“I’ll be right back, I’ve got to go cut some 2x4s.”
Greenside’s owner Pam Carlson is a “Jane-of-all-trades” at the Devlin general store that’s been in her family since 1946. She loves working in the lumber yard, woodworking, and mixing paints—skills that helped her give the business a recent facelift.
Loyal customers have kept the general store open for more 50 years, even in this day and age of big box stores, and the appreciation is reciprocated.
“I pass my sales on to the customer,” Carlson said. “We appreciate everyone. We have wonderful customers.”
Rakes and drywall compound are shelved next to mini-footballs and cheesecloth angels in the renovated creamery.
A recent addition to the store is a gift section featuring stuffed animals and candles after Carlson bought Crafter’s Touch remaining inventory from Wanda Barker.
“We like to consider it one-stop shopping, said Carlson, who’s been working at the store since she was three. “We have a little bit of everything.”
Carlson joked that she’s never had to write a résumé. June Robinson, who’s worked for the Carlsons for almost 35 years, probably hasn’t, either.
“I don’t know what I’d do without her. I joke that we’ll have to have two parties in 2004—one for Devlin’s 100 anniversary and one for June,” Carlson said.
Other changes to Greenside’s, located on Highway 11 right in Devlin, included installing a wide double door in the back, making the store wheelchair accessible.
Groceries also can be unloaded much more easily.
They also repainted all the shelves, fixed up the doorways, and removed the steps from the meat locker.
