Kissel's Sanitary Market: 80 years-young, and going strong

[Padraig18]

Author's note: This is an article I wrote that will come out in today's paper.

CHESTERVILLE--- As visitors open the door to the Sanitary Market in Chesterville, a cheery 'Hello!' accompanies the sound of the small bell that rings every time the door is opened, and the voice almost always belongs to 100 year-old Mary Kissel, the owner. Mary Kissel and her late husband, August, opened their grocery store on March 1, 1925, and it has been in continuous operation ever since. Today, son Joe, daughter-in-law Betty, grandson Eric and great-grandson Ben are the store's sole employees.

Decades past the time when most people would have retired, Mary Kissel still works 8-10 hours a day, six days a week. "I've never known anything but work", she says," I wouldn't know what to do with myself, if I didn't work". "Grandma's afraid she'd miss out on something, if she stayed home or took a day off," says great-grandson Ben, laughing. Mary Kissel just smiles and says "Oh, hush".

Newlyweds in 1925, Mary and 'Gus' opened their grocery here because "we didn't have a modern grocery store in town back then." Refrigerated meat counters, electric lights and a cash register were all considered 'modern' back then, according to Mrs. Kissel. Still, she and her husband wanted to keep the small-town 'feel' in their new store, something they succeeded in doing. "We sold groceries on credit back then, and we took eggs, butter, chickens and fresh vegetables in trade. Like I said, we sold groceries on credit then, and we still do today", she admits, pointing to several ticket books with last names prominently displayed at the top in capital letters.

"Some times people need things and they may not have the cash right then; I still believe that most folks are honest and will pay their bills when they get the money", Mary says, noting, "I can count on the fingers of both hands the number of people who've not paid me in 80 years of doing business." Respect and courtesy have also played a large role in the market's longevity. "We taught our boys to treat customers the way they'd want to be treated. Nothing in the world will run a customer off any faster than being rude or smart-alecky to them."

The store has seen many changes in 80 years, and has adapted to them without ever losing the uniqueness that has helped it maintain a loyal following. "Health regulations have changed, over the years," Joe points out. "Things are much more strict than they used to be but we've always managed to adapt just fine. Mom and Dad always kept the place spotless, any way, so most of the changes weren't as hard for us as they were for some small groceries." The store has expanded twice, and was remodeled back in 2000. New gasoline tanks were installed in 2002 and the store still sells kerosene by the gallon for its Amish customers.

When asked why he thinks the store has remained so vibrant in an era when small groceries are rapidly becoming things of the past, Ben says without hesitation "It's Grandma-- she watches the money". Expanding on that thought, he explains, "Grandma has more practical knowledge about money and business than most MBAs. She understand cash flow, credit, amortization and the value of good will better than our banker does. She and Grandpa were able to figure out how to keep the doors open during the Great Depression when at least 3 other stores here in town went bankrupt. I don't always agree with her about finances, but I usually wind up taking her advice, and am happy afterward that I did."

When asked if she has any plans to retire, Mary just smiles and shakes her head. "Lord, no! I've missed exactly 3 days in 80 years, and those were when my boys were born. I like to work, because it keeps me active and makes me use my mind. No sir, I don't think I'll retire, because I'd probably be dead in six months if I did."

Kissel's Sanitary Market is open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m, holidays excepted.

:D

[Padraig18]

1. Shameless vanity kick

:P

[CubsFan1982]

2. I love Mom n' Pop stores like this.

There's a small grocery store just down the street, where my mom buys all her meats and breads. They also have great lunch specials during the weekdays, I don't think I've ever had a better lasagna in my life than the ones they sell for lunch on Fridays. It's too bad a lot of them are getting driven out by the chain stores, but it's always nice to hear about the ones that manage to stick around.

[Padraig18]

3. Yeah, we love going here.

They sell 'home-killed' meat, meaning locally raised. The quality is superior to the stuff you get in chain stores.

:)

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. Nice article!

Sounds like a hell of a woman, too!

[Padraig18]

5. She's a riot!

And there is nothing that happens in or around Chesterville that she doesn't know about, both present and past.

:)