Jones County Grocery Store Closing After 150 Years in Business

The downtown area of the Jones County town of Oxford Junction used to be lined with businesses. Sadly, most are now gone. And soon, the town's only grocery store will close after 150 years in business.

KCRG reports that Coon's Corner is a family business that sells groceries, animal feed, and other supplies. But more than that, it has been a place for the residents of Oxford Junction to meet and connect. But soon, the family-owned business will close its doors for good. Store owners Larry and Bobby Coon had decided to retire. Bobby Coon told KCRG that he and his brother have been working at the store since they were old enough to stock shelves. But now, he says the two are tired and it's time to retire.

According to a Facebook post, the store's history can be traced back to 1873 when Alois Stratilek settled in Oxford Junction and opened up The Pioneer Store. In 1950, his grandson, Victor Stanley 'Monk' Coon purchased the store from his uncle and renamed it Coon's Corner.

The closing of Coon's Corner presents a problem for the residents of Oxford Junction. KCRG reports that the town's nearly 400 residents will now have to drive a minimum of 25 minutes to Anamosa if they want to buy groceries. Many older residents will have to rely on family to help bring them food.

Coon's Corner will close its doors on May 31st. Residents told KCRG that it is the end of Main Street in Oxford Junction, with only the post office and a bank remaining.

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