CITY OF PERRY, IOWA
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Neighborhood Markets to Chain Grocery Stores

8/4/2016

 

​While many of us missed the convenience of the neighborhood markets, the changes in technology had changed the way people shopped by the late 1930s.  The refrigerator allowed people to store greater quantities of food for longer periods of time, making it no longer necessary to shop on a daily basis.  Access to cars was the second prong of technology to change the way people shopped as cars allowed people to travel further and carry home packages with more ease.  In 1937 when the shopping cart was invented, it allowed shoppers the opportunity for greater self-service within the grocery store while also allowing them to purchase larger orders of groceries.
                With increased transportation stores became larger and were able to import goods from far away locations.  Thus the large variety of products available combined with self-service, and ease of parking thrived at the expense of the closure of many of the neighborhood grocery stores.  Chain stores gained in popularity as they were able to change store layouts, locations and stock to accommodate new ways of shopping and cooking as women were looking for ways to shop more quickly and efficiently.
                Most grocery stores became supermarkets and moved to locations where they could have larger buildings where shoppers preferred the self-service atmosphere with only a clerk present at deli counters and check-out lanes.  The locations afforded sizeable parking spaces for customers making it easy to purchase large amounts of product at one time.  In small communities like Perry, most neighborhood grocery stores went out of business by the mid-1940s though some lasted into the 1960s and 1970s. Specialty shops like Stoners’ Market (butcher shops) in Perry lasted somewhat longer.  Chain stores now dominate the shopping experience. Even locally owned stores during the late 20th century became part of a franchise like Super Valu or IGA.
                Jack Bruce Market/Sanitary Meat Market/Stoner’s Market was open continually for business from 1905 through 1999.  This specialty store was located at 1301 Second Street (northwest corner of Second and Lucinda Streets.  Jack Bruce opened the meat market in the early 1900s and was joined shortly thereafter by Harry Bruce.  Around 1915 the brothers had a falling out and Jack moved his business to 919 Railroad Street and Harry continued his Sanitary Meat Market at 1301 second Street.
                Harry Bruce was well-known for his generosity during the depression.  He would offer food to anyone who would sweep the sidewalk in front of the store, no matter how many times a day it had been swept.  George W. and Edward Stoner were employees of Harry Bruce and eventually took over operation of the market.  The Stoner brothers took over ownership after Harry Bruce’s death in the 1950s operating it until the early 1970s when it was purchased by George E. Stoner and his wife Betty and daughter Susie operated the market until it’s closing in 1999.  The market served many of the Perry food establishments, nursing homes and hospitals making daily deliveries of fresh meats and cheeses.
-John Palmer, Perry Historic Preservation Commission

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City of Perry, Iowa | 1102 Willis Avenue P.O. Box 545, Perry, IA 50220 | (515) 465-2481
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  • Government
    • Agendas & Minutes
    • Public Notices
    • Mayor & Council
    • Administration >
      • City Administrator
      • Finance Officer >
        • Human Resources
      • City Clerk
      • Housing & Development Manager
      • Marketing and Engagement Coordinator
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Departments >
      • Cemetery
      • Garbage & Recycling
      • Library
      • Parks and Recreation
      • Perry Water Works
      • Perry Municipal Airport
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Fire Department
      • Police Department >
        • Perry Community Camera Program
        • Citizen Inquiry/Complaint Form
      • Public Works
      • Waste Water
    • Boards & Commissions >
      • Airport Commission
      • Historic Preservation
      • Library Board
      • Parks & Recreation
      • Planning & Zoning
      • Tree Board
      • Zoning Board of Adjustment
    • Code of Ordinances
    • Contacts & Staff Directory
    • Website Disclaimer
  • Perry Next
  • Resident Info
    • AmeriCorps Perry
    • ​Tree Trimming and Ash Tree Removal
    • City Projects Blog
    • Downtown Improvements
    • City Newsletters
    • Public Service Announcements
    • Snow Ordinances
    • Fireworks
    • Waste Water Treatment Plant Project
    • Garbage & Recycling
    • Yard Waste
    • Property Maintenance
    • Rental Property Code Enforcement
    • Community Calendar
    • Contacts & Staff Directory
    • Links of Interest
    • Maps
    • Media/ News
  • Chamber of Commerce
    • 2024-2025 Perry Iowa Community Guide + Member Directory
    • About Us >
      • Contact Us
      • Member Benefits
      • New Member Application
      • Member Login
    • Member Directory
    • Map of Businesses
    • Job Postings
    • Events >
      • Calendar
      • BRR
      • Farmers Market
      • July 4th Celebration
      • RVTV
      • Weather
  • Business & Development
    • Community Development >
      • Tax Abatement
      • Child Care Survey
      • Zoning/Building Permit Application
      • Solar Resources
      • Residential Development
      • Sustainability
    • Incentives
    • Sites and Buildings
    • Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
    • Perry Economic Development, Inc.
    • Business Resources
    • Plans & Studies >
      • Comprehensive Plan 2030
      • Housing Studies
      • Iowa Living Roadways- Community Visioning
  • Culture & Recreation
    • McCreary Center
    • Camping
    • Public Parks
    • Dog Park
    • Trails
    • Carnegie Library Museum
    • Hometown Heritage
    • Forest Park Museum
  • I Want To . . .
  • NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS