Our Times: Haartje’s Grocery opened in 1909

Both the Haartje and Schulze families had been in the grocery business for decades. Albert’s father, John, ran a grocery store at different downtown locations, first with partners and then on his own, starting in the mid-19th century. An 1877 Haartje newspaper ad, when his store was located at 17 Main Street, read “Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries” and stated, “Cash paid for Country Produce.” He also promised “Goods delivered free to any part of the city.” Albert Haartje worked as a clerk in his father’s store, until the latter closed the business in 1905. Albert then had several different jobs before going into business for himself.

Esther’s father, John Schulze, had a grocery store at different locations, as well. For a time, his store was at Seventh and Hart Streets. Albert Haartje and Esther Schulze married in May 1909, and Esther’s father had just established a grocery store at Fairground and Ritterskamp Avenues, (2021 Fairground Avenue) which he sold to the newlyweds after running it for a single day. The couple originally lived in the back and in later years built a house next door.

In those days, shoppers presented their list, and a clerk filled the order for them. Just as Albert’s father had done, people could place an order for delivery, a very common service at the time. Haartje first made deliveries by bicycle, later by horse and wagon, and then by truck. Many people did grocery shopping every day, and their store was open seven days a week, even on Sundays until noon. They offered credit to their customers, as long as they were able to “carry” them.

Haartje bought from both wholesalers and area farmers. The latter sold him eggs, all kinds of produce, and even live chickens.

Albert’s brother, Herman, was a clerk in the store until he moved to Arizona for his health in the early 1940s.

Albert and Esther Haartje didn’t have children, but raised nephew E. George Keene. Keene and his sister, Ruth, worked at the store when they were attending Lincoln High School. After the Second World War, both returned to the store. They then formed a company and incorporated it in 1959. Keene and Ruth, who married Ross Meek, ran the store. Ruth’s husband, who died in 1970, was a meat-cutter there.

Albert Haartje still worked at the store he founded into the 1970s, when he was in his 80s. He died at Crestview Nursing Home at the age of 91 on Feb. 2, 1981, with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery. Esther Haartje died at the age of 82 on June 7, 1974.

Haartje’s Grocery Inc. with Ruth Healy (her second husband was Charles Healy) as president and George Keene as secretary-treasurer, closed in 1985. At that time, Vincennes had 20 retail grocery stores, some chains, such as Kroger’s, along with many that can be described as quick stops.

The Haartje grocery building still stands on the corner of Washington and Ritterskamp Avenues, most recently serving as a restaurant.

NOTE: Some of the information in this column came from an oral history project undertaken by Tom Krasean, who at the time was director of the Byron R. Lewis Historical Library at Vincennes University. Mr. Krasean interviewed Albert Haartje on Aug. 1, 1972.

— Brian Spangle can be reached at brianrspangle60@outlook.com. His latest book, “Lost Vincennes,” published by The History Press, is available for purchase at the Knox County Public Library and on Amazon.