Livermore

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This will be an ongoing project to add Livermore businesses to the historical business section.

 

Graves Candy Shoppe

"Gimme One of Everything"

Livermore youngsters of long ago must have left many fingerprints on this enticing glass counter.  The photograph was taken in 1914 at the candy store of Wesley Graves, the short man behind the counter.

Graves is the grandfather of Jack Ferguson, Livermore, who owns this picture.  In front of the counter is Dr. Wiggins, a Presbyterian minister in Livermore for many years.

Most of the goodies were homemade, although the picture indicated the Holly Brand Chocolate Company and Chicago Biscuit Company, provided boxed treats.

 

 

Pool Halls and Saloons

The first pool table in Livermore was added by Jacob Hiserodt's to his saloon late in 1883.  Playing cards in saloons was prohibited in Livermore saloons, but having a shooting gallery attached to the saloon wasn't.   It was noted in the Livermore Gazette an incident that occurred at the saloon.  " A little affair took place at Jake Hiserodt’s saloon yesterday, headquarters of the shooting gallery, which caused some little excitement.  The proprietor of the gallery, R. L. Caldbeck, accidentally discharged his rifle, sending the ball through the fleshy part of George Stillion’s left leg just above the knee, inflicting a very painful wound.  He was promptly attended to by Dr. Vought and the wound properly dressed.  It was a close call."

On July 3, 1884 the license fees on pool and billiard tables was raised to $25 per year by the Livermore's City Council.   

In May of 1884, J. K Smith, of Fort Dodge bought a half interest in the saloon with J. Hiserodt and ran a barber shop in connection to the saloon.  It was not an unusual practice to have a pool table in the barber shops.

Ed Miller operated a pool hall on the north side of the street in the building which was used by Boyds Store.  Marvin Lamb and Louis Garman owned and managed the pool hall until Louis sold it to Alvin Lenertz, who turned it into a cabinet shop.  He put out many beautiful clocks, chest, tables, etc.

The pool hall that was located on the south side of the street in Livermore next to the Post Office, was started by Jay King and Russel Ferguson.  Russell Ferguson started the barber shop in there.  Frank Collins then operated it followed by Link Hughes and Chuck Houston.

 

Livermore Brick Tile Works
Visit the Works page in the history section.

 

Livermore Train Depot Paintings