Salem in Dent County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Fleming Variety
Photographed by Thomas Smith, June 26, 2024
1. Fleming Variety Marker
In 1932, John Fleming and I. S. Howald bought out the store which had been known as Peck Hardware. Until 1946, it was called Fleming and Howald. Mr. Howald sold out his interest, and the store became Fleming Hardware. Later the name was changed to Fleming Variety. In 1954, a fire devastated the business and the store relocated to North Main Street, where the present-day Midway Cafι is located. They were at this location almost two years before buying Downing's 5 & 10 Cents Store, which is its present location.
The main photo is of John H. Fleming, Edna Fleming, May Grover and Jennie Glassey taken in 1939 or 1940. The lower left photo is of the Benowitz family: Rob, Alan, Karel and Laura. The bottom right photo is of John H. Fleming, Grace Fleming Benowitz and others taken in 1939.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
Location. 37° 38.725′ N, 91° 32.285′ W. Marker is in Salem, Missouri, in Dent County. It is at the intersection of West Fourth Street and West Washington, on the right when traveling west on West Fourth Street.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pratt, Mitchell & Company, CPA (here, next to this marker); L. N. Coffman Company (within shouting distance of this marker); H & R Block - Block 15 (within shouting distance of this marker); Century Link (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Vandivort Drug Store (about 400 feet away); Bank of Salem (about 500 feet away); Dent County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Craig Plaza (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.
Photographed by Thomas Smith, June 26, 2024
2. Fleming Variety Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2024, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 2, 2024, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
