PETERSON, B. E.

PETERSON, FLACK

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 3/25/2010 at 22:04:28

B. E. Peterson is one of the leading representatives of commercial activity in Osage, being sole proprietor of the Daylight Store. He has been interested in this undertaking since 1908 and in the intervening period his business has steadily grown, having become one of the foremost mercantile interests of the city. Mr. Peterson was born in Delaware county, Iowa, November 12, 1873, son of P. A. and Mary Peterson, who were farming people. The mother died when her son was quite young.

In the schools of Manchester, Iowa, B. E. Peterson pursued his early education, which was supplemented by a term's study in the Cedar Rapids Business College. Throughout his entire business career he has been identified with mercantile interests. At the outset he joined his brother-in-law at Delhi, Delaware county, in the conduct of a general store under the firm style of Peterson & Flack. The company continued in business there for three years, after which the firm bought out a general store at Hawkeye and Mr. Peterson resided at Hawkeye, where he conducted the store, also carrying on a store at Strawberry Point. He remained in charge of the Hawkeye store for five years, on the expiration of which period he removed to Waterloo, Iowa, where he spent one winter. In the spring of 1908 he came to Osage and purchased a half interest in the dry goods store of W. H. Lemke. A year later he purchased his partner's interest. At the beginning the business was incorporated under the name of the Daylight Store Company and this name has since been retained. The business was carried on as a corporation until 1917, when B. E. Peterson purchased the interest of his partner and became sole proprietor but still retains the old firm style. The business has been conducted at the same location but the property has been greatly remodeled and Mr. Peter­son is now contemplating building an addition to the store. He carries a large stock of ladies' ready-to-wear garments and a full line of ladies' and children's shoes. His stock also includes floor coverings, rugs, hosiery, furs and dry goods sold by the yard, and his business has more than doubled since he became connected with it. His stock is now twice as large as when he purchased an in­terest in the business and he is today owner of one of the best stores in Osage and this section of the state. He is very progressive in his methods and the neat and tasteful arrangement of his place adds not a little to his sales, while his business methods and earnest desire to please his patrons have won for him the confidence and goodwill of those who have given him their support.

In 1899 Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Addie Flack, a native of Dela­ware county, Iowa, born August 11, 1876. They have one son, Dale, who is a pupil in the high school of Osage. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and in all public affairs his aid and influence are given on behalf of advancement and improvement. He does everything in his power for the up­building of his adopted city and is one of its most progressive and valued men.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, Vol. II, 1918, page 137.