Big memories of a small store

This is a good time of the year to write about going shopping in Metropolitan Arcadia and Winona. But that story will have to wait for another time.Readers have asked me to write more about the Waumandee General Store. Following is an imaginary tour. If you would like to see the store for yourself, a lot of the original store remains. Some has changed very little.

The hardwood floor is a favorite part. About half way back there is, or at least was, a noticeable "hump." Speeding a grocery cart over the hump was always fun.In the front are large plate-glass windows that Target Corp., Sears and other retailers have since copied. The windows in Waumandee are designed to bring natural light into the store. When I was young, a greenish fiberglass awning was there to shade the bright summer sun.

On the right, when entering, was a doorway to the "beer bar." Three families totaling about 20 adults and children made their living from the store and bar, so a variety of sales opportunities were needed. Additional clerks and butchers were employed.During the day, workers would divide their time between waiting on customers in the bar and checking out groceries in the store. In the evening, the door between the two businesses was closed and a bartender was needed. On Election Day, in spring and fall, the bar, like all in Wisconsin, was closed.