The passage below about 100 years of business in Lyon County was written by Bob McVenes for the Lyon County Centennial book published in 1970. It gives a great account of the changes in business in Lyon County in its first 100 years.

“The past 100 years in business in Lyon County has seen many changes. The early trader established a business of trading such commodities as sugar, calico, tobacco, and ammunition for pelts from the abundance of fur bearing animals which in habited our country. From the trading post concept of merchandising Lyon County saw the establishment of General type stores, where all types of merchandise was sold as hardware, soft goods, rope twine, and groceries. As habits of people changed, merchandise changed also.

As years passed retail operations became specialized. So, we had the establishment of grocery stores, hardware store, clothing stores, drug stores, etc.

In the early 1940s we find that other advances were made in retailing, when self-serve type markets started to become popular, it afforded the consumers to shop for the selection of their choice with grocery carts. As we entered the 1950s we find that the stores become larger offering the consumer not only the food items, but many non-food items.

The introduction of convenience foods for the consumer began to get in high gear through technology and product development where the consumer is now able to purchase a complete dinner in a package.

Industrial, technological, and research advances have provided our residents with modern conveniences for better family living. Through consumer research many businesses have modernized their facilities to make shopping more enjoyable. Piped in music as well as carpeting in retail establishments are becoming common features.”

The photograph featured this week from the Lyon County Museum’s collection was taken at Addison’s Hardware store in Marshall in 1949. A group of people are watching a demonstration. A WCCO announcer is in the background. Addison’s Hardware store was on the corner of Main Street and East College Drive. The business, Marshall Tobacco, is in the location now.

The Lyon County Historical Society (LCHS) is a non-profit, member-supported organization. LCHS operates the Lyon County Museum at 301 W Lyon St in Marshall. The Lyon County Museum is open to visitors. To contact us, visit our website: www.lyoncomuseum.org, call: 507-537-6580, email: director@lyoncomuseum.org, or on our Facebook page.