The store and gasoline pumps keep the Carlsons hopping every minute. Della always has a smile for everyone, and is always eager to join in a hearty laugh. Oscar has been so busy that he hasn't had time to enjoy his hobby of fishing.
The Carlsons answer the fire calls, and Oscar blows the six o'clock whistle every night except Sunday. When a fire call comes through, Oscar informs the first volunteer fireman to appear where the call came from.
Oscar's background intertwines with farming, operating two gas stations, and his present occupation of storekeeper. He was born June 1, 1891, near Lafayette, and received his education in the Jasper County schools. He operated the Log Cabin Gas Station, which is east of Lowell, and the Mobilgas station in Lowell.
Della Fisher Carlson was born on June 8th, 1897, in Monterrey, Indiana. She received her education in the Newton County and Shelby schools. Oscar married Della in 1913, and they set up housekeeping in Shelby.
From 1916 until 1933, the Carlsons farmed 200 acres of land near Shelby. They did general farming and shipped cream to nearby markets. In 1933 they moved to the "White Land" east of Lowell and farmed 1,200 acres in addition to shipping milk to the market. From 1941 until 1954 they operated a 108 acre diary farm southeast of Lowell.
They came to Lake Dale April 26, 1954, to operate the Carlson Grocery. Both belong to Indian Trail Grange, the Conservation club, and Oscar is an honorary member of the Lake Dale Fire Department. They also enjoy playing pinochle whenever they have an occasion to do so.
The Carlsons have seven children, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. This happy family circle includes: Mrs. Rosabelle Royce and husband, George, and their three children, Joyce, Betty, and Jim, who reside at North Judson; Mrs. Grace Henson and husband Edmyre, and children Kenny, Bud, and Mildred, at Shelby; Louis Carlson and wife Lorraine Henson, and children Barbara, Billy, Donald and Sandy, at Lowell; Mrs. Jean Duncan and husband, Floyd Jr., and children Phyllis Ann, Dicky, Carol Jean and Jackie at Schneider; Mrs. Phyllis Rouse and husband, Harry Jr., and children Benny and Billy, at Schneider.
Mrs. Dorothy Steiner and husband Arlie, and children Marilyn, Stanley, and Steven, at LaPorte, and Burl Carlson and wife, June Geib, of Lowell. The three great-grandchildren of whom the Carlsons are so proud are Steven Ellis, Debra Lynn Solomon, and Billy Short.
The Carlsons have marked 42 years of married happiness, and their friendly concern for everyone at Cedar Lake makes them a valuable asset to the community.
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