The following is taken from a handwritten transcript by Ernest “Ernie” Hrdlicka and provided to the IJ by Ernies grandson, Mark Warren. Ernie’s Store and Market was built in 1948, after World War II. Its construction was completed by Ernie, his brotherin- law Samuel Tilden Abbott, and possibly another member of the Abbott family in 1948.
BY ERNIE HRDLICKA
“A short sketch of the lives and times of Ernest ‘Ernie,’ Roberta ‘Bertie,’ Marlene, and Larry Hrdlicka.”
We came to Eufaula with M&P Stores in 1938, at a time when Eufaula was transitioning from an early settlement into a modern city. A large percentage of Eufaula’s population was Creek Indian, and it took us a while to understand their ways and customs. However, we found them to be the most friendly and cooperative people.
After a short time, we were transferred from Eufaula to Okmulgee. With World War II underway, we moved back to our hometown of Luther, Oklahoma, as I was being drafted into military service. I was placed on the deferred list and received an offer from M&P Stores to return to Eufaula to manage the store in 1942.
To make a long story short, after six years back in Eufaula, Bertie and I discussed going into the grocery business on our own. One evening, I came home from work to find Bertie’s brother, Till, at our house. He had some extra money and had purchased building materials. Being a carpenter, he had already laid out a foundation and started constructing a building for a grocery store on the southern half of our home lot. The idea was to create a small “Mom & Pop” store in connection with M&P Stores. I planned to go to Shawnee, their headquarters, in two weeks to try to make this arrangement official.
However, before I had a chance to speak with them, they found out about our plans and fired me! They assumed we were going to steal their merchandise to start our store, which was not true. We didn’t have much money, but with help from Mr. and Mrs. Jim Doss, Mr. Palmer (of Palmer’s Wholesale in Eufaula), Mr. Robert Simpson (of State National Bank), and by selling our new car for $750, we were able to open our business. We made about $15 in sales on our first day! Our old customers from M&P Stores followed us, many coming from across town, and within 30 days, M&P Stores was forced to close their Eufaula location.
Our little neighborhood grocery store became a lively and enjoyable place, especially after 5 o’clock in the evening. Mrs. Mable Doss brought us many moments of fun and laughter with her wit and humor. When we returned to Eufaula to settle permanently, our daughter Marlene was seven years old and in second grade, while our son Larry, then five years old, was still at home.
Addendum by Mark Warren
“Bert & Ernie,”,yes that’s what a lot of folks called them, owned and operated the little neighborhood grocery store until Ernie was able to retire in 1973 at 62 years old. They sold their Eufaula home and property and moved out of town to a few acres on the lake at Enterprise. They enjoyed the next couple of decades gardening, raising peach trees, fishing, and operating a small lake cabin rental business. They made many new friends in retirement but always reminisced fondly of their time owning and running their grocery store.
