Celebrating Years of Good Service

A few days ago Elaine Thurston told me about the "decommissioning" of the Lansing Hardware store. She said: "Grateful customers, friends, neighbors, citizens will gather in the Lansing Hardware parking lot to help the mayor and David lock their doors for the last time. Bring picnic suppers if you will, but bring trash bags and brooms, too. There will be grills and music and a ceremony. Wednesday evening, April 30 from 6:00 to 9:00. The purpose: to celebrate their years of good service to Northfielders."

I stopped in the store to see how things are going. There were shoppers asking Lee for advice and being assisted by Sandy Molkenbur. David and staff were removing shelving and Sharon Henry was putting finishing touches on a window display. Lee told me they must vacate the building by midnight on the 30th. Remaining stock will be sold at auction later. As noted earlier, Lee and David plan to open a garden shop in their property north of the former business. We visited in his office where he showed me photos of his family, including his father's farm in Iowa.

It struck me again how hard it is for small business to stay healthy these days, and how even harder it is to let go. I hope Northfielders will gather next Wednesday to help decommission this important Northfield landmark and to wish Lee, David, the staff all the best!

(More pictures in the Photo Gallery.)