Reminiscing with Pearl Playford
Published November 7, 1963
Ben Ernsberger’s letter in last week’s Record was very interesting and looking at The Record files of 50 years ago we discovered other interesting things about C. M. Becraft. I do not remember too much about who worked in the Becraft Hardware Store, but Ben’s letter speaks of a John Wermer. I think that is a typographical error. I am quite sure that the person mentioned was John Wimer. Mr. Wimer owned one of the very first automobiles in Watervliet. I shall never forget my first ride in an automobile, and it was owned by Mr. Wimer. It was a far cry from present day automobiles. That day when I rode to Kalamazoo I left here at 6 a.m. and arrived in Kalamazoo at noon. After about an hour spent in the Celery City, we started for home, arriving in Watervliet at 6 p.m.
Getting back to Mr. Becraft. It was 50 years ago that the Watervliet State Bank held its formal opening in its new home and the Record’s story stated that 500 visitors attended.