Living in the Owen area in the 1950s meant shopping in the Owen area. Rarely did one go to Eau Claire or Wausau much less to Minneapolis. Everything the family needed could be purchased in Owen or Withee. At Ray’s Variety on Main Street in Owen the shelves were full of toys, clothes, housewares, and of course, candy! At Amacher’s Trading Post at the corner of County Highways X & D, the eggs were fresh from local farms; the sides of meat were hung in the cooler until they were cut into juicy steaks and roasts or ground into hamburger. If you enjoy stories of local businesses, you are invited to a presentation by the Conzemius (John & Bob) and Amacher (Dale & Mark) families on Friday, August 8, 6 p.m., at the Downtown Owen Gym. Friends of the Old School are pleased to host this event in honor of Owen’s Centennial. There will be a time for conversation. Light refreshments will be served. Free admission. Donations welcome.