Janesville's history
Do you remember Janesville's drive-in theater? How about Dave's Frost Top, Donutland, or Geri's Hamburgers? If you have photos of old Janesville businesses or landmarks, we want them! Send us your photo
In 1990 my Dad and I were driving by what was Helgesen Auto Parts along Highway 14 in Janesville and saw this unique old truck that he remembered as a kid. My Dad grew up on Randall Ave and he said the man(Ben Schultz) used to deliver groceries to people who were not able to drive to get them. The truck must have been sort of an icon because I have heard about many people that have remembered seeing it driving around town in the 1950's and 60's. My Dad worked with someone who used to ride in the back on the way to school. I recently read a comment that a reader shared his story about it with the Art's Grocery Store picture. In 1992 Helgesen's had an auction of all the remaining vehicles in the estate and my Dad purchased the old truck for $175 edging out a salvage yard. The truck is a 1949 GMC Canopy Express. It had canvas sides that would roll up and down, a wood bed, and only one bucket seat for the driver. It was too unique of a truck to let go to a salvage yard. Since that time, I purchased the truck from my Dad and have been buying the pieces to once again put the truck back on the road.
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Jun 21, 2012 at 10:07 p.m.
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I certainly remember this trunk too! I used to work at McCue & Buss on Main Street, while in high school starting in 1965.
Ben "Benny" Schultz used to always be there picking up prescriptions to be delivered, aboiut the time I was checking in for my shift. I can still see him talking with Tom Smith the pharmacist, or Mr. Kennedy Jr.
He only seemed to have one "uniform" if that is the right word, that he had to wear. It was khaki colored, looked like it hadn't been washed in months, maybe years!
If I'm not mistaken he would also wear a black bow tie, equally worn, and a baseball cap that had sweated through countless Janeville sumers as well. One of the other guys that worked there always refered to him as "Grubby Little Benny." He had another nick name, "Cannonball Ben Schultz" for some reason he had a big black circle painted on the door of his garage where he lived.
He certainly was a small town character.
Aug 25, 2011 at 8:32 p.m.
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I own the truck and posted the picture. I excited to see someone remembered it like my Dad does. I wish I knew more about the history with Ben Schultz and the Market Express and Delivery Service. The doors say "Over 35 Years of Dependable Service". Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of it back in the day. This is actually the best picture I have of it.
Aug 25, 2011 at 7:52 a.m.
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This is IT! It's Benny's truck! Marvelous! Great to see it once again, and so very glad to hear it's being restored! The contributor's dad, having lived on Randall Avenue might very well have been one of my acquaintances from Roosevelt School days, or perhaps we bumped elbows at the candy counter while ogling penny candies.
If I knew the contributor's name I'd offer to stand by and hand him wrenches, rags, or beverage during the restoration. Very best wishes for a wonderful experience with that project!
'Spoke with my brother about this photo and the one of The Den. He remembers that Marge and Dave, who owned/operated that grocery store, had the last name of O'Connel (sp.?). Perhaps that info triggers a memory for someone else.
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