Businesses Open in Grove

(This information was obtained with permission from the Grove-Discovering Spirits Past history book published by the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, July 1, 1992)

George Ward built and owned the first house in the Grove Springs area.  The earliest businesses were near the spring itself: two general stores owned by a German named August Safer and a Confederate Captain named Tredwell Remsen.  “Springs” was dropped from the town name in 1888, when Captain Remsen applied for a post office, bringing about the town name “Grove”.  Another early business was the Old Mill, which was built by a man name Dahl. 

In 1898 the first issue of the Grove Sun was printed.  The issue listed Grove as having four doctors, two druggists, three blacksmiths, a livery feed store, a hotel, a lawyer who drove back and forth between Grove and Fairland, and one barber.

Around 1899, there were a few restaurants that were in Grove.  The included, the City Restaurant owned by J.C. Ferree, the Whiteway Café, Little George Thomas Chili Joint, and Lacy’s Café that later became a candy store.

One early business that demonstrated the home-style atmosphere was Aunt Jane Longmire’s Boarding House.  She had no menu; however, her meals were known for miles around.  The food was set out on the long tables in bowls and on platters.  There was a wash pan and a bucket of water in the back for washing hands.

Other businesses included the Hotel Hazel, the first hotel in Grove.  The sixteen-room hotel, also known as “Hotel Mayes”, was located on the corner of Second and Hazel.  The hotel’s business ended in October of 1933, when it was struck by lightning and burned.

Another business was Grove’s first movie house, which was located on the corner of Third and Broadway.  The movie projector was known as the “Magic Lantern”.  The move house moved to Shupert’s Ben Franklin on 17 West Third Street.  Today a six-screen movie theatre is located at 110 N. 3rd.

Other improvements began to enhance the Grove district such as the establishment of the fire department in 1911, which consisted of a hose cart, and the addition of the Grove community center, which was built in the town square in 1938.

In 1944, the only bank in Grove was the State Bank of Grove.  In 1975, the Grand Lake Bank was built.  Grove currently has seven banks with a new one to open in October of 2006.

As the years passed, Grove continued to thrive.  New businesses were sprouting up everywhere.  In addition to the many businesses already present, Dr. N.A. Cotner founded the hospital in 1963, and the public library was established in 1964.