WORLD WAR...AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION

At the turn of the century Steamboat Rock’s drug store was owned by Chet Reed. Mr. Reed, moved to Eldora, and Jim Coler became the manager of the business until he moved to Ackley. In 1915, M.F. Baker then managed the business until it was purchased by John J. Eilers in 1925. 

In 1926, the fire had destroyed all but two businesses on that block on the south side of Market street. The drug store was a complete loss. 

A group of concerned citizens formed what was known as the Steamboat Rock Building Company, and sold shares of stock to finance a brick building to house the drug store and post office. Both of these buildings now house the present Green Door restaurant. 

The first pharmacist in the new building was Walter D. Meyers. In the early 1930’s Martin Boeke, a native of Hubbard purchased the business from Meyers. In 1936 Boeke purchased a drug store in Wellsburg, and moved his entire inventory there. In March of 1936, Russell W. Holmes, who had been employed by Mr.Boeke, opened the store for business. In 1945 he purchased the building from the Steamboat Rock Building Company.