TIP TOP VARIETY STORE

by Lucy Isom

Entry B18 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

Tip Top Variety Store, owner Lucy Isom. Early
1970's Lola Revere, Head Clerk in front

In 1952 Nellie Johnston (who was previous-
ly a secretary at Lowe's store) had Lange
Builders build the building now owned by
Larry and Peggy Bostron, housing Peg's
Beauty Shop and B.&D. Enterprises.

Nellie named her store `Tip Top Variety'
and was associated with Ben Franklin Chain
Stores for several years. Later her sister Mary
Guggleman came to help her, and about that
time Nellie changed to Variety Distributors
from Harlan Iowa. She and Mary continued
to manage the store until 1966 when due to
failing eyesight and health she sold the store
to Lucy and John Isom. The store remained
at the same site until 1968 when inventory
was moved east in the next block into a
building owned by Lyle Starr. Isoms contin-
ued to own and manage it as the `Tip Top
Variety' until 1978 when they sold to Paul
and Lucile Schmoker, the name was then
changed to "Lucys", which it remains at the
present time. (1987)

Lola Revere worked for Nellie for several
years and continued to work for the Isoms
until they sold to Schmokers.