HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-06-21, Page 3838 Signal Star • Wednesday, June 21, 2017
G O D E R I C H
1827-2017
GODERICH
Four generations of family tradition
Courtesy of Schaefer's Ladies
THE INCEPTION
In 1924 George Schaefer returned from
serving in WW1. He then moved from
Timmins to Goderich to open a new business
on the corner of the Square and North Street
under the name G. Schaefer Groceries. He
operated the general store at that location until
1929.
In 1929 George Schaefer bought 142 The
Square from Mr. Grey. Currently the location
of Wuerth's Shoes. George's first day of
business in that location was Black Friday
October 1929. The business operated under
the name Geo W Schaefer. This wasn't a
general store as before but dealt more with
clothing and household goods. In 1949 the
business became George W Schaefer and Son
when John Schaefer, aged 19 joined his father
in the business. The business did further name
change when the youngest son Bill Schaefer
joined the family business in 1954. Operating
under the name of Geo W Schaefer. and Sons it
continued to serve the community with ladies
clothing, and household merchandise such as
flooring, curtains, blinds, wallpaper, bedding
and towels.
EXPANSION AND A BIG MOVE
In 1959 George Schaefer bought 162 Court
House Square from Mr. Atchison. Shortly
after the 162 location was closed and major
renovations took place. The dirt floor basement •
was dug down to create a functioning lower
level selling space for flooring, window
coverings. bedding and towels and fabric.
The front of the store was redesigned into
a modern ceramic front with large display
windows and an alcove for window shopping.
An updated heating system was installed and
air conditioning was installed which was quite
a big deal in the early 60's.
In 1961 the 142 location was sold and a
brand new store opened to the public under
the name Schaefer's Ladies Wear at 162 Court
House Square.
In July of the following year George Schaefer
passed away. His two sons continued to carry
on the traditions of the family business.
Bill Schaefer left the business in the late
60's to relocate to another storefront a block
away to have the space in order to showcase
his .talents with custom drapery and floorings.
This move left John the space to expand the
fabric centre on the lower level adding a large
bedding and luggage section. The main floor
was then dedicated to ladies' fashions and
accessories.
MODERN DAY
John's daughter Louise started as a student
clerk in the store in 1966. In 1973 she returned
to Goderich to became a full time employee.
Happy 190th
GODERICH.
Happy 150th
CANADA!
Proudly Serving Goderich & Area Since 1971
GODERICH
TOYOTA
Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
346 HURON ROAD
GODERICH
524-9381
1-800-338-1134
aercvlan
After having her daughter Anne. she returned
to the store in 1979 and in 1986 become a
partner with her father John in the business.
In 1996 John retired and Louise took sole
ownership of the business. The fabric centre
and bedding and luggage were cleared out of
the lower level in order to dedicate that area to
sleepwear, lingerie and swimwear.
Louise's daughter Anne joined the staff
of Schaefer's in 1998 to work full time and
become the store Manager in 2002. Anne
became the 4th generation to own Schaefer's
when she took over in Feb 2017. Anne
continues to maintain the quality of service
and fashions Schaefer's has always been
known for.
TRENDS THAT CAME AND WENT
Over the years Schaefer's has carried a large
variety of products from carpet and drapery,.
bedding and fabrics to ladies' fashions. We
saw the following come and go as trends
changed: wigs, Tender Tootsies shoes, infant
and young children's clothing, hats, Estee
Lauder, Luggage, Yarn, Notions, Towels, Furs
and Leather, and many more. When these
trends started Schaefer's had them in the store.
During the 60's 70's and 80's when Toronto
was a fashion center John would drive to
Toronto weekly to bring back new merchandise
for the store. From Flapper dresses in the 20's,
Crinkaline fabric and Levis' for women in the
60's then Kinky Toes and Maxi Coats in the
70's, as Schaefer's has followed the trends.
OBSTACLES WE OVERCAME
In the early 1950's there was a fire at the
location at 142 The Square. The fire didn't do
much structural damage but the heat, smoke
and water caused a major interruption to
business.
In July of 2004 Schaefer's was impacted by the
fire that totally destroyed Triangle Discount
on the corner of the Square and North Street.
We were forced to have a smoke sale, close
for cleanup and then reopen with all new
merchandise.
An F3 Tornado that tore through Goderich in
September 2011 did the least damage to our
block of the square. Our windows were blown
out and we had some roof damage. Due the
concern over asbestos contamination from
surrounding buildings we were closed for
7 weeks. All of our inventory was removed,
the store professionally cleaned windows
replaced and roof redone. We then started to
replace what inventory we could get. Today
we are happy to say that Goderich is back
better than ever as is Schaefer's Ladies Wear
and Lingerie
Spring &
Fashioni
MT LOOKIFOR THE YELLOW %.
SALE TAGS
F.OR YOUR SAVINGS!*.
162 The uare, Goderich
51 '
24.7232c.
LADIES WEAR
www.schaefersl