Harry Gordon (1879-1957)
- A familiar face is missing on Commercial Ave. this week. Harry Gordon, for 27 years, the efficient manager of the local National Tea Co. store, made his final inspection and checked the books for the last time Saturday night before "officially" retiring from Lowell's business life. Mr. Gordon, just one month short of 70, has been serving the public in various grocery stores downtown for the past 47 years in a livery stable. His first job in a grocery was with Hoevet and Ruge, then he transferred to the E.R. Lynch store, later managing the West Side General Store, of which he was part owner, for a few years. In 1932 he was appointed manager of the National Tea. In recent years he has been serving the third generation of several families that have traded in stores where he has worked. Mrs. Gordon, who has worked by his side many of those long years, is also "retiring" because, as Harry puts it, "from now on I'll need a loafing partner." "The first thing we're going to do," said Mr. Gordon, "is to take a trip to Denver, Colo., to visit our son Keith, and after that, well, we've a lot of nice shade trees in our yard." Mrs. Frances Hanley, a long time employee of the store, will take over active management for the next few weeks. A host of friends, made down thru the years, will greatly miss the genial ex-grocer, who is now taking a well-deserved rest.
A copy of the following newspaper article, hand-dated December 31, 1953, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
Harry Gordons Observe Golden Anniversary
Harry Gordon and Ruby Hayden pledged their matrimonial vows on December 23rd, 1903, in a ceremony performed in Chicago. Having marked fifty years of married happiness, the couple were honored at an open house in observance of the Golden Anniversary Sunday, December 29th.More than 150 friends and relatives called at their lovely spacious home on North Liberty Street where they have resided for 42 years. Arrangements for the pleasant occasion were made by their son and family, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gordon and daughter, Miss Nancy, of Wheaton, Illinois, and their nephews and nieces, Dr. and Mrs. Burdette Hayden of Wilmington, Ill., and Dr. and Mrs. George Stuppy, of Chicago.
Miss Nancy Gordon lighted the walk and porch with an attractive setting of candles. The Gordon home was festive with beautiful flowers. Golden leaves decorated a buffet arrangement of yellow sweetheart roses, chrysanthemums and gladioli, brought by Dr. and Mrs. Stuppy. A pretty Christmas poinsettia plant was the gift of the Senior Home Ec Club and two magnificent bouquets of yellow roses were from the Belshaw family and a friend, Miss Ethel Rummley. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon were recipients of many treasured gifts.
Tall yellow tapers burned in crystal holders on the lace covered table where a prettily decorated three-tiered cake was served by Mrs. Burdette Hayden and Mrs. Fred Minninger, The Misses Nancy Gordon and Sue Minninger poured, and Mrs. George Stuppy presided at the registration of guests. Several other relatives and friends assisted at the formally appointed refreshment table.
The bride of fifty years ago was attractive in a pastel blue frock sprinkled with dainty pink flowers. She wore an orchid corsage. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Hayden, prominent farmers of West Creek Township, Ruby attended the Methodist church and public schools at Sherburnville, Ill., just across the state line. The Hayden families are intimately connected with the development of this region, having been among the first to settle here.
Mrs. Gordon holds membership in the Lowell Woman's club and the Senior Home Ec club.
Harry attended Lowell grade and high schools, and his first job was grocery clerk at the Hoevet & Ruge Store, then he transferred to the E.R. Lynch Store, and later managed the West Side General Store, of which he was part owner. In 1932 he was appointed manager of the National Tea Store, and served in this capacity for 27 years, retiring in July of 1949. Some months later the store moved from Lowell. Mrs. Gordon worked by his side most of those long years.
Through their business and social associations, this popular couple have a host of friends and a far reaching circle of acquaintances.
Keith is their only child, and 19 year old Miss Nancy, their only grandchild.
On this happy occasion of their Golden Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are extended best wishes by the Tribune and the entire community.
Go to Harry Gordon, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
Return to Lowell Biographies.