Eldo Raph Interview, November 13, 1986

Eldo Raph talks about the history of the Dillon Implement Company from its founding and incorporation on October 24, 1886, to its succession of owners during the early and mid-20th century. Raph describes the kinds of the things the company original sold including farm equipment, buggies and wagons, which slowly evolved into carrying hardware supplies to repair those implements. Raph recalls being hired by the company’s owners in the mid-20th century to manage the hardware part of the business. He discusses shortly after he bought the business outright with the help of a partner. Raph talks about the apartments on the top floor of the company’s building which he continued to rent to college students after he bought the business. He briefly mentions the store’s 100th anniversary celebration in 1986.