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Show 36 Enterprise, April 6, 1993 Mutual Furniture endures ups and downs for 68 years One of the oldest businesses in Helper began in 1924 as a general mercantile store. John Skerl opened Mutual Mercantile Co. in the building now occupied by Veltris Drug. The store was only five years old when the stock market crashed in 1929. The depression years were hard on the store. Often, Skerl extended credit to people who, at that time, could not afford to pay it back. Yet the store was forced to pay cash on the barrelhead. Skerl work. through good per-server- ed hard James Rolando joined Sfzetaited Refuwi tycOiauCic S&wiceA, A Skerl in the business and it became a partnership that has been passed on to their children. Eventually, Skerl and Rolando got out of the grocery business altogether. Skerl believed it was too Pumps Motors Valves risky because of non- payment of some outstanding bills. If furniture customers didnt pay, you could always go and get the merchandise back. In the grocery business, you cant do that. They eat it up," Skerl is quoted as saying. In the early 1940s, Skerl and Rolando opened Mutual Furniture and Hardware Business continued to and by 1945, they had outgrown their store. Skerl then bought and improved the building in which Mutual Furniture now stands. Since that time, Mutual has Co. grow continued to experience good growth. Today, the store is under the management of Tina Zemlock, John Skerl Jr. and Joe Rolando Sr. Ann Skerl e Kosec is a employee. The business now sells everything from small hardware to major appliances. full-tim- WERE SMALL, BUT BIG ON SERVICE AND... QUALITY FOOD Try our own famous Fresh Baked Pastries Orders to your taste HOMEMADE SPUDS Never go away hungry with our plentiful servings V 15 W. Main, Wellington 637-543- 1 |