Golden Rule Store

Aug. 6, 2017

This vacant lot on Main Street was once the site of the Golden Rule Store operated by Anthony (1908-1960) and Azizeh (1915-2001) Souda otherwise known as Tony and Z.Z. The wooden structure was still standing until the mid-1960s. The empty building on the left was originally the Timbear Cafe, constructed ca. 1957.

Jake Anderson's gate

Sept. 5, 2016. A surly Norwegian bachelor named Jake Anderson owned everything west of current day 4th Street before Henry McCleary arrived. Anderson lived at the top of the "T" at 5th and Oak, and was known to use a boat to get around the cedar swamp that is now the filled-in downtown area. The gate to Anderson's digs was here, on this northernmost block of Main St.

Until recently, the spot where Anderson's gate stood was marked on the sidewalk, but a redo of the area wiped that out. This particular side of the block has been home to some iconic McCleary business establishments in the past: Timbear Cafe, Golden Rule Store, the office of Dr. James Arima, Hankinson Jewelry, Porter Hotel, a movie theater, Pastime Pool Hall, McCleary Pharmacy, just to name a few.

Tony and ZZ

July 17, 2011

The crypt of Anthony (1908-1960) and Azizeh (1915-2001) Souda in Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen.

The Soudas operated the Golden Rule Store, which was located in what is now a vacant lot just north of the second hand store on Maple and Main. They were a vital part of McCleary community life. The actual building was still standing as late as the 1960s.