Plantiko's Store

 

Old Hwy 12 ran from Eau Claire, through Elk Creek Lake, past Old Elk Lake through Spring Brook township and thence into Menomonie on the east side of town. Most of that stretch of road is now known as Hwy E and the long stretch between Elk Creek Lake and Menomonie needed a grocery store and gas pump. Otto Plantiko seized the opportunity and opened Plantiko’s Corners store just east of where the Spring Brook (Salem Iron Creek Church) stands. In April of 1929, Otto sold the store to his brother Walter Ludwig and wife Della Amalie (Holte) Plantiko.

John Martin Plantiko married Theresa Bartz on June 21, 1884. They had six children, Max, Edward, Otto, Paul, Frank, and Walter. Otto appears to have been the entrepreneur of the family delving into numerous ventures throughout his lifetime. After selling the store to his brother, Otto moved to Menomonie and took over the Clear Oil Company station and store in North Menomonie. He lasted three months before the company leased it out to Lloyd Peck but managed to give the station a new name which stuck with it for decades. He renamed the station in honor of the funny papers character ‘Jiggs’ and so was called ‘Jiggs Service Station’.

Walter and Della operated Plantiko’s Corners beginning in 1929 and in 1935 renamed it to Plantiko’s General Store. The couple did well in their venture and managed to engage in the social circles of the day. There was a surprise 35th wedding anniversary party thrown in their honor. They occasionally entertained guests and took part in card games and civic duties alike. In 1971, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there and in 1979 following 50 years of business, they retired and moved to the Downsville area. In 1983 they became residents of the Elmwood Nursing Home. Walter died on February 6, 1984 at the age of 85. Della remained at the Elmwood Nursing Home until April of 1984, then moved to Barron Riverside Manor where she died on February 24, 1985 at the age of 84. The Plantiko family plots are in Eau Claire.

Each bit of research turns up some interesting and peculiar twist on the subject or something related to it. My dear friend, Rene Chevatal inquired about the little store out on ‘E’ and so I dug to find something of interest or depth. Walter and Della lived a quiet, smooth, and even life, enjoyed their friends and business, and created nary a wrinkle. That is not to say that my research did not turn up anything interesting though! Strangely odd is the reference to Walter as a half brother to his siblings Paul and Frank. Nothing obvious to the eye would create that title and I simply let the reference pass with only this footnote.

The one item my research did uncover was, for a time, a bit of a mystery to the Dunn County Historical Society. I was able to unmask the mystery and herewith lies the tale. In 1960, the Courthouse sat where Wilson Park is, and the New Courthouse was being moved into next door. While executing the move, Leonard Kingsley (County Clerk) discovered a pint bottle of moonshine. The bottle was sealed with a cork, signed across its face by Otto Plantiko, dated August 8, 1930, noted with “Schroeder’s Barn sealed 9th day of August 1930.”. The bottle was donated to the Dunn County Historical Society and placed away in the safe deposit box.

Many years went by before the bottle was rediscovered by the new DHCS President while checking inventory. There was no documentation with the bottle and the mystery of it all came to light. In 1929 Otto Plantiko was elected as one of the Dance Hall Inspectors of the period. Ted Schroeder’s Barn was a dance hall out on Hwy 12 just before Hwy E and on August 8, 1930 during prohibition, one Clarence Metling of Menomonie was caught by Otto Plantiko with that pint of moonshine. Otto duly confiscated the illicit moonshine, taking it into evidence and charging Clarence with disorderly conduct at a dance. The newspaper noted the court sentencing on August 21, 1930. “Clarence Metling of this city paid a fine of $10 and costs ($7.37) for disorderly conduct at a dance. The charge was brought by Otto Plantiko, Dance Hall Inspector. Mystery solved, the long arm of the law satisfied, and a side note to the life of the Plantiko family tale.

For my friend, Rene, a thank you for the lead and opportunity to dig myself a new hole. For the sake of interest gained to Rene: Walter Plantiko 4.8 acres Section 1 Tract A Spring Brook Township. Just a short piece down the road, Roman Chevatal 7 acres, Section 7, Tract A.