How many small towns have been planned with great hope, served a community for several years, and then gradually disappeared?  One of those is Butternut, in Butternut Valley Township.  Although it still appears on maps and road signs, there is little to be seen.  Even the church closed in 2020.

The General Store was one of the last businesses to close.  It began as a cooperative in 1894 and was run as such until 1948 when it was purchased by Oscar Julalen, finally closing in 1977.

It was called Lake Shore Mercantile Company for years, although there is no lake in Butternut.  When forming the cooperative, it was stated that no building would be erected until 60 shares had been sold, for $20 per share.  Profits, if any, would be distributed in proportion to the amount purchased.  A lot had been offered on the shore of Madson Lake, on the west side of the township, thus the name.  Those to the southeast wanted the store closer to them.   A store already in Butternut was bought, enlarged, and a basement was added.

The first Annual meeting in December 1894 put G. Gutterson in charge of the business at a salary of $28/month.  In 1903 the manager and clerks were given two weeks of vacation.  The 1909 Annual Meeting determined one day per month would be called “Bargain Day,” selling items at a discount.

One of the first serious arguments among members concerned the tobacco box.  It had been a friendly gesture to have tobacco available so that customers could fill their pipes from the box.  That ended at the Annual Meeting in 1898.

A post office was included when the store opened, using Butternut as its name.  The post office closed in 1905 because the postmaster refused to distribute campaign materials to a person with whom he disagreed.

Cream separators were added to the groceries and dry goods in 1907.  A sidewalk was installed in front of the store in 1910, lights were installed in 1912, a gas pump in 1922, and then an air pump.  The Annual Meeting minutes showed $43,500 in sales in 1943, with a profit of $790.  By 1963 The Butternut General County Store was believed to be the oldest in the county.  At that time Butternut had a population of 26, 15 adults and 5 children.  There were still five businesses operating.  Feed sales kept the grocery store going as long as it did.

Written by Hilda Parks, BECHS Volunteer