Did You Know This About Geary County History?
By Dr. Ferrell Miller
Geary County Historical Society Board Member
“Stores That Closed After Many Years Of Business In Junction City”
December 1978 marked the end of an era in Junction City. For 60 years Roy Clewell had been the owner and operator of a drugstore on North Washington Street. The store was first opened by Mr. Clewell’s uncle, C.H. Baskin in the building next door. Baskin bought the business in 1890 and the store flourished. So, he expanded and built the new building. Roy Clewell’s father operated the Baskin Drug Store from 1904 to 1917, when Roy took possession of it. In the early days the business served as a gathering place of the community to gather and exchange their tales about daily activities. The soda fountain jerks and comic books kept the school lunch hour crowds entertained for many years. The store was said to be the first drugstore in town to get a refrigerated fountain, which offered a wide selection of flavors in its ice cream gallery.
When it closed in 1978, the Clewell Drug Store could boast of having hosted some well-known people such as Harry Truman, Mickey Rooney, Gene Tierney and lots of other satisfied Junction City customers.
In December of 1900, the B. Rockwell Merchandise and Grain Company celebrated its 35th anniversary in business. Mr. Bertrand Rockwell, the head of the establishment had only recently mustered out of the Union Army, when he rode into Junction City on December 1, 1865. His ability combined with his strength was the only capital he had. However, he applied it vigorously and by 1900 had gone through sunshine and storm, grasshoppers, drought and fires. He had triumphed over all of these and made a business of which few Kansas could be so proud.
According to the local newspaper, the Rockwell Merchandise and Grain Company of Junction City, was known near and far as one of the largest and most solid in the west. The splendid success of that firm may be attributed to its excellent management and the accommodating courteous treatment given to customers. The Rockwell Merchandise and Grain Company closed its doors in 1926 after 61 years serving the shoppers needs of Junction City.