2004 Year in Review

Morrison Sesquicentennial Honors "Golden Businesses"

Alfred Polgar contends that “Work is what you do so that some time you won’t have to do it any more.” On the other hand, David Grayson stated, “Happiness, I have discovered, is nearly always a rebound from hard work.” There are 25 local businesses that exemplify the second statement, and the Morrison Sesquicentennial committee commends them for their benefit to our town and the surrounding area.

These “Morrison Golden Businesses” have increased community benefits for 50 or more years. They have been at our service, through several generations of family members and changes in partnerships, and continue to be so.

They are listed here in order of their founding: 1857 Fitzgerald Pharmacy; 1857 Whiteside News Sentinel; 1868 Ludens, Potter, Burch & Melton; 1883 H. B. Wilkinson Title Co.; 1919 Farmers’ Elevator; 1922 Wilson Greenhouse and Florists; 1928 Brands Heating & Cooling; 1931 Robert Van Osdol Radio & TV; 1934 Forest Inn; 1942 Maurits & Jost Insurance Agency; 1942 Morrison Veterinary Clinic; 1945 R. C. Smith Transportation; 1946 Butcher Brothers Industrial Movers; 1946 Morrison Machine Shop; 1948 Vend Omack Sales; 1948 Vern’s Home Furnishing; 1949 General Electric Co.; 1949 Mac’s Body Shop; 1949 Schuler Motors; 1949 Workman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling; 1950 Climco Coils; 1951 Hilltop Lanes; 1952 Ross V. Bogott Co.; 1952 Yarbrough Appliance; 1953 Nelson Electric Service, Inc.

Primarily, these are service industries that fall into several, broad categories: agriculture-1; appliances-1; automotive-3; communications-2; décor-1; foods-2; legal-3; manufacturing-2; medical-2; recreation-2; trades-4; transportation-2. They fix problems, create products, inform or entertain, and protect family, pets, crops, and property. Such public needs are ongoing and a part of any era. This service ethic is illustrated by the jingle used previously at Nelson’s Electric: “When in trouble, and in doubt, We are the ones to figure it out.”

The Sesquicentennial committee recognizes their loyalty to our community. Each business will receive a vinyl cling to display in their front door or window, beginning with the oldest businesses. This simple, recognition ceremony will involve a photograph of the current and past owners or managers.

If additional 50-year businesses have been omitted inadvertently, it is our sincere desire that our committee be given the opportunity to honor them. Kindly contact Stephanie Vavra at 772-3144.

The poet Kahlil Gibran most accurately characterized the efforts of these 25 Golden Businesses. He claims that “Work is love made visible.” Certainly, these owners, managers, and their employees have displayed a love of our community over many years. The Sesquicentennial committee hopes their faith in Morrison continues into the future. Additionally, we hope the list of “Morrison Golden Businesses” has increased when the town’s bicentennial occurs in 2055!

by Stephanie A. Vavra, Guest Columnist
October 1, 2004