Views of a Farm Boy--Dedicated to promote Iowa agriculture and Iowa values--Robert Vaughn--Urbandale, Iowa  EMAIL:   vaughnrobert@me.com

Just a few weeks ago, I drove by 5722 Hickman Road and admired the well weathered sign that once marked the spot for "George the Chili King." A few days later, I noticed this iconic sign was GONE. This photo is the roof sign on the west side of the building. Memories for me--as this was one of my first stops when I moved to Des Moines in 1961. Some years later, while working at Dahl's Food/Pharmacy, I was blessed to develop a friendship with owners, George and Karen Karatdos. Good people! George is gone and this once bustling business is closed. My guess this location will soon be developed for another use. But memories remain as I think about the Karatdos family, and--0h, yes--the chili, tenderloins, hot coffee and more.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be on the vines; the labour of the olive three shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. (KJV) (Habakkuk 3: 17,18)

We live in a fickle world. A lot of the long time established local businesses have closed their doors. GONE, but not forgotten. We will move back in time and visit some of these today.

Bauder's Pharmacy, located at 3800 Ingersoll opened in 1923. Charlie Graziano bought the business in 1961--the same year I started as a pharmacist at Harder Pharmacy in Windsor Heights. I admired his business and professional contribution to healthcare for his community. After Charlie retired, the business faced some difficult challenges. The pharmacy was converted to a very popular and well known soda fountain and ice cream store. Now it looks like the end of an era. According to a recent article in the local newspaper, the building has been sold. It will be remodeled and will re-open as a credit union.

Left: The Ingersoll Theatre opened in 1939. It became the Ingersoll Dinner Theatre in the late 1970's. Now it's GONE! I have never been there, but I am sure many of you have fond memories of this historic place. That is all I know--but we will have to wait and see how this story ends.

Right: This "Gas Lamp" sign is still on the outside wall at 1501 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. This building was a long time bar that featured diverse music, comedy and trivia night. There was a lot of media hype when it closed with a final performance July 09, 2023. I am sure you won't be real surprised--that I wasn't there!!!!!

I covered a few examples of the ever changing food/entertainment industry in today's world. In fact the list goes on--Gusto's on Ingersoll permanently closed this week.