The History of the Sullivan Building

1116 Main

Mr. Sullivan owned and operated a grocery meat market and delicatessen store featuring free delivery store featuring free delivery in town.  At first it was done with a horse and cart and was a common sight to see the delivery boy making his rounds with good things to eat.  Later the store bought a new Dodge with side curtains for food protection, the first grocery delivery truck in town.  His first store was located north of Herb Garrett's building (918 Main), next moved to the Hunt building (Jacque's Hallmark, 1124 Main), and finally located where Garcia's is today, 1116 Main.

In June 1935 adversity dealt a hand, and E. W. Sullivan closed his doors of his grocery and market and turned over the assets and liabilities to creditor concerns.  Mr. Sullivan had for eighteen years conducted a very high-class grocery and market, and served the public well.  Five years of depression and crop failures was more than the business could stand.

July 11, 1935 - Wash Brothers Open New Grocery in Place of Sullivan Market, which closed two weeks age.  The store is one of six groceries owned and operated by the Wash Brothers of Akron, Colo.  Willard Blackwelder of Pueblo, Colo., will be manager of the Goodland store.  Miss Blanche Hargraves, for many years one of the popular and efficient clerks of the Sullivan store, has accepted a position with the new firm.  This store was only in operation a short time.  In the late 30's Turleys had a grocery store at this location.

In 1942 Schoenthales purchased the store and had a format opening of their new store.  They also were and IGA store.  The interior of the building was completely remodeled and redecorated with new fixtures installed with the exception of the market department, which already had one of the latest refrigerator and display case in enameled white.  The walls and ceiling of the storeroom were painted a light cream, shelving in white enamel with black iron trim except the fruit and vegetable bins, which were white with green, trim and kept fresh by modern mist spray.

The Schoenthaler's IGA Store was sold to Harold Mossman of Colby Jan. 25, 1945.  In 1948 they did extensive remodeling to the store.  In 1958, Harold Mossman was forced to seek lighter work due to his health, got a job as Assistant Manager of the D & G Electric Store.  Mrs. Cleo Mossman, 'Hank" Elliott and "Buck" Hillmer took over the management of the store.  Harold Mossman died Dec. 26, 1962.  The store continued in this location until the building was sold to Goodland Savings and Loan in 1966, for the expansion of their business. The Mossman IGA moved to 1107 Main and was in operation until 1969.