From Jim Stalker
Creston
Down, but not done! It’s true that the 100 block of North Maple Street is in a world of hurt right now, but with a little help from the rest of the Creston shopping crowd, we’ll make it through. There’s still a contingency of diversified retail businesses, new and old, in the downtown. I’d like to mention just a few who have inspired me, and I think they could use a little help this holiday season.
One new business, a bit out of the downtown area, is Graphic Displays owned by Bobby Wintermute, located at 705 S. Elm St., where the old Rug Doctor office used to be. From Highway 34 to the south, his store is somewhat blocked by a public school bus that should be parked anywhere else. It is well worth a stop to see his variety of retail items. If you’re looking for something unusual for all ages but especially the younger set, this is the place to stop. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at his collection for sale.
In the Uptown, alias Downtown, Create Creston offers a complete selection of artist supplies as well as works of art for sale. Brian Zackery owns this unique store. It’s well worth a stop to see this state of the art (pun intended) retail store on Maple.
Quilts and Other Notions, Candy Cane’s consignment store, Van Gelder’s clothing store and Maple Street Memories have now closed because of sickness, retirement and condemnation proceedings of the store next door, the old Place’s Store. Other stores on Maple, like family-owned Coen’s Furniture store stays active. The Bookwyrm offers a wide selection of new and used books for sale, while the newer bookstore located inside Shop and Save struggles, offering only used books to be purchased.
The Thompson’s, Ed and Anna, run two stores on Maple Street. Ed runs Central Iowa Furniture and Anna offers dollar items and a miscellany of other items in her Shop and Save Dollar Store located further south, but still on Maple. Walter’s Custom Sign, operated by Harry and Jennifer Walters, can print you up any sign you need, and also sells custom printed clothing, just one more interesting place to discover in the old downtown (Uptown).
Everyone seems to have a special day mentioned for the holiday season. I proclaim the Uptown/Downtown as “D” day, and we celebrate it every day of the year.