Zearing, Iowa 1956 History

“Zearing is a very nice town of 250 inhabitants, situated in Lincoln township, and is considered one of the best business towns in Story county.

“We call your attention to Smith Brothers. They carry a full line of dry goods, boots, and shoes. They also sell groceries. You will always find them willing and ready to serve their customers. McConnell and Thatcher keep a quality stock of goods. Albert D. Hix has a complete line of groceries and confectionery. A. D. also handles gloves and a few notions in dry goods.

“Our worthy postmaster, William H. Shafer, is always ready at his post. Frederick Wohlheter & Son carry an immense stock of hardware. A. B. Welton's drug store also has a complete stock.

“Mrs. Amy Mead has an excellent millinery shop. So does Mrs. Edith Wohlheter.

“Robert A. Dool has the harness shop. Anything in that line you will find at his place of business.

“Bert Price is the proprietor of the meat market. Miss Susie Williams runs a 5, 10, and 25 cent store.

“Charles A. Burkhart sells confectionery, cigars, and toys. He also helps his father, John C. Burkhart, the lumberman.

“Clift & Fry, Nathaniel and Edward, handle implements, sell coal, and buy and ship grain. Ira Barnes is the manager of the large elevator. He buys and ships grain, and sells coal.

“H. Alexander Grandy repairs boots and shoes. He makes mittens and gloves to order.

“The restaurant is kept by George E. Airhart. He also has a barber shop. William W. Vanderwalker has a barber shop.

“At the Zearing House hotel, Sylvester Abe Stallings guarantees good meals and comfortable beds. Elwood C. Ingledue is the depot and express agent. You will always find him at his post.

“And finally when you have finished trading, if you have any money left, the Farmers Bank, with Nathaniel R. Clift, president, and Anna E. Fry, cashier, will take care of it for you.”

A supplement to The Zearing Enterprise was published on Friday, June 30, 1905. It contained a summary of Zearing business on that date.