112 N Main Main Street ;

A & P - Brief history: The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, better known as A&P, was an American chain of grocery stores that operated from 1859 to 2015 (Formerly Gilman & Company 1859–1869;founded in 1859 by George Gilman, who opened a small chain of retail tea and coffee stores in New York City, and then expanded to a national mail order business). From 1915 through 1975, A&P was the largest grocery retailer in the United States and, until 1965, the largest U.S. retailer of any kind). In 1936, it adopted the self-serve supermarket concept and opened 4,000 larger stores (while phasing out many of its smaller units) by 1950. After two bankruptcies, A & P finally closed the last of its doors in 2015.

Hayes Building - Lakeshore Dr.

1924 - April. 9 - A & P Chain Store May Be Located In Culver

Two representativee of the Atlantic & Pacific chain store grocery were in town yesterday looking over the local situation with the idea of locating a store here.
All xonditions were taken into consideration by the representative. They interviewed several people of the town and made a visit to the academy

No definite decision was readed while the men were here. They will amke their report to headquarters and the company willact on this recommendation

It is not known just wehere they would locate the store. They loocked at the Hayes building in the east end of town and they also looked at possible locations up town.

1924 - June 4 - A & P. Store Coming

The Atlantic and Pacific Grocery Stor COmpany has leased the Hayes building and will open some time this month.

At Present, carpenters are at work making some changes to the interior of the building.

It is understood that some local man will manage the store.

1924 - June 11 - A & P Store Expected to Be Opened about June 23

Howard Mikesell, who will be the manager of the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Compnay's store here, will leave for Laporte soon where he will be given special training in the nanner of managing one of these stores

He has said that the store will probably be opened on or about June 23rd.

Mr. Mikesell will handle the business by hemself except for the help of his son.

1924 - June 25 - A n Appreciation - I wish to thank the academy people and the townspeople who have used their influence in making it possible for me to be selected as the manager of the A & P Store in Culver. I will appreciate your business in my new understaking. (SIgned) H. E. Mikesell, Manager A & P Store

1924 - Novemebr 12, New Manager Named for Local A. & P. Store<
Howard Mikesell relinquished his claims in the managership of the local A. & P. store Monday afternoon in favor of Mr. Schmeltzer of Winamac.

The latter took charge Tuesday morning. Mr. Mikesell will again sell Fords for the McKesson Garage and gandle insurance work.

Mr. Schmeltzer has had previous grocert exeperience.


1926 - Jan 27 - New A & P Manager
Will N. Davis of Nappanee is the new manager of the local A & P Tea Co., relieving Mr. Smeltzer

Mr. Davis has had many years of experience with the company and has worked in four otoher stores besides the local store.

Mr. Smeltzer is planning to take a traveling position




Moving New Quarters

1928 - Feb 1 - A & P Store will occupy new quarters
Lease is signed North half of the K. of P. building is Remodeled for use of will known CHain

A lease has been signed and returned whereby the A & P store will occupy the north half of the K. of P. building.

The report that this firm intended to move from its present locaction in the north part of town to this building has been widely circulated for several weeks and was substantiated by the repair work on the building, but the lease was not signed and returned to the officials of the K. of P. Building Corporation until last Monday afternoon, thus making the change official.

This means that the K of P building will now be occupied once more and doing its share in making CUlver a attractive business center.

The Falvey and Foreman Dry Goods has leased the south hald and workmen are busy remodeling that room also.

Both firms are planning to open for business pm Saturday, February 18, and intend to make that day one that will be remembered for years in Culver and vicinity.

Detailed announcements will be mabe later, though a general announcement is published by the Flavey & FOreman store in this issue.

It is believed that C. J. Long, present popular manager of the local A. & P. store will have charge of the chain in tis New location.
1928 - February 1 - The A & P Store will occupy new quarters in the

1937 Sanborn Fire Map





1937 - From the fireman's benifit_film



1943 - May 12 - — Robert Hawkins, who has been connected with the local A & P Store for several years, has been appointed manager

- ? 26 Mar 1958-Nov. 1963 - Ted Strang, Manager  


Ted Strang, manager of the A & P Tea Company grocery store on Main Street, recieved an Honor Store award from K. Stitzer, Southside general superintendent of the company in Chicago. Looking on is George W. Steele supervisor in charge of the Culver store. Our local store was one of 18 in the Chicago region to qualify for the coveted award, on the basis of outstanding curtesy and service to customers. Manager Strang received special commendation.

1959 - Jan 28 - Assisting Mr. Ted Strang in the management are Jerry Knepper, Gary Hicks, Fern Canterbury and Kate Kowatch



1963 November 27 – Jerry Knepper is new manager
1963 - nov. 27 Jerry Knepper Is New Culver A&P Store Manager, 1963-?

Jerry Kent Knepper is the newly appointed manager of the Culver A & P store, taking the place of the former manager, Ted Strang, who resigned recently to accept an insurance position.

Mr . Knepper has been with the A & P Company, for seven years, as assistant manager. Prior to joining the A & P Company. Mr. Knepper was with the Bourbon Chevrolet Garage at Bourbon. During the summer months, Mr. Knepper operated the vacation store circuit for the A & P, taking the place of managers, who were on vacations.

Mr. Knepper now resides in Plymouth , but will move to the Culver area as soon as living quarters are available.

As manager of the A & P, he will also be a member of the Culver Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly Shop- Annex 1970's_?

Index of 110 N. Main