M. I. and Mayme (Springtein) Soll

Senior in terms of years of work in Murray is M. I. Soll. Even though the name of his general merchandise store has changed, the character of his establishment has changed little in the past 50 years despite fire, time and changes in location.

Sollies General Merchandise Store first got its start under the name of L. L. Garrett. Upon the death of its owner in 1882, the store was then to assume the name of "O. E. Garrett ­ General Merchandise" the new owner being the son of the stores founder.

O. E. Garrett died in 1918. At this time the business was purchased by M. I. Soll, who had worked in the Garrett Stores since he was 14 years old.

Known as Sollies Store, the business had the

M. I. Soll

(Left) Sollies General Merchandise Store. A friend, Melville, M. I., Lorraine (Curly), Sylvia (Springtein) Soll.

usual amount of ups and downs till 1935, when it was gutted by fire. Following this fire the general store was moved to where Wilms Recreation Room now is located, then to its present location, where it still stands (1968).

Upon M. I. Soll's death in 1950, it was run by his widow for a time, then sold several times, till now it is known as Webbs Grocery.

Before the time of the fire, his sons, Melville & Lorraine, who had grown up in the store, worked before and after school and Saturdays helping their Dad. Melville would haul around 100 cans of cream and 100 cases of eggs to Creston on Sat. nite after the store closed, around midnite or later.