A Community Center was upstairs in the Tett building until the 1950's. Before the churches acquired their own social facilities, they held their bazaars and suppers there. Lodges such as the Woodman's and the American Legion used it for their meetings and social activities. Private parties and public dances were held there quite frequently in later years. Movies which were sponsored by the local merchants were shown in the Tett Hall once a week, during the cold weather when they couldn't be shown out of doors.
Frank sold out his harness shop to Jake Durstine in the late twenties. He in turn sold out to Jake Mein a few years later. Jake Mein liquidated the business in the late thirties to take the postmaster job in McCallsburg.
William Tett continued as a Chevrolet dealer until World War II, which brought the new car business to a complete halt. The year 1929 was a bumper year for the William Tett automobile business during which time he delivered 40 new cars. In contrast to this, he did not sell one new car during the year 1932, during the depression. At this time, he would allow a farmer 15 cents per bushel for any corn brought in on account. The market price for corn was 10 cents, so much of the corn that was brought in, was used as fuel to keep the store warm. The heating system in the store was an old school house coal burner that attracted more than its share of loafers. One could thaw himself out in a hurry after coming in out of the bitter cold. It was especially nice to prop one's feet against the stove to warm them. Many a "hot discussion" took place around the red hot pot bellied stove. It had to be attended to quite frequently to keep it going.
In 1939, William Tett also became interested in selling tractors as well as cars. He sold his first tractor, a 1937 6-cylinder Oliver Row Crop 70 to Joe and Edward Johnson. He soon afterward took on the Oliver franchise. He continued his Chevrolet dealership. A big market was developing at this time for tractors and other machinery. Horses were rapidly being replaced by tractors on the farm.
Horses were frequently taken in on trade. The farm equipment business was going great until the advent of World War II almost brought it to a standstill. The supply of cars was entirely cut off by 1942. Some tractors and machinery were allotted to dealers. In order to purchase a new piece of equipment, the farmer had to secure a certificate from the county ration board. This inflated the price of equipment and brought about the "black market." Some farmers, it is said, resorted to paying well over list price in order to get the equipment they needed.
The market imroved in the late forties when supply began to catch up with demand. William, or Bill as he was more popularly known, was joined by his son in the business. Two new lines were added, New Idea and Gehl.
In 1948, Bill started the addition of an annex on the west side of the two story building. Like his father before him, he did most of the construction work himself. This was used as a place to set up and display farm equipment. Bill continued an active part in the business until his health failed and he died on Memorial Day, 1958. The business passed on to his wife, Pearl, and son, Harlan. This partnership of mother and son continued on for another five years when the machinery franchises were given up and the partnership dissolved.
Orville Ellingson continued to operate his repair shop in the rear of the east building.
On Jan. 1, 1969, both buildings were sold to Thompson Auto Salvage.
Thus ended nearly a half century of business in McCallsburg, involving three generations of the family for the Tetts.
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