We have been looking at the history of the hilly, northern section of New Hanover Township known as Pleasant Run. Central to that area was Yerger’s Store.
Sassamansville resident, the late Joeseph M. Swann, in his memoir describes that store in such detail that I quote it here, unedited, in its entirety:
“As I recall the time period from 1920 to 1945, this general store was the only one within a five mile distance for many of the inhabitants residing in that area.
In my childhood imagination, I thought of Pleasant Run Store as a trading post; the Last Frontier before venturing in the hinter lands, as the territory beyond the store was hilly and wooded, and appeared in my childish outlook very foreboding. I was eight years old at the time.
Here, seemingly, was an unlimited supply of all the good things of life; such as candy, canned food and fruits of every description, cheese and summer sausage as it was called at that time, work clothes, shoes of every description and style, galoshes, and anything else one could desire; it was all available at Pleasant Run Store.
The subject operation was conducted by two bachelor brothers, middle-aged men, Henry and Peter Yerger.
The physical structure, a one and one-half story building, had an open, roofed porch with wooden steps which led directly in the large store room area.
On the right hand side as you entered was the work clothes area consisting mostly of work type apparel; an adjoining area [was] where shoes of every description and outdoor inclement weather foot wear were kept. Not much room for display purposes, but ask for it and they had it in stock.
Near the center of the store room was a potbellied coal-fired space heater, oil fired in later years, and several large wooden boxes, bottom up, which served as a sitting place when trying on shoes, and used by the senior citizens of the neighborhood at evening time.
On occasion, when there at twilight, I overheard them discussing local politics, the state of the union, and forecasting the weather six months hence, among other things.
They seemingly spoke with knowledge and authenticity as I remember them; but on the other hand, a ten year old boy wouldn’t know the difference. Would he?
Near the front portion of the store room was a wooden counter where large round portions of cheese, under a glass container of course, large jars of pickles which looked like full grown cucumbers, etc. were displayed; a scale set on the left side of these commodities.
To the right of the counter was a glass candy case, which displayed a variety of penny candy and five cent milky-ways.
On the shelving area which extended from the floor to the ceiling were rows and rows of canned vegetables and fruits. I never found out exactly where the molasses and vinegar barrels were kept; when a customer ordered a quart or a gallon, the proprietor disappeared behind the door which led to the basement, and in a short space of time, reappeared with a filled container.
At this time period, there was a great demand for kerosene; it being used for lamps and kerosene stoves by the inhabitants of the area. The tank was kept in the basement.
Often times the farmers would exchange eggs for groceries. I believe the Yerger brothers instituted the barter system in the neighborhood.
The living quarters for the proprietor was situated at the west end of the building.
Normally, store hours were from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week.
In close proximity to the store was a two story frame outbuilding where one of the brothers, Henry, bought fur bearing animal pelts and such which were in abundance in the surrounding rural country side. This was a profitable winter time sport for the local young people, as the prices were good and always a market for their endeavors, either in cash or exchange for merchandise from the store.
Mr. Henry Yerger became well known through this enterprise, as being honest in his dealings, and consequently was very successful, which also was complementary to the store business.
The Yerger Brothers will always be remembered by those who knew them. Good honest and respected men who rendered a valuable service to the community over a long span of time.”
Next week: The Rest of Pleasant Run
The Historian is produced by the New Hanover Township Historical Society. Contact Robert Wood at 610-326-4165 with questions or comments.
