The business was opened where the Elvins Hardware Store stands today. A few years later the firm was forced to move to larger quarters, the building it occupies today. For the past seven or eight years this building has been too small, but a suitable location was not available and the business has continued to be housed in the same building for twenty-five years. Recently Mr. Tlapek purchased the building once occupied by Wood's Drug Store. Mr. Tlapek has spent considerable time and money in making this building one of the most beautiful stores in the Lead Belt.

Mr. Tlapek recalls the first customer to place an order for delivery, and this same customer is still trading with Tlapek's. She is Mrs. E. Kells of Flat River. Twenty-seven years ago Mrs. Kells lived in Federal Park, Mr. Kells being employed for several years by the Doe Run Lead Company. Later Mr. and Mrs. Kells moved to Flat River.

Many other people have been trading with Tlapek's for twenty-five, twenty, fifteen, ten and five years. Twenty-seven years ago refrigerators or display counters were unheard of. Store buildings were lighted by oil or gasoline lamps. Sausage meat was ground by man power instead of electricity. Mr. Tlapek was the first merchant in St. Francois County to purchase an electric meat grinder.

Mr. Tlapek will hold a Grand Opening at his new store this week-end. Read his announcement elsewhere in the paper.