The way we were

GARFIELD — Like most people, my husband, Blake, and I have a weekly routine—“going to town.” Grocery shopping is the main focus and, because of that, I’ve learned to be very attentive to “keeping a list and checking it twice.” Anything we neglect to pick up has to practically endure a court hearing to prove that it’s worthy of another 50-mile round trip. Gasoline, and occasionally, clothing shopping are included on our schedule, but other than the occasional jeans and t-shirt purchase, we rarely have a need for new fashion. Yes, placing an order on Amazon can be tempting, but we know that it’s up to us to support our local businesses and help ensure their survival.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Greg Partch about the Garfield-Elberton Museum (GEM) located on 3rd Street in Garfield. Along with commemorative items, machinery, and building signs, the museum has accumulated a collection of “ephemera”: among the holdings are newspaper articles, programs, advertisements and restaurant menus that open the door to what seems a distant past.

I was particularly struck by the menu of “The Nook (Where friends meet to eat)”. The menu featured coffee for a nickel, hot chocolate for a dime (with a five-cent upcharge for marshmallows), and thirty-five cent banana splits. It also stated “No booth service less than 10 cents per person.”

Eight pages in length, the menu not only included food items, but advertisements from local businesses. And I do mean local—their phone numbers are two-digits in length. Businesses include two grocery stores: the OK Market “Inspected Meats” and Miller’s Grocery, The Family Theatre with 7 and 9 p.m. showings on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and Mitchell Electric, which sold Admiral, Crosley, Emerson and Zenith radios,

Occasionally, when I encounter a photo, newspaper item, or other souvenir of the local area’s past, I am reminded of a simpler time when the community’s needs were met within walking distance of home. So much of what we take for granted today seems like an episode of “The Jetsons.” Just think: Decades from now, our time will seem like “the good old days.”

To make a donation to the Garfield Elberton Museum, arrange a tour, or share a memory, please contact Greg Partch at (509)595-5058 or [email protected]