Downtown Roseburg business turns 100-years-old
By KPIC-TV StaffROSEBURG, Ore. - A downtown Roseburg business hit a major milestone this month celebrating its 100th birthday in the same location on Jackson Street., and one employee of that business has been working there most of that time. MultimediaRoseburg Book and Stationery remains in the same location in the downtown business district, as when the store opened in 1910. The name has changed a few times, and the products have changed over the years, but it is the longest running business in its original location in Roseburg. Gary and Janice Quist celebrated the stores 100th birthday on Feb. 6, but at the same time they celebrated two other big milestones. Their employee Vera Wilson turned 92 on that day, and it marked her 76th anniversary working at the store. She started there in 1934 and never left. "I've been lucky to work for very special bosses, so why wouldn't I stay," said Vera. "A lot of the customers come in there, and she remembers them when they were little kids coming in here," said Janice Quist. As you can imagine, Vera Wilson has seen some big changes in the business in 76 years, but one thing really stood out to her. "I do remember when the ball point pen came in, and the fountain pens," she said. Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich was on hand for the ceremony. He told the crowd gathered that being in business for 100 years speaks to the commitment for good customer service. "To me that's what makes a businesses 100th anniversary, you not only have to have quality products, but you have to have good customer service," said Rich. "Without the customers we wouldn't be here," said Janice Quist. Her husband and co-owner Gary Quist agreed. "That's right, I tell customers everything we have here you can get somewhere else, but you're not going to get the customer service that we really strive for." The Quists bought the store in 1993 and transformed it into a full service office supply store. It is the oldest Hallmark store on the west coast. They have had to deal with the big chain stores coming into the area, but they have met the challenge. As for 92-year-old Vera, she took time to play a hundred-year-old portable keyboard that she has had for a long time, and to visit with many of the customers that she's waited on for decades. Vera has cut down on the number of hours she works, but she still drives herself to work and she would like to stay awhile longer. "it would be fun to reach a hundred," she laughed. |
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February 9, 2012
- Roseburg, Oregon
