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July 3, 1999
The Palace's retiring queenLaVonne Roberts retires after 50 years on the jobBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer SLEEPY EYE -- Fifty years of service and dedication to a business surely deserves a celebration party and the recognition which was given Friday to LaVonne Roberts, who has recently retired from The Palace in Sleepy Eye. In November 1948, at 21 years old, Roberts began her employment with The Palace Shoe and Clothing Store in downtown Sleepy Eye. The first location the business had was down the street at what is now known as Dan's Bakery. "I've always liked people, and when you're happy with what you do -- why change?" Roberts said. According to Roberts, The Palace is the oldest family-owned business in Sleepy Eye. In 1960 the business was moved to its present location. The first owner of The Palace was George Foster, followed by Jim Foster and Jennie and Hap Vosbeck, and finally to the current owners Dave and Mardy Vosbeck. "I remember my first sale and my first customers," said Roberts, "It was a mother and her two daughters. She bought two winter coats for her daughters for $9.95 each." Roberts recalled Saturday nights being "family" nights, when many of the farmers and their families came to town to shop and go to band concerts. "Sleepy Eye was always crowded on Saturday night," said LaVonne, "It was a 'treat night' for kids." The biggest change Roberts has seen in her years of service has been prices. Some prices in 1948 were: a blue chambray shirt -- $.99; a pair of men's bib overalls -- $2.69; and half overalls (also known as "hook em cow pants" by some and better known these days as jeans) could be purchased for $1.99. Yard material was sold for $.19 per yard, women's house dresses were $1.99 and a pair of dress shoes were $5 and up, according to Roberts. "I started working after the war and there were a lot of service men who were only making about $16 a week," said Roberts, "There wasn't a lot of merchandise available after the war, now there is a greater quantity of merchandise." Another change through the years Roberts has noticed is that people used to shop for things only when they needed something, and now people shop because they want something. Roberts recalled that school starting in the fall, Homecoming, Easter and Christmas were among the busiest times at The Palace. "Christmas was a big shopping time, people would buy new outfits and gifts," said Roberts, "At Easter the stores would be closed from noon-3 p.m. and after 3 p.m. the store would be really busy with people." Hats were popular among both men and women, Roberts recalled, with men wearing straw hats in the summer and felt hats in the cooler months and women wearing colorful, decorative hats. "Salesmen would come in with their merchandise to sell it to us," said Roberts, "With discount stores it's hard to keep stores like this open."
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