Summary: A combination of love and heroism.
The Shopping Spree and The Hero:
Written by my hubby.
Chapter 1:
Sara Carter got word of the Dalton Gang just robbing a Bank in a place called Hammond Indiana. The next addiction of 'The Gazette,' the Walnut Grove paper that Mrs. Carter runs reads this in the headline: "Dalton Gang robs Bank in Northwest Indiana, be on the lookout for these men they are armed and dangerous."
Meanwhile a stagecoach comes to Walnut Grove with three passengers, Dr. Albert Ingalls and his wife Sylvia who are visiting with family and also Richard Sears. Albert and Sylvia Ingalls stay at the Wilder's Boarding house but Mr. Sears stays at Nellie's Hotel. Mr. Sears has a quite a bit of luggage. While Willie Oleson is walking back from the Mercantile he sees Mr. Sears having trouble so he helps him get his luggage up to his room. When they arrive to his room Mr. Sears wants to thank Willie for his help and offers him $10. Willie refuses and says, "Thank you Mr. Sears but we just like to do for folks around here you are guests and just want you to enjoy your stay in Walnut Grove."
When Mr. Sears saw Willie's sincerity he puts his money back in his wallet but he would not forget his hospitality.
Mr. Sears decides to eat supper at the Restaurant downstairs and he has Baked Cinnamon Chicken, a Baked Potato, Green Beans and a fresh baked biscuit along with a slice of homemade Apple Pie with coffee. Rachel Olsen, Willie's wife whom both operate the Restaurant with Hester Sue Terhune was offering Mr. Sears more coffee when Mr. Sears spoke and said, "Supper was superb! Who prepared it?
Rachel answers my husband, "Willie and I made it. Well most of it Hester Sue made the Pie and Coffee."
"Well," Mr. Sears says, "It was truly delicious. I enjoyed every mouth watering bite. Thank you, Rachel you say your name is? (she nods yes), Here's a tip." He hands her a $20.
Rachel looks at it in amazement and says, "The meal was only a $1.75, I- I -I just don't know about a tip that's nearly twelve times the cost of the meal. I mean I appreciate it I just..."
Mr. Sears replies, "I don't mean to overwhelm you it's just where I come from in Chicago we don't get this kind of kindness and personalized service and I'm truly grateful."
Rachel accepts the tip and thanks Mr. Sears. She shows it to Willie in the kitchen while he is slicing tomatoes. Then Willie goes out to see Mr. Sears and says, "Thank you, Mr. Sears for the generous tip. May I ask if I can do anything for you and what your plans are while here in Walnut Grove?"
As Mr. Sears reaches down and picks up a small case with a catalog in it he says, "I'm glad you asked Mr. Olsen. Let me fully introduce myself, I'm Mr. Sears, owner and founder of Sears Department store located in Chicago. We are similar to Macy Company stores based out of Cincinnati. This catalog shows what our stores have to offer. I bought a bunch of them, that is what you helped take up to my room. I like to get these catalogs out to people. Is there a hub of a businesses in Walnut Grove where I can place my catalogs?"
Willie answers, "My parents operate and own the Mercantile across the street. They may have a place for your catalogs. I will say that folks around here already subscribe to the Macy and Company catalog."
Mr. Sears replies, "People spending habits are why I'm here. People need quality products at quality prices. I guarantee Sears department store will be a household name someday."
The Sears catalog became dispersed throughout Walnut Grove very quickly. Some of the old ladies loved looking at the men's long underwear section because it thrilled them.
Mr. Sears noticed how the excitement about his department store was really perking up in Walnut Grove and he had a idea he arranged to share with the Town after Church on Sunday with Rev. Alden's permission of course.
Meanwhile the Dalton Gang robbed a Army payroll on a westbound train out of East Chicago Indiana.
What is Richard Sears idea and what is the Dalton Gang going to do next?
To Be Continued