Love- The Odessa Record; "By Your Relative"

Odessa Record subscriber Larry Fisher of Spokane continues his series of articles on the history of the Batum/Lauer area (where his wife, the former Joyce Kiesz, grew up).

Hi, here I am again.

A few months ago, I told you about two dreams I had while I was in hibernation. Now I will tell you about dream #3. The dream involved my future wife, Joyce Kiesz, the time period was 1905.

We were staying at "The Hotel Odessa," managed by C.F. Weisgerber. The hotel had reopened under new management. It was newly furnished throughout and was first-class in every respect. Rates were $1.00 and $2.00 per day.

As we left the hotel, we decided to "window shop" on main street before getting our mules "gettyup" and "slowpoke" for the ride to the Lauer/Batum District.

Some of the things we noticed were: The Odessa Hardware & Implement Co. was selling 12 and 16 gauge Winchester repeating shotguns.

The Odessa Drug Company was advertising its soda fountain. They said, "It is sizzling, fizzing and bubbling with the most delicious drinks. Only the best quality of materials is used and folks tell them, they do know how to make refreshing soda drinks. Try the ice cream soda - cost 10 cents, but is worth it."

The Palace Store - "the greatest bargain store in Odessa" was selling groceries such as soda crackers, a three-pound box for 15 cents, Carnation cream for 10 cents a can, granulated sugar, 15 pounds for $1.00. They also indicated "they will not be undersold."

The Kriegler-Page Mercantile Co., a general merchandise, hardware, farm implement store was selling ladies' suits, such as, brown voiles, black and white lawns, calicoes and percales from $1.85 to $4.75 a suit. They were having a heavy fleece-lined underwear sale, Oneita Combination Suits for Ladies and Misses, regular $1.60 values, reduced to $1.25. They also had a shoe sale, style 46, women's fine dress shoes, french cut heel, regular price $4.00, sale price only $3.50.

Until next time.

Your Relative,

Spokane