob explained. “In 1974, we left McCook to pursue our dreams and returned in 2020, right at the height of COVID.”
After retiring as an oncology nurse, Susan began working for the Colorado Visiting Nursing Program, a nonprofit entity that provides foot care services to the elderly in nursing homes and senior centers. While she loved the work, the Denver area’s short shifts and heavy traffic kept her from home. When Susan learned about an opening at the Red Willow Health Department in McCook, the couple decided it was time to return.
Although their business operates out of a home, it is zoned for commercial use, allowing them to set up shop. “We bought this property right after moving here, which includes the house and the Shed. We plan to eventually turn the Shed into a retail space to sell more used furniture. In the meantime, we went ahead and opened up the house.” Bob added, “Eventually, we will retail from both buildings and then fence in the property to offer patio furniture, flower pots, and other items,”
The Ihrigs have previously owned businesses, including a card, gift shop, and restaurant. “For 15 years in Denver, I owned an auction business and also worked part-time for the largest auction house in the city,” Bob shared. He noted that all items for sale at The Shed are used, with the majority purchased at auction.
“As much as we loved Colorado, rising taxes and the difficulty of forming strong connections in a big city made it challenging,” Bob reflected. “Here in McCook, the sense of community is alive and well, and we’ve found plenty of ways to get involved.”
Both Bob and Susan have quickly become active members of the McCook community. Susan works at the Red Willow Health Department, providing essential foot care services for seniors while serving as the church organist and joining the operational board of the Fox Theater. Bob has rejoined the McCook Alumni Association and contributes to the newsletter, embodying the small-town spirit he and Susan cherish.
As The Shed grows, the couple invites everyone to visit and explore their collection. The Shed is located at 205 East 4th Street in McCook. It is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.