WILLMAN’S DRUG STORE was in operation from 1917 to 1989 when Louis Alvin Willman and his father, Samuel Willman, purchased the store from Luther Kessler. The store was located on E. Partridge street on the village square. Willman’s became an agent for the Peoria Rockford Bus Company. Riders would wait at the store for the bus. In the store customers could purchase non-prescription drugs, veterinary medicines, toiletries, wallpaper and paint, cameras, film and film processing, pipes and tobacco, greeting cards, school supplies and candy. The soda fountain was a favorite for after school treats like Green Rivers, Cherry Cokes, ice cream sodas and sundaes. One could even weigh themselves on a penny scale. Chicago Tribune newspaper was sold there.
In 1969 the store was moved one door west next to the Metamora Courthouse. The new store was more modern with a furnace rather than coal-fired stove in the rear for heat. His wife, Edith and family members, Kenneth, Quentin and Phyllis helped to operate the store.
Prior to owning the drug store Mr. Willman served as Postmaster at Metamora for nine years. He was a World War I veteran and a charter member of the American Legion Post 89, where he was past commander. On Memorial Day in the 1920s the Willman Family began to decorate the graves of Veterans in the area each with an American flag. A task they continue to do today.
Alvin was on the Oakwood Cemetery Board and sold cemetery plots at the store. He also served on the Metamora Volunteer Fire Department for years. His death occurred in 1990 at the age of 98.
History and photo submitted by Shirley A. Adams.
