MITCHELL'S CONFECTIONERY
by Edith Mitchell
When we first came to Alberta from Ontario in 1970, we intended to run a group home for teenage foster children. When this was not available, we decided to buy a small business somewhere in Alberta. Having farmed all our lives, we preferred a small town and found a suitable location in Elk Point. In September, 1971 we opened a confectionery in the building which is now M and J Clothing.
In July, 1973, we purchased the business formerly owned by Newt Warren. Our son Jim and his wife Susan (Andrishak) helped in the store, until they moved to British Columbia in 1976. (Mrs.) Rose Doucet also helped part-time. Our business grew quickly and we had to hire more full-time help. By summer 1977, we had three full-time employees: (Mrs.) Rose Doucet, (Mrs.) Karen Michaels and (Mrs.) Wilma Kondla with (Mrs.) Yvonne Wyatt part-time. Others who worked at different times were Elsie Kadutski, (Mrs.) Olga Seniak and (Mrs.) Sylvia Kalynchuk. One semester, we took on a work experience student from the F. G. Miller High School, in the person of Shane Radies. This was a very novel experience for us, in that we had to be teachers and grade him as to his work standards. Because he was a work experience student, he didn't receive an remuneration, but his work was on an equal with any paid employee.
Bob and Edith Mitchell busy in their store.
An added attraction in our confectionery is our plant section. We have seasonal plants available for special days such as Mother's Day, etc., besides common and exotic varieties year round. Also we sell bedding plants in the spring.
Shortly after we opened our Confectionery, arrangements were made with the circulation manager of the Edmonton Journal for sale of papers in the store. Paper boys deliver the journals throughout the town. We also sell the St. Paul Journal and the Vermilion Standard.
