HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-11-05, Page 6331A GSS/Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1986
U
Yesteryear
Champion manufactured crushers and other equipment for the
road -building industry. In 1958, the company decided to mann=
factur only road graders.
R'°.9'Ra.
Dennis A. Fincher came over from England during World War II as a
member of the Royal Air Force and was stationed at Port Albert. In
September, 1942, he married Mary F. McAstocker, a Goderich native.
After marrying, the couple lived for a short while in England until their
return to Canada in 1947. Soon afterward, Dennis began working at
Champion Motor Graders and continued to work there until 1956.
On February 19, 1956; Dennis Fincher purchased from William Woods
the but;iness at 16 The Square which was being operated under the name
"„F.M. Wood and Son". The name was changed to "Goderich News Stand"
and Dennis, together with the assistance of his son, Eric, who helped
after school and on weekends, continued to sell tobacco, newspapers,
magazines and operate the pool room.
In 1964, the name of the business was changed to "Fincher's Smoke
Shop". The business premises were expanded and completely remodell-
ed and a coffee shop was opened up. As well, new product lines were in-
troduced, including gifts, models, games, greeting cards, stationery and
paperbacks.
The business was•incorporatcd in 1968 and in 1972, Eric Finchcr, after
receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Waterloo Lutheran Universi-
ty, joined his father on a full time basis. During the period from- 1972
to 1974, father and son worked together to implement many new changes.
In 1972, the pool room and coffee shop were removed and thc entire
building was once again completely remodelled. Existing product lines
were expanded and new product lines were added. Also in 1972, Dennis
Fincher purchased a store in Kincardine. Eric continued to work with
his father at both stores until 1974 when he returned to school.
Over the years, all members of the Finchcr family, including Dennis'
wife, Mary and their other five children, Karen, Debbie, Susan, Tom and
Nancy, have been actively involved in thc business.
:In 1983, the youngest Finchcr son, Tom, graduated from the Univcrsi- •
ty of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and entered the
business full time with his father. In thc same year, this new father -son
team opened a new store in Exeter. Thcy have also continued to increase
their product lines to provide a better selection of merchandise for their
customers and to remodel their business premises to provide a more plea-
sant shopping environment. At present, they have 12 employees.
The Finchcr family arc proud to be a part' of Goderich -.the prettiest
town in Canada and home of Champion Motor Graders - and have fir the
.past 30 years enjoyed serving the pcoplc who live, in and visit this arca.
Tom and Dennis Finchcr look forward to being able to grow with the com-
munity in the future and to serve for many more years the fine pcoplc
in this area.
The Goderich Power Maintainer, introduced in the late 1930s, is
pictured on East Street with a new V-shaped 'plow.
Sh(iirs square: . ccti St feet
GODERICIT KIXCAR.1 I
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