Jones Sundries

Jones Sundries original location: 108 S. Christy, Sumner IL

        Bill Jones worked in various places of business in Sumner, IL including the Winter's Sundry Store for 7 1/2 years and for Joe Weiss Cleaning establishment for eight years. Leota was employed at Stouts Implement Store for a time.

        In 1953, when they were expecting their first child, Bill and Leota decided to go into business for themselves. They purchased the Winter's business located at 108 S. Christy and renamed it Jones Sundries.

Centennial Celebration

        In honor of Sumner's 100th anniversary, the town held a Centennial Celebration on July 2-5, 1954. As shopkeepers in town, Bill and Leota were required to wear period costumes during the event or face a fine. The men stopped shaving in February to ensure they had full beards in time for the celebration. Men who preferred to shave had to purchase a "shaving license" for $5.

New Location

Bill at the grand opening with one of the La Fendrich Cigars.
The wagon from Lancaster Hardware can be seen in the left corner holding flowers.

        Jones Sundries successfully operated out of their original storefront for seven years before upgrading to a new location across the street at 203 S. Christy in 1960. The new store was quite a big deal for the time. An article in the Sumner Press about the move said the building "lacks for nothing in modernity. With its new recessed plate glass front, beautiful marquee, tile floor, lowered ceiling and colorful decorations, it is a credit to any community. The building is entirely cooled and heated with natural gas." According to a representative from the local Illinois Gas Company, "Jones Sundries is the first building in Sumner to make use of this newest equipment available which air conditions in the summer and heats in the winter from one unit."

            In the storefront window of the new building was a wagon load of flowers. This wagon was part of the early days in Sumner. It was stored in the Lancaster Hardware store room and was used in the early days to make delivery of heavy purchases.

            Bill and Leota hosted a Grand Opening for the new location on Friday and Saturday, April 29-30, 1960 that included free gifts for each person visiting the store. Women received a potted plant, Men a La Fendrich Cigar, and for the Children, ice cream and candy treats. Each visitor was also entered to win one of the multiple door prizes in a drawing held on Saturday night of the celebration. The event was a huge success with over 1,400 visitors. 

Retirement

        The store and its owners continued to be a big part of the community until they retired and closed the store in the 1980s after thirty years in business. Years later, Jones Sundries customers still remember the store fondly, especially those who went to the store as children to buy "penny candy".