by Connie Tabbert
Editor
COBDEN — A family business in Cobden for 69 years has changed ownership.
In 1946, Alex Schauer returned home from World War II with money in his pockets. He spent most of it on some empty storage sheds and began a business on Jason Street.
Over the years, the business changed and grew, from a door and window business to a complete home hardware business.
Many years later, that business relocated to a much larger spot on the edge of town.
Today, there are several buildings that house A. A. Schauer and Sons Home Hardware.
Will that sign need to be changed? Only time will tell as the current owners have sold the business.
Brothers Doug, Don and Doug Schauer and sister-in-law Joan Schauer (widow of Merrill), have sold the business to Chris and Nikki Olmstead, who also live in Cobden. Mr. Olmstead is also a first time councillor on Whitewater Region Township council.
Schauer’s Home Hardware is the second oldest business in Cobden. As far as Doug knows, the oldest family business is Yolkowski Monuments.
At 63 years of age, and no family to take on the business, Doug, who is the mainstain of the store, said it was time to sell.
“The business needs new blood and the (other) shareholders agreed,” he said. “There’s no one to step in and I’m getting tired.”
He further noted he is the youngest shareholder.
When Merrill was alive, he and wife Joan worked at the business, while Keith and Don were silent partners.
A few months ago, Doug said he approached Mr. Olmstead to see if he would be interested in purchasing the business.
“We could have done the deal on a handshake,” but in today’s society, that’s not really acceptable, Doug said with a laugh.
It took time, but the deal came together and the Olmstead’s take possession on June 1.
Doug has the sale bill his father received when he purchased the property in February 1946. But, he noted, his father didn’t take possession until May 12, 1946. So, the sale of the business his father started is almost 69 years to the date.
Going back to the most recent sale, he said, “It was a smooth transaction and I’m tickled Chris is getting it. He’ll make an awesome boss.”
Doug is planning on retiring, just not to the rocking chair.
He will stay on at the business until someone is hired to replace him.
“I said I would stay until they found the six people needed to replace me,” he said with a laugh.
“I know Chris and Nikki will carry on in a tradition of good service and a concern for the community.
“They’re local people. I know Chris and Nikki will carry on the tradition of honesty and integrity.”
Doug will miss the many people who come into the store each day.
“I’ve had customers from murderers to ministers, from bank robbers to bankers and all those in between.
“They all have their story. I can tell stories forever.” With a laugh he added, “I didn’t hang out with the murderers.”
He said he has a lot of stories.
“Old men like to rant and remember then and now,” he said.
He will become more involved in woodworking, which he has enjoyed doing for many years. It helps he has a bush lot where he gets the wood.
“I’ve always enjoyed woodworking,” Doug said. “I have a nice shop.
He’s also looking forward to spending more time with family, including his wife Saundra.
For the past three years, he has also gone down to Guatemala to help build homes and schools. He has also helped out with the Mennonite Disaster Service.
Earlier this month, music and stories could be heard on a Saturday afternoon at the store. While Doug didn’t call it a good-bye celebration, it was almost like that.
“It wasn’t a party,” he said. “It was a tribute to mother and dad.”
He recalled when his father used to work 16 hours a day to ensure the business remained strong.
And even then, his mom and dad found time to be community-oriented people, participating in various community organizations and events.
And, if his parents couldn’t get to an event, mostly because they were busy working, they sent money to help support it, Doug recalled.
“Dad worked until he was 75 years old,” he recalled.
He quit when the electronic cash register came on board.
And while Doug is retiring, maybe not as old as his father was, he is leaving for almost the same reason. While he has a lot of knowledge, operating a computer isn’t one of them, and that is now a large part of the job.
He recalled when someone would come into the store, he wold help them from start to finish. Now, there’s the cashier and the yard guy and the computer.
Doug is also well-known for those cute cryptics posted on the large, yellow sign in the front of the store. He says not to worry, he’s providing the new owners with some to carry on for a while.
As for Mussie out front, he’ll be relocating to a new home. Bob and Louise Deschambault, owners of Bona Vista Campground, just west of Cobden on Hwy. 17, have purchased him.
