The last store in Savonburg, Olson’s grocery, owned by the Olson Mercantile Company of Chanute, closed its doors for the last time Saturday evening after 63 years of business in the small Allen County community. Miss Mabel Anderson, librarian of the Savonburg Library, who scorns publicity for herself, came to the fore the past month as a result of her unsuccessful battle to keep the last store in Savonburg open. Of the 120 residents of Savonburg, the hardest hit are those such as Miss Anderson, who lives by herself and who doesn’t own an automobile. A store in Stark, in Neosho County, about four miles south of Savonburg, has advertised among Savonburg residents that it will make deliveries provided the orders total $25 or more. Also, a transportation service provided by the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program, makes periodic visits to small towns in the area and brings residents to Iola for a day of shopping and other business. Miss Anderson says she will not be able to use the transportation service because she has to open the library each day.
A look back in time
50 years ago - Savonburg's last grocery store closes, leaving its 120 residents hard-hit. Miss Mabel Anderson, librarian of the Savonburg Library, lost in her battle to keep Olson's grocery a going concern.
