Casteels & Hershberger, Princeton

It is believed that this picture was taken before the July 4,1911 fire, which was one of the most destructive blazes in the history of Princeton. The fire destroyed six full blocks of business houses and residences, including the entire north side of the Princeton square. In 1910, Dr. George Drury was listed as a dentist in Princeton (office on the left). John and William Casteel formed the Casteel Brothers Department Store in 1867. The merchantile was passed on in 1896, to two of John's sons, Orville and Herbert, a son-in-law, W.E. Hershberger, and his nephew, Edward R. Casteel. The store remained a family business until 1945, one of the oldest family owned businesses in Missouri. Today the building is owned by Chuck & Donna Herdrich and houses The Famous Store and the Missouri License Bureau (photo given from the archives of Coleman & Rosalie Hill, now in possession of the Mercer County Genealogical & Historical Society.)

Mercer County Food Pantry Holds Dedication Ceremony

Last Sunday Mercer County Residents attended the dedication of the new food pantry at the United Methodist Church in Princeton. Above, food pantry volunteers and workers, left, Linda Shroyer, Fonda Shipley, & Michael Henderson, stock the shelves of the new facility. Thanks to all of those who have been so generous with donations and time, the Food Pantry is well stocked. The volunteers and board members thank you all. Please stop by and visit your community first-hand. You can drop off your donations and learn about how you can be a hands-on volunteer. Monetary donations can be made out to the Mercer County Food Pantry and dropped off or mailed to 804 E. Main St Princeton MO 64673. call 748-4486 for food distribution dates and times. photo by Sheila Hogue

Half Rock Baptist Church Closes

The Providence Baptist Church, commonly called the Half Rock Baptist Church, in Medicine Township, has closed its doors as a Baptist Church and has been sold. The church, whose congregation dates back to 1844, was built in 1878 and was remodeled in the 1953 time frame. The church had the distinction of being one of the, if not the oldest church, still in use in Mercer County, until its closure in the Spring of 2009. The church and property have been purchased by the Steve Ross family. It is their intention to have the church building remain part of the Half Rock community and to be used as a meeting place, for religious services, or other community functions. For information about access to the church, please contact Steve Ross at phone number 619-508-3925 or emial inews@scglobal.net. photo submitted by Randi Ferguson