Janesville
Janesville
Stories set here
- Learning the Business and Building StoresAt Iris and Bill’s suggestion, the narrator left Penney’s and learned the Ben Franklin business at Bob Retzlaff’s Madison store. He reports opening Bormann’s in 1983 as part owner and manager, with Bill Retzlaff cosigning his first loan, and five successful years of business. He also states that he sold out in 1972 to become manager and partner with Iris and Bill in Elliott’s in Janesville for eight years. These dates conflict and are retained as written. In 1988 he bought a Janesville Ben Franklin Store and converted it to an all-crafts store. He also served five years on Rock County Bank’s board, finding it especially interesting to learn who borrowed money for country club dues.
- From Sunday School to Prayers for FamilyBob recalls learning The Lord’s Prayer at Sunday school in Tom and Ruth Johnson’s house, followed by little church attendance. He married in a church in 1960 and joined the Methodist Church after moving to Janesville in 1972. He describes fairly regular attendance, belief in God, and silent prayers that include those likely to read his account.
Events here
1972; eight years before selling out
Leaving Bormann’s and joining Elliott’s
The narrator says he sold out of Bormann’s in 1972 and became manager and partner with Iris and Bill in Elliott’s clothing stores. This sale date conflicts with the stated 1983 opening of Bormann’s.
1988
Buying and converting a Ben Franklin Store
The narrator bought a Ben Franklin Store and converted it to an all-crafts store.
1972
Moving to Janesville
Robert reports moving to Janesville in 1972.
Family corrections
Notes sent in by the family and approved on review. They sit alongside the original record — the book's wording is never changed.
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