Remember When? – Clark & Hulse Clothing Store

by Maralyn Fink

Charles A. Hulse started Hulse Brothers about 1870. The store was located 215 N. Clinton St back in the day.

Ray Trempter, Harry Hulse, R.G. Clark and Guy Eaegle

Harry Hulse was associated with Clark & Hulse Men’s Clothing Store for more than 40 years. R.G. Clark became a partner succeeding his father, Robert S. Clark in the business in 1935.

Harry Hulse died on May 10, 1960. Both gentlemen were customer orientated and very nice gentlemen. Customers were their top priority. There was a huge assortment of shirts, ties, dress-wear, casual, shoes and hats that their store provided and I believe that men’s suits were their pride and joy.

Mr. Clark lived at 200 W. Cass St while Mr. Hulse lived at 605 E. Cass St.

Jean reminded me that her mother had taken her to that store to get a man’s shirt and black tie for her Jr. High band uniform. Mr. Jilka did not want girls blouses but men’s stiff colors so that their ties would look right.

Oh, for the good ole days.

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This week’s Mystery Photo

Where is this?

Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.

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Jonathan Pulling writes: It is 103 South Oakland Street.

The current owners are Mark and Amanda Medina. Previous owners include Terrance and Dorothy Cornwell, Michael and Carol Manko, Alvin Dickens, David Gaffney, and Stephen and Ned Gibson. In 1950 this was the home of the William Luecht family.

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A Look Back – Rehmann’s Men’s & Boys Wear

by Barry Bauer

September, 1966

Rehmann’s Men’s & Boy’s Wear at 206 N. Clinton Avenue in St. Johns celebrated its 30th anniversary September, 1966. The business is owned by A. L. Rehmann and sons, John and Norbert. The elder Rehmann learned tailoring in Austria from his father, Jacob, who was a merchant tailor and haberdasher. He came to this country in 1909 at the age of 15. He went to Chicago where he was employed part time as a merchant tailor, and he continued his education there. He later went to Saginaw where he was a partner in a small chain of men’s clothing stores.

The Rehmanns came to St. Johns in 1936 and opened their first store in the north portion (left of the horse and buggy in the photo) of what was then the Clinton National Bank and Trust Co. building. They offered a complete line of men’s and boy’s popular-priced, nationally known brand name merchandise. Their business in the bank building gradually outgrew the location, and in 1948 the Rehmanns built and moved into the store at 206 N. Clinton Ave. where they were able to handle a large and more-varied selection of merchandise.

A. L. Rehmann is still active in the business and does the tailoring.

John Rehmann has been continuously associated with the business since it was opened in 1936. He is the buyer and manager. Besides his years of experience in retailing clothing, he has had specialized training in practipedics, graduating from the American School of Practipedics, fitting shoes for all types of feet.

Norbert Rehmann served with the Armed Forces from 1942 to 1945 and since graduation from college has been associated with the firm. He is in charge of accounting and advertising and is assistant buyer.

Cy Waldron of Fowler, with many years experience in retailing, is now employed by Rehmann’s as a salesman.

George Weber, assistant manager of the store, has been associated with the business since 1947. He previously served in the armed forces and attended Ferris Institute.

Harry Wiley, of St. Johns, a retired businessman, has charge of Rehmann’s merchandise display and window trimming.

Robert Rehmann, Robert Fox and Robert LaBrie are part time employees. Mrs. Marie Fox is employed in the bookkeeping department.

Regarding the future, John Rehmann commented that, “It has always been our policy in the past, and it will be in the future, to retail first-quality nationally known brands of merchandise. We look forward to serving our many friends and customers in the future.”

It is mentioned in this article that Rehmanns first location in St. Johns was in the north portion of the old Clinton National Bank & Trust building. At 28 N. Clinton Ave. Harry E. Mack had a shoe store in 1929 and in 1936 he was followed by Rehmanns. That store front has since been filled in and the address gone.

Today Rehmanns is located at 122 N. Clinton Ave. A lot of the people mentioned in the article are gone now.

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Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Your Pet’s Anal Gland Health: More Important Than You Think

You have friends over for your holiday party and your dog Muffy scoots across the living room carpet leaving an odor that clears the room. Or worse, your cat Morris keeps licking his rear and when you look under his tail there is a hole next to his anus that is bleeding profusely.

Both are experiencing a problem with anal gland health. For Morris the problem is more serious, but in both cases it is important to remember that dogs and cats need an anal gland wellness program. Anal glands need to be relieved, or “expressed,” periodically to avoid scooting or rupture—as in Morris’s case.

So what are these anal glands that caused Muffy to scoot and Morris to rupture and bleed?

Anal Gland Function

Anal glands are the scent glands of dogs and cats, located under the skin near the anal opening (potty port). If you used the clock as a reference the glands are located at 8 and 4 o’clock around the anus. These glands secrete a creamy substance that has a unique odor to other animals of the same species. Think of this odor being your pet’s name to other pets. This is why dogs and cats immediately sniff a new pet’s anal area. They are getting acquainted by learning their new friend’s name.

In the wild, dogs and cats often voluntarily express anal gland fluid to mark their territory. This alerts other dogs or cats that the space is off limits. Anal gland marking is far stronger than urine marking and is not easily “erased,” as is common when dogs and cats urinate where others have done the same. So why do pets scoot and why do the glands rupture?

Surrounding the anal glands are muscles that squeeze to release the anal gland fluid. With domestication and selective breeding many pets have lost the ability to voluntarily squeeze these muscles and empty their glands.

Obesity also plays a role. Approximately 60% of pets are obese. Fat accumulation around the muscles of the anal glands makes it very difficult for pets to “squeeze” the contents of the glands. They must scoot or lick to relieve the build-up of fluid. Fat accumulation around the anus makes scooting ineffective at expressing the contents of the anal glands. Excess fat makes it difficult for pets to reach their anus with their tongues to massage the sac contents out. The fluid accumulates to overflow, becomes inflamed, and ruptures spontaneously, like Morris’s glands. This is quite painful and secondary infection can be severe. Sometimes surgery is required to clean up the mess, but most respond to 2-3 weeks of antibiotic therapy. In all cases glands generally return to normal function.

Anal Gland Wellness

There is a common myth that diet has an impact on anal gland health. You have probably heard, read, or received information from the web that certain foods with certain amounts of fiber can promote a stool size that will regularly empty the anal glands. There is absolutely no scientific data to support this belief. The anatomy around the anus is so diverse and the force of stool exiting the anus so low that the idea of a universal food type and fiber content will solve the problem is misguided.

Some pets never need their anal glands professionally expressed; some need it weekly. Others fall in ranges from needing it weeks to months apart. What is important is finding the regular interval that meets your pet’s needs. For those needing weekly attention, the solution of surgically removing the gland may be a good alternative.

You need to know which interval is right for your pet because anal gland health is as important as other grooming health needs, and even vaccination health.

Don’t wait until you have to catch your pet scooting across the floor and wrecking your party.

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Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Good Earth Egg Company Voluntarily Recalls Shell Eggs

Good Earth Egg Company, LLC of Bonne Terre, Missouri has announced a voluntary recall of its shell eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

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Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 5 Herbs to Reduce Stress in Your Cat

Some cats are naturally stressed and anxious as part of their demeanor, while others save their freak-outs for car trips and vet visits. Fortunately, effective remedies are available that are both natural and easy to administer. Try these herbs and flower essences to calm your kitty.

Catnip

Why give a substance known to rile up Fluffy in an effort to try and calm her instead? The key to using catnip for relaxing your kitty is to give it to her about 15 minutes prior to the stressful event, such as the dreaded veterinary trip. After she hangs from the ceiling and bolts around the room at lightning speed, she will be worn out and exceptionally calm.

Valerian

This herb is said to mimic catnip, with one significant difference. After her initial crazy-fest, not only will she be very calm, she is also likely to sleep. This herb is also used for humans as a remedy for insomnia and has the same effect on felines. The euphoria induced by Valerian will seriously chill her out and make her more docile than you could ever imagine.

Chamomile

Many people drink chamomile tea before bed to help them relax, and the same anti-anxiety properties are just as effective for cats. However, the dried flowers are a better way to expose Fluffy to its benefits. Studies in animals have shown that chamomile contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs do. The effect promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Hops

My cat-parent friends and I have a long-running joke that once the humans have left the house, Fluffy breaks out the kitty beers. Maybe an indirect reason for hops as the main ingredient of lager is its calming effects. But don’t soothe your feline’s nerves by giving her a sip of ale; the dried flowers are more effective and better for her liver.

Bach Rescue Remedy

Humans have known the benefits of this flower essence combination in relieving stress and anxiety and, fortunately, it can also be used with cats (and dogs). Though technically not an herb, its reliable benefits bear a mention in any list of stress-reducing tactics. Perhaps the best feature of Bach Rescue Remedy is its immediate effectiveness. This formulation is great when you need to calm down your cat pronto. Be sure to purchase the alcohol-free version for Fluffy.

How to Administer

Herbs come in many forms – tinctures, dried flowers or leaves, essential oils, and teas are just a few. However, essential oils should never be used on cats due to their liver functioning, which makes it difficult (if not impossible) to break down the compounds and can lead to serious illness – even death.

Due to their delicate systems, the dried form of herbs is safest for kitty use. To prevent her from eating the leaves and flowers, put them inside of a tube collar or make a tiny toy “pillow” with the herbs inside. Kitty will still benefit from the relaxing qualities and be kept safe from over-ingesting them.

If you prefer a tincture, make sure to buy one professionally created by a reputable pet product company with holistic (also known as naturopathic) veterinarians on staff. Even with the best intentions, a home-mixed tincture can be extremely dangerous to your cat. Drops of your purchased tincture can be put in her water for extended calming or squeezed into her mouth for immediate relief.

Teas are best left to humans whose systems are more tolerant of steeped herbs.

What Freedom Means to Me

by Tessa Link

Freedom is to me is waking up every morning and thanking God that it is safe to go to school or go anywhere you please. Many people have to worry about getting to school safely. We have the privilege to go to school, but there are girls in Pakistan or any other country who do not have the same privilege that we do.

Freedom doesn’t mean hiding in a basement or in attic until a bell rings because someone is trying to kill you because of your religion. I am thankful to wake up every morning and know that it will be safe going to school or freely walking around town whenever I want. In other countries people do not have the same freedom that we do, freedom of speech, religion, and freedom of press.

“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” – Corrie ten Boom, holocaust survivor.

I believe that this is true because if you spend so much time worrying about tomorrow it changes today, probably for the worst.

There are many countries that do not let girls got to school and learn. Malala Yousafzai is one of those girls. She went, with other girls, she got an education. But on October 9, 2012 she was walking home with her friends when a gunman asked for her by name. She was shot by a single bullet that went through her head, neck, and shoulder. Two of her friends were also injured. Malala was not let out of the hospital until January of 2013 because the doctors did not think she would survive the attack. She did. In weeks after the attack, over 2 million people signed a right to education act. Before the attack Malala and her father received death threats but continued to speak out for right of education so that girls could have the right to learn. Malala is still doing this to this day.

This is what freedom means to me. Not being scared to walk out of your door or hide in a basement or a dusty old attic. Freedom means waking up every morning thanking God that you are safe to go where you please. Freedom also means that we all have the freedom to learn and teach what we know. Thanks to Corrie ten Boom and Malala Yousafzai I am very grateful.

Remember When? – MacKinnon and Son Dry Goods

by Maralyn Fink

I remember this store back in my day located next to the Hick’s Clothing Store. What I thought was neat is that it had a stairway leading up to partial second floor. I wondered if they would let me slide down that banister. My mother said don’t even try it. Where was her sense of humor?

The store sold women’s clothing, dresses, blouses, skirts etc and probably some under things. Material for the sewers around was a delight for them to shop.

Edward and Fraser MacKinnon

I remember Fraser MacKinnon who was well liked and always greeted his customers when they came in.

My mother purchased clothing there for herself and probably my sister and me. I was still buying there in the middle 60s to into the 70s.

It is sad for me to think back to the day and compare it to what we have now. I only wish that everyone would have had the chance to really experience that period and hold it dear as I still do.

Today the store is Nicole’s Beauty Salon and Spa and the character inside remains as it was Back In The Day.

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This week’s Mystery Photo

Where is this?

Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.

109 S. Oakland St.

The current owners are George and Mary Enochs. The previous owner was Doris Enochs.

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A Look Back – St. Johns Jaycettes Raised Funds

by Barry Bauer

Janet Scott, St Johns Jaycettes president, and Diana Woodbury, Crown for a Better America project chairman, display the posters and canisters to be used in the project to raise funds for Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

St Johns Jaycettes, as well as Jaycettes organizations throughout Michigan, will be raising funds by Collecting Royal Crown Cola and Diet-Rite Cola caps with special liners. Those with special liners are then turned into the company for a cash donation. The campaign will continue through Dec 31, 1973, and more information about the campaign will be available next week.

Janet and her husband, Dennis, used to own the Western Auto Store in downtown St. Johns; and Diana and her husband, Wayne, currently own Woodbury’s Flower Shop downtown.

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Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Your Dog and the Cold Germ

Can My Dog Catch a Cold?

Winter isn’t the only time of year we have to worry about “catching” a cold, but it is the primary time for it. We’re spending more time in closed quarters, with windows and doors shut tight and no way to escape the germs. It is only a matter of time before someone in the house becomes sick. It could be you, but did you know that it could also be your dog that comes down with this common respiratory infection?

While there are differences in the types of viruses that infect humans versus dogs, the symptoms are basically the same: sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes. What can you do to protect your dog from catching cold, or if your dog does come down with a case of the cold, what can you do to treat it?

Different Germs, Different Viruses

As mentioned above, the type of cold a dog suffers from is different from the type a human suffers from. The illness is not communicable between species — at least, one has not yet been discovered — so there is no need to worry about catching your dog’s cold, or vice versa.

You will need to differentiate a common cold from a more serious health issue. For example, a common cause of dry cough is a condition known as “kennel cough.” This contagious type of cough, as its name suggests, is typically contracted through a kennel or boarding facility. This cough is most easily recognized by its characteristic honking sound. If your dog has recently been boarded or has had contact with a dog that has been boarded recently, this will need to be considered, and will need to be treated by a veterinarian.

There are other highly contagious, cold-like illnesses to be familiar with, as well. The influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and tuberculosis are all illnesses that can be transmitted by infected dogs.

Another potentially life-endangering viral illness is canine distemper. A dog exhibiting symptoms of distemper will usually have coughing, vomiting, high fever, and a thick discharge from the eyes and nose.

When a Cold is Not a Germ or a Virus

There are several types of parasites that can get into the lungs, heart and trachea, and which can also cause symptoms that mimic a cold infection. Coughing and other breathing problems are the main symptoms. Fungal infections are also commonly found in dogs, and can sometimes lead to life threatening conditions, when the fungal parasite sets up house in the lungs, causing ongoing, repetitive coughing, scarring of the lung tissue, and eventually, in some cases, pneumonia.

More difficult to distinguish in many instances, but just as common in animals as in humans, are allergies to environmental triggers and/or food products. An undiagnosed asthma or allergies that trigger respiratory symptoms can also bring on coughing and sneezing fits in dogs.

How to Care for a Pet with a Cold

If your dog is coughing or sneezing, but is in otherwise good health, you may be able to treat the condition as you would a simple human cold — with lots of liquids, healthy foods (Chicken soup, even? But of course! Just make sure to leave out the bones.), warmth, and maybe even some time in a warm and humid room. This can be done by placing a humidifier near his rest area or by filling the bathtub with steaming water and letting the dog hang out in the bathroom for a bit (not in the water), just to let the steam loosen up his sinuses and lungs.

It is important to note that while most respiratory conditions will begin to improve within several days from the time of onset, some dogs’ immune systems are not as prepared for an infection and may need a course of antibiotics or other medications in order to fully recover.

If your dog is either very young or very old, it is best to have her looked over by your veterinarian, since dogs at either end of the age scale tend to have less capable immune systems and can suffer more as a result.

You can help to prevent a cold by keeping her indoors during cold, wet weather, with just brief trips outside for relief. It isn’t the cold temperature that creates the illness, of course, but over exposure to unfriendly temperatures or environments can create a physical situation that makes it easier for a bacterial or viral germ to latch on and take hold in the body. And making sure the physical body is at its healthiest is the main preventative for a host of diseases, not just the cold. Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water — even if there is water still in the bowl, make sure to change it out at least once a day, ideally with a clean bowl every day — and healthy foods so that your dog’s immune system can keep up with whatever germs come his way, and so that he has the strength to exercise at a level that is normal for his age and breed. If your dog is of a breed that typically has respiratory challenges, your veterinarian may suggest keeping a humidifier in your dog’s rest area as a matter of course.

Finally, it can be challenging enough to have one pet who is as “sick as a dog;” you certainly don’t want a house-full of them. While your dog is ill, make sure she is separated from the other dogs in the house so that the infection is not passed along, and if symptoms don’t improve or appear to worsen, consult with your veterinarian.

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Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Big Dog Natural Recalls

Big Dog Natural of Brick, NJ is voluntary recalling a select production lot of Big Dog Natural raw dehydrated dog food Chicken Supreme potentially contaminated with Salmonella and Fish Supreme potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes that was shipped in the week of 10/31/2015 to 11/13/2015 to online customers. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

These products were sold directly to consumers through the company’s online website and in the US. The voluntarily recalled product include all weight volumes of the Big Dog Natural Chicken and Fish Supreme. No additional products are affected by this recall.

Big Dog Natural became aware of a potential issue after receiving notification from the FDA that an investigational sample of Chicken Supreme tested positive for Salmonella and an investigational sample of Fish Supreme for Listeria monocytogenes.

Consumers should discontinue feeding the affected product and monitor their pet’s health, and contact their veterinarian if they have concerns. Consumers who purchased the product can obtain a full refund or exchange by returning the product in its original packaging.

Consumers with questions should contact Big Dog Natural https://www.bigdognatural.comdisclaimer icon or by calling 1-732-785-2600 (from 9am till 4pm EST).

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Maralyn’s Pet Corner – How to Walk Your Cat (and Live to Tell About It)

Ever seen a cat out walking on a leash? Most people who have seen one react with astonishment that a cat would be domesticated enough to willingly allow itself to be tethered to a leash and guided around by — of all things! — a human companion. But it can, and does happen. After all, why should dogs have all the fun? Everyone knows cats like the outdoors, too. Shouldn’t they get the opportunity to explore the great outdoors along with the rest of us? Shouldn’t they be allowed to maintain their youthful figures with some regular exercise? With proper supervision, patience, and consistency, you too can train your cat to walk on a leash.

Does Age Matter?

Once a cat has reached the age when she has been fully vaccinated, it is safe for her to go outside. Remember that this is not so much to protect other animals from what she might be carrying, but to protect her from what they might be carrying. It is best to start as early as possible, before your cat has developed a fear of the outdoors or a fear of unusual noises. Older cats are often more reluctant to go outside on a leash — or to be on a leash at all. It may take months to get her used to accepting a harness, and to being led, but with diligence and a wish to succeed, you can do it.

It will help a lot of your cat is already responsive to you. If you can call your cat and she consistently comes to you, you are already on a good track. If you do not have this type of relationship, you will need to start there. Using treats and lots of praise, call your cat to come to you. After some time, your cat will learn that coming when called will be rewarding.

Selecting the Proper Harness

Because cats are so agile, a simple collar around the neck is not enough to hold them — they can easily pull out of the neck collar, even a well fitted one (and you do not want to make the collar so tight that there is a potential of cutting off air flow). Instead, use a good-quality harness that has been designed especially for cats.

A cat harness is typically made with an adjustable neck collar, which is attached to an adjustable body wrap. The harness should fit snug to the body, but not be so tight that air flow will be constricted. You should be able to fit two fingers under the harness at the neck and under the chest.

Depending on the harness, the leash should attach at the body strap or between the shoulders instead of at the neck. The clips holding the harness should snap securely — they should not be the break away type that is commonly found in cat collars.

Introducing the Harness

It may take some time before your cat gets used to wearing a harness, so start slowly. Set the new harness near your cat’s favorite area and allow her to see it, smell it, and even play with it at first. Offer her some treats and praise if he shows interest in the harness.

After a few days of this, hold your cat securely and give him a treat. As he’s eating the treat, drape the harness loosely over him and leave it for a few minutes. You may need to repeat this several times before actually adjusting it, just to get your cat used to the feel of the harness. Once she appears to be comfortable with having the harness on his body, put the harness on and tighten the straps so they fit snugly. Again, offer positive reinforcement and treats for allowing you to put the harness on her. Leave the harness on for a short period of time, a few minutes to start, with gradually more time.

Do not force the fitting. If your cat struggles too much, remove the harness and try again later. When she does accept the harness without struggle, give him lots of attention so that he associates wearing the harness with good times.

Add a Leash

Once your cat is accepting the harness, let her wear it around the house, doing her normal activities. Gradually increase the amount of time your cat is left in the harness. You can even feeding her while she’s wearing the harness. Next, attach the leash to the harness, allowing her to drag the leash around. This is to get her used to the weight of the leash, but remember to keep an eye on her while she is dragging the leash. You don’t want her to get it tangled up on anything.

You can then graduate to walking around inside while holding the leash. Don’t pull on the leash and don’t try to force her to follow you at first, follow her lead instead. Every now and then stop and call her to you, giving her a treat and praise when she comes.

Finally, when she seems comfortable on the leash indoors, it is time to go outdoors. Begin with a short trip outside, maybe just as far as outside the door where your cat can sniff around and start getting used to the sounds and scents. After doing this a few times, you might take a short stroll around the block. Before you go any farther than the immediate area, get to know your neighborhood to make sure that your neighbors do not allow their dogs to roam freely — or so that you know which areas to avoid because of roaming dogs. Choose the quietest and safest areas for your cat to walk in, so that the experience is pleasurable for both of you.

Tips for Safe Walking

Although your cat’s usual collar does not need to be removed, it is not part of the harness system. However you should leave the collar on, with its ID in place, just in case your cat gets loose while you are out.

For the first few walks, as your cat is getting used to being outside, you might want to take along a soft (or hard) carrier, just in case your cat has a panic attack, or in case you unexpectedly come up against a free roaming dog. A panicked or threatened cat is not going to want to be held in arms until it gets home.

This will work best if your cat has been spayed or neutered. An unneutered male cat may be more likely to try to escape the harness or get out of control while outside, and an unspayed female cat may be attacked by feral male cats.

Setting a regular time to walk each day will give your cat something to look forward to. Try to stay consistent.

Unlike dogs, cats cannot be tethered to a pole while you step into a shop, even for just a few minutes. Your cat might panic and get itself tangled in the leash, or it may be attacked by a dog and not be able to escape.