ROCK ELM, WI – Immediately after Rock Elm was settled in the 1860’s, stores began popping up. One of the earliest known stores in the town was owned by S.J. Fox, who arrived in Rock Elm in 1867, built a log cabin, and opened a general store with $1,000 worth of merchandise.
In Lavern Flanders book, “Look back and Remember: The first fifty years Rock Elm Township area 1861-1911,” the business relationship between Fox, Hawn, and White is described:
“By early 1870 the log store building had become too small for the mercantile trade and in July, Fox and Hawn were putting up a large two-story building to give ample accommodations for their increased business. The upstairs of the new building was to be used as a public hall.
To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the January 23, 2025 issue of the Sun-Argus newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.
