Grand Opening
After a soft opening, Jim Bell and Son celebrates this month
By Brandy Nance (Contact)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Photo by Brandy Nance
A buffalo stands in the front of Jim Bell and Son in Cottonwood Falls.
COTTONWOOD FALLS — The weekend of Oct. 25 will be a busy weekend for Cottonwood Falls with the grand reopening of the Chase County Courthouse and the Jim Bell and Son store.
Jim Bell and Son, 322 Broadway in Cottonwood Falls, closed early this year and was reopened in August with new owners Marty Tadtman and her daughter Lauren Krause. Kerry Ahlstrom is the store’s operations manager and Shelly Brenton is the store’s manager.
Jim Bell and Son will have its grand reopening Oct. 24-26 in conjunction with the opening of the Chase County Courthouse. The store has been in operation in Cottonwood Falls since 1927 under different owners. Bill Haw owned the store when it closed earlier this year. The store had only had two owners at that time. Haw bought the store in 1993 from the Bell family, which had owned the store for 66 years. The Bell family opened the store in 1927. The building the store is located in was built in 1904. When Tadtman and Krause purchased the building, they had it re-furbished with the aid of Ted White, long-time employee of the original Jim Bell.
“The current store has been returned to its historic root business (with) the most authentic real western ranch and work wear as well as fashion available,” Ahlstrom said in a press release.
Standing in the store Thursday afternoon, Tadtman explained what led her to purchase Jim Bell and Son. She was having breakfast one morning in Cottonwood Falls and wanted to buy a birthday present. She went across the street to Jim Bell and Son and realized it was closed. She said the idea of reopening the store kept coming back to her and someone encouraged her to purchase the store and reopen it.
“It turned out to be something I wanted to do and I thought ‘lets just jump in,’” Tadtman said.
Tadtman said the reopening of the store has been a group effort with her team of employees.
“We’re a great team,” she said. “It all just worked really well.”
Photo by Brandy Nance
Bruce Brock Boot and Saddle Repair, located in the basement of Jim Bell and Sons in Cottonwood Falls, offers a variety of items in addition to boot and saddle repair.
The store has all-new inventory, which includes brands like Wrangler, Cinch, Cruel Girl, Justin, Tony Lama, Anderson Bean, Olathe Boots and Montana Silversmith. There are several new features to the store, including Bruce Brock boot and saddle repair, which moved into the downstairs portion of the building. In addition to boot and saddle repair, Brock offers artwork he created, ropes and tack items that people might need. There are new dressing rooms in the store and even a tanning bed on the upper level. Apparel items include infants to adult items.
“We cover the whole family from A to Z,” Ahlstrom said.
Jim Bell and Son now carries reproduction clothing. Ahlstrom said the goal is to allow people to rent the clothing for events and even if they wish to get married in the Chase County Courthouse in period clothing.
Photo by Brandy Nance
Jim Bell and Son, which has been in operation since 1927 in Cottonwood Falls, is having a grand reopening under new ownership on Oct. 24-26. From left are Shelly Brenton, store manager; Kerry Ahlstrom, operations manager; and Marty Tadtman, co-owner of the store.
The store will be developing a Web site as well and is a UPS shipper.
“We will be offering Internet sales to a limited degree,” Ahlstrom said.
In the upper level of the store is a large screen television set that can be used when someone is waiting on someone who is shopping. It also is being used for events such as presidential debates. The next presidential debates are 8 p.m., tonight and 8 p.m. Oct. 15. The public is welcome to view the debates at the store.
“Some people may not have televisions,” Ahlstrom said. “They can gather here for viewing and discussions.”
Tadtman said one of the goals of the store is to get back to old-time customer service with lay-away plans and special orders. She wants to cater to local people’s needs. There is a suggestion box located in the store for customers’ input.
There will be plenty to do at the store and the Chase County Courthouse on Oct. 25. Activities at the store include:
• The opportunity to register to win an all-expense paid weekend getaway to the National Ranch Rodeo World Finals in Amarillo, Texas, on Nov. 14 and 15.
• Trick rope competition. Contact the store for registration and entry.
• Historical Western re-enactors from CHAPS will put on displays in the street.
• There will be a live remote broadcast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with prizes and drawings.
• Hat Man Jack will be at the store from noon to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 to resize and reshape hats.
Activities at the Chase County Courthouse on Oct. 25 will include:
• 2:55 p.m., The bell will ring loud, clear and long!
• 3 p.m., color guard and the Star Spangled Banner
• 3:05 p.m., welcome
• 3:10 p.m., introduction of principals and honored guests
• 3:15 p.m., ribbon cutting and cannon firing
• 3:30 p.m., open house and presentations in the court room
• 6 p.m., closing ceremonies
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