[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 163 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1355-E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF ELDERS MINI MART

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elders Mini Mart 
as it closes after ninety-eight years of operation in Caruthers, 
California.
  Founded in 1910 by Lon and Bertha Elder, Elders Mini Mart was 
originally established as

[[Page E1356]]

a grocery store. The shop has seen multiple identity changes but has 
remained in the ownership of the Elder family throughout the decades. 
After operating as a grocery store, it transitioned into a bar. In the 
1985, the Elders remodeled the bar into a barn, selling local produce 
and hosting dances in the community. Over time, the produce barn slowly 
transformed into Elders Mini Mart. It remained in operation until its 
closing on October 1, 2018.
  Elders Mini Mart has been in the ownership of the Elder Family since 
its founding. Lon and Bertha Elder passed down management 
responsibilities to Fred and Laura Elder, who then gave ownership to 
Ray and Pat Elder. When Ray sadly passed away in 2011, Pat maintained 
ownership of the store.
  Elders Mini Mart has become a fixture in the Caruthers community. It 
is widely known for being the choice of farmers for their morning 
coffee and children would often get free ice cream at the end of a 
school day. The Mart has a reputation for having the best deli in town. 
Aside from being a popular meeting place for farmers and students, 
Elder Mini Mart has also historically supported the local Central 
Valley agriculture industry through selling local produce. It never 
went to waste; unsold fruits and vegetables being fed to their 
livestock.
  Located off the 41, Elders Mini Mart gets customers from around the 
state, country, and world. Travelers stop at the store for a quick 
break, and unexpectedly find a warm atmosphere with a friendly owner 
and delicious food. If anything defines Elders Mini Mart aside from its 
rich history, it would be their ability to make all customers feel like 
part of the community. Their customer service was unmatched.
  Pat Elder has been the sole owner since her husband Ray passed away. 
While effectively managing the store for years, she has decided the 
time has come to retire. She is ready to transition into the next phase 
of her life and is excited to have the opportunity to travel. After 
decades of hard work and service to Caruthers, she deserves a restful 
retirement with many exciting adventures.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in commending Elders Mini Mart for ninety-
eight years of operation and wishing Mrs. Pat Elder well in her 
retirement.

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