1931 Photo of Van Hartesveldt Bros.
Jim Van Hartesveldt, center, and clerk Lovell Lamoreaux. See visiting sales man behind meat counter. 
Jim, fresh out of high school and working for the store, purchased it from owner Charles Sheffer in 1927. The Sheffer's had moved their store to this location before 1920, from across the street where Moskowitz's was. The original bank loan involved some support from brother William Jr., a post office employee, so for a few years the store name included the word "Bros." Jim told his school friends "There is only room for one good grocery store in this town and I will have it ". Lovell Lamoreaux later took over another Sheffer store across the street which later became Flanders Bros. Vern's family always traded with Flanders as far back as he can remember and in the 50's even worked for them, later working for Van's.

In 1931 Coleman Davison who had worked for the Spelman chain of groceries in South Haven was transferred to the Fennville "yellow front" store. Jim, who was trained as a butcher and  wanted to confine his work as manager of the meat department, hired Davison away from Spelman's and put him in charge of the grocery division.

Despite the economic problems of the times, Van Hartesveldt's business grew, and his work hours became legendary, starting at 4 a.m. In 1933 he opened a branch in Holland, with Earl Billings as manager. The venture was not a success.

In 1940 the interior of the store underwent a complete transformation - over a weekend. On Monday morning the store presented a streamlined appearance in the most modern food merchandising manner. Even the new wire baskets on wheels were provided for the use of all customers.

In 1945 Van Hartesveldt purchased the old Hulsen building property, moved into temporary quarters for several months while builders enlarged the grocery area, and built a new locker plant. Vern hated working in the freezer area, knocking frost off the coils.

In 1955 the market was incorporated by James Van Hartesveldt, Coleman Davison, and Eugene Binder, another meat man. Vern worked with this group for a short time after getting out of the Navy before moving on to his engineering work. In 1963 the movie theater closed and the market was expanded into that area, providing a better entrance to the store.  Coleman's son, James Davison had worked at the store while in high school since 1949, took over a larger share of management in the 60's. Jim Van Hartesveldt retired in Florida.  Coleman Davison also retired by 1970.

In 1977 Van Hartesveldt's Market, Inc., celebrated their Golden Anniversary by remodeling and expanding to the east, under the Masonic Hall.

Story from writings of Kit Lane.............................................Goto:Main Page