continued by Everett Evans, who had assisted Mr. Berta for several years. Mr. Evans died January 27, 1974. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pinkham then purchased the business and took possession April 1, 1974.
The El Paso Locker & Meats at 129 West Front Street, owned and operated by J. W. "Bill" McHugh, was purchased November, 1968, by Mr. and Mrs. William Peifer of Gridley. The name was changed to El Paso Locker Service and over-the-counter meat sales were discontinued. The present owner is Harold Stoller, also of Gridley. Mr McHugh continues as manager.
Marion "Buzz" Leenhouts began his radio and T.V. business in the North building, which is now part of the Sampen store. After several moves he purchased the building at 53 West Front Street in December, 1964, where he is still located. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence West had a bakery in this building for a number of years, discontinuing in 1958 because of his health.
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Green had a restaurant at 197 North Fayette for several years. In 1967, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Evans opened a sports shop there which handles a variety of sports equipment, especially motorcycles.
J. J. Kauth operated a blacksmith shop at 140 East Front Street until his death November 1, 1971. The building is now headquarters for Bounds Truck Equipment.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hartzell opened a greenhouse at 250 South Orange in December, 1957. They stock potted plants and garden plants in season. For a number of years, they raised plants for replanting by home gardeners. For several years, their major business has been the resale of plants they buy from wholesale outlets, with some potted plants available in the spring. They later added a plastic sheltered area to the green house to provide more space for their seedling plants.
Dr. E. E. Kelsey maintains a veterinary office at 120 West Front Street. Dr. Richard White became his associate in June 1955. On January 1, 1967, Dr. White opened his own office at 480 West Lincoln. He discontinued the business in 1971 following a heart attack and later moved to Southern Illinois. Dr. Kelsey continues his veterinary service from the Front Street office.
Ott Panther erected a building along the T. P. & W. Railroad in 1948 and became a dealer for International Harvester farm equipment. The business changed hands several times, and in 1959, George McKinley purchased a half-interest and became a partner of Ted Hielscher in its operation. They sold out in 1968. In 1970, industrial crating was manufactured there by the El Paso Manufacturing Company, but it discontinued after a short time. The building is presently used for storage by the Kent Lumber and Coal Company.
For some time, Richard Finck had a garage south of the alley in the rear of the Pierce Building. In 1966, he moved to 565 West Main in the building earlier occupied by the Ulrich Manufacturing Company. Finck later added a boat agency to his business.
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