(below) The former residence of Vernon Schatz and his wife Idella .


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“Vernon Schatz, who started working for G. Edighoffer in 1921 moved to Ezra Tieman and son January 1923. He worked for him for 18 years before buying the store in 1941. He has operated the store for 44 years. Mr. Schatz purchased the Hartlieb Block in 1965.

Sixty-four years and some 48 million eggs later Vernon Schatz is still in the general store business in Dashwood and eggs continue to be part of his life. Schatz is the only independent egg grader and the only outlet where a small farmer can sell eggs between Lake Huron and Toronto.

In the early days one of the first chores was counting eggs. Grading was unheard of in the early 1920’s and most farmers brought their eggs to the store packed in oats in pails or buckets. Also as an apprentice merchant, it was the new comers chore to look after the horse and buggies of the customers. In a lot of instances, the women would come to town by buggy and the apprentices would hitch the horses to the posts provided in front of most stores or take them to a nearby shed because of the lack of space.

(below) Herbert “Herb” Schlundt was employed for many years as a deliveryman and shop assistant at Schatz’s store. He was well known locally for his enjoyment of playing the harmonica.

Image source: The Exeter Times Advocate via “Dashwood: 150 years” DVD (No copyright information available.)

Grading of eggs under supervision of the provincial government came into being in 1925. He says he received all kinds of eggs, brown and white, dirty and clean including rotten ones. Many years ago, most hens quit laying in the fall and most farmers would pack away eggs in waterglass for preservation until spring. When spring came and the hens started laying again fresh eggs were eaten and the storage ones would be taken to the store, creating a few rotten varieties.

Due to governmental pressure the first egg grading plant located in a warehouse at the back of the store had to be moved to the basement and eventually to a new shop adjacent to the store in 1944. Most of the egg grading was done in the evenings. Early grading was done with the help of a small hand scale with each egg weighed individually. In the 20’s and 30’s farmers and their wives brought many varieties of produce to the store to grade for merchandise. In addition to eggs, merchants accepted butter in rolls, dried apples, hams, side bacon, potatoes, dutch set onions and live and dressed poultry. Many customers bought flour for bread baking and it was quite common for a large family to order a ton.

During the summer months many customers south of the border come especially to buy woollens. The Schatz store carries a tremendous stock. His motto is “You cannot sell from an empty wagon, people today will not wait until tomorrow”. When he started in the general store in 1921 Schatz received $8 a week and $5 went for board. His wife Idella helped in the store many years until ill-health forced her retirement. She has since passed away.”

extracted from “Friedsburg-Dashwood 1860-1985” by Mary (Patterson) Rader, 1985; pg. 8, ISBN 0-9692115-0-3

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“Vernon (1904-1988) and Idella Bender (1904-1984) were married in 1928 and lived most of their lives in Dashwood where they owned a unique general store. For some 47 years, they sold groceries, Hudson Bay blankets, mohair throws, dry goods and men’s and women’s clothing. Vernon measured many customers for tailor-made suits for companies such as Warren K. Cook.”

(left) “Vernon and Idella (Bender) Schatz, only daughter of Ezra and Emma Bender, taken on their wedding day in 1928.” Image source at left and below: “Hay Township Highlights: 150 years of Diversified Progress, 1846 – 1996”. pgs. 603-604. Click on image for larger version.

“Also, large round blocks of cheese sat under a glass dome in the store and a pound or two would be sliced off as the customer ordered. Eggs were originally brought to the store, but in 1925 an egg grading station was built to the north side of the shop. Herb Schlundt was a long-time helper at the store and egg grading station. He could be seen delivering groceries with his wagon on the streets of Dashwood where he still resides.”

(left) Unknown date. Interior of Schatz’s General Store, looking south, toward the main entrance.

“When it came to travelling, Idella was the chauffeur, as Vernon did not have a drivers licence. George Edighoffer owned the store before the Schatzes, and was also Vernon’s guardian following the death of Vernon’s parents. After Vernon’s death, in 1988, the store was sold and converted to apartments, now owned by Ron Merner. Schatz’s general store was known far and wide. Vernon always found time to chat with his many customers as they visited his unique shop.”

extracted from “Hay Township Highlights: 150 years of Diversified Progress, 1846 – 1996”, published by the Hay Township Book Committee under the auspices of Hay Township Council, Alice Gibb ed.; pgs. 603-604 ISBN : 0-919939-43-0