Lindsay Canton’s Grocery to Vis Major

August 25, 2023

When Lindsay Clanton arrived in Omaha from Texas, he started a family business that would serve as an anchor of the community it served for the next 70 years. Lindsay, born in 1880 in Tennessee, opened a grocery store in Texas which he operated until 1908. For reasons unknown to me, he moved to Omaha and opened a grocery store in the heart of Sheelytown at 2364 S 29th St (just down the street from Dinker’s). The next few years would be a whirlwind as he married Helen Schroeder in 1911 and relocated both his business and living quarters in 1913 all while continuing to expand their family. His first two sons, Gus and Elmer would go on to run the grocery store after he passed.

The new store was located between the neighborhoods of Hanscom Park to the south and Field Club to the north. The address was 3501 Center St which was briefly renamed Lincoln Ave before being changed back. The grocery store was located on the first floor of the east side of the building while they operated a soda fountain offering homemade ice cream from the west side. The family lived in the four bedroom apartment upstairs. There were rumors that a speakeasy was operated out of the basement though I haven’t been able to confirm this.

Early exterior of Clantons courtesy of Restoration Exchange Omaha.

Back in those days, parents would often send their kids to the store pick up milk or bread and they would settle up at the end of the week. Lindsay would offer charge accounts to locals. The store offered grocery delivery first by horse and wagon and later by truck. In the early days, there was a barn behind the store for the horses. When Center Theater opened across the street in the 1950’s, kids would often buy candy for a penny to take to the show.

Inside of Clantons courtesy of Restoration Exchange Omaha.

In 1955 a bandit who happened to be a frequent customer of the store asked Lindsay to fill a bag with money. When the 74-year old Lindsay noticed that he had a gun, he went for his own which he kept in a grocery bag nearby. A skirmish ensued as the bandit went for his gun. While he ran off with Lindsay’s gun, he didn’t get a dime. Lindsay said it was the only time in 42 years that he was held up. Lindsay would pass away three years later in 1958.

East side of the building show the second floor apartment where the Clantons lived.

By the time he passed, his sons Elmer and Gus had taken over. Even as large supermarket chains began to take an increasing amount of the grocery business, places like Clanton’s managed to co-exist due to its convenience, service, delivery and charge accounts. While they offered a variety of foods, they didn’t carry as many brands. Variety of goods was also key. In addition to food and homemade ice cream, they also sold drugs, cosmetics and hardware. They were known for their freshly ground and cut meats as well as their Halloween flavored ice cream which always sold out.

1968 photo of Elmer Clanton from the Omaha World-Herald.

When Gus passed away in 1979, his wife would partner with Elmer and continue to operate the store. Clanton’s was a true family business as Elmer’s son and even his grandson worked for the store. It has been said that the Clanton’s ran the store as if they were running a shelter because it was a safe haven for an entire neighborhood. Clanton’s closed its doors for good in 1989 when Elmer retired. When he passed away in 2002 he was remembered as someone who volunteered time and money to his community, set an example for morality and served as a role model for young people. All of his pall bearers were one-time clerks who worked in his store. Very few mom and pop grocery stores remain although we will explore one of them in a future post.

1989 photo of Elmer Clanton from the Omaha World-Herald.

The building remained largely vacant until 2015 when the owners of Vis Major Brewing Company made the decision to restore and renovate the building. As a part of the renovation, they repurposed items such as pews, light fixtures and an old confessional from St. Anthony’s Church. The old tin ceiling panels from Clanton’s are now used to accent a wall behind the bar. The original floors remain. The old grocery store is used as the bar and taproom while the soda fountain is used for overflow seating and a party room. The second floor apartment that the Clanton’s called home for so long is now available to rent on Airbnb. Following in the Clanton’s example, Vis Major has become not only a gathering place but also a safe space for the community. It was also the catalyst for the other businesses that have popped up along this stretch of Center in recent years.

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Until next time, keep exploring!