Photo by Amy Cherry Jim Auman of St. Marys was recently presented a special citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from State Rep. Matt Gabler in recognition of his dedication as a business owner of 59 years.

By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

Jim Auman, a longtime St. Marys business owner, 89, was recently honored by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in which he received a special citation recognizing his accomplishment for exemplary service to the community.

As the owner of the former Auman’s Grocery store, located on the corner of Benedict and Church streets, Jim and his wife Edna (Snookie) purchased the store in 1950 from Auman’s mother, Genevieve (Dippold), who opened the store in 1922.

The couple owned and operated the storefront for 59 years.

State Rep. (R/75) Matt Gabler sponsored the citation and presented it to him during a special visit to his home.

“It’s a great honor and pleasure to present this citation. This business is not just a store but a gathering place for the community,” Gabler said. “Jim’s dedication is an outstanding record of loyalty to both the business and community.”

The store has a rich history in St. Marys and is known throughout the community. Throughout it’s existence the store has changed locations numerous times around the Auman property. Extensive renovations were completed on the building in 1959 converting it to a full-size store.

During the store’s 87-year history the owners have never closed it for a full day, only sporadic half days including during the Christmas holiday. They estimated the store was open for a total of 31,000 hours.

“We were workaholics,” Auman said.

He noted they often stayed open during holidays because parents frequently needed batteries for their children’s new toys and last minute ingredients for family meals.

Auman explained that his mother originally opened the store after being approached by local nuns who needed access to household items.

After being discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corp, the forerunner of the Air Force, during World War II in 1945, Auman worked for his mother for five years before he and his wife decided to buy the store from her. During that time Auman took a correspondence course to help him better understand how to run a business.

“At one time we were a thriving market,” Auman said. “There was a big change in St. Marys when the A&P supermarket came in, but we still survived and had a good business.”

The Auman’s operated a full store for 10 to 20 years, before downsizing. The Auman’s homestead is attached to the rear of the small grocery store.

At one time the store featured a full-size meat case with Auman performing butcher duties as did his mother before him. He explained the store sold Neubert’s hamburger and sausage. At Christmas the store’s double smoked hams were popular among local patrons.

Auman also sold Christmas trees in front of the store. He grew them himself on three lots he purchased on Windfall Road.

Throughout the years Auman hired numerous students from Elk County Christian as store employees.

The establishment was popular among local youth, especially those attending St. Marys Parochial – currently St. Marys Catholic Middle School –  and Elk County Catholic High School, as they often stopped in for an after school snack before heading home or to athletic or band practices.

The citation also lists Auman’s additional community efforts as an usher at St. Marys Catholic Church, a member of the Republican party, a member of Elk County Toastmasters and founder of the annual Memorial Eve program to honor local military veterans.

Auman has also been instrumental in the continued success of the St. Marys Historical Society having been involved with the organization since it’s inception. He helped start the Potato Pancake Supper, held each year as a fundraiser for the organization.

A portion of Auman’s citation reads: “demonstrating remarkable knowledge, ability and integrity in carrying out his many responsibilities through earning the respect and gratitude of all those who received the benefit of his tireless devotion to duty. We heartedly recognize his exemplary record of service in keeping with the highest ideals and tradition of his community.”