Published Sept. 16, 1991:
Devils Lake’s business moves, changes, expansions and additions are continuing.
As of Friday (Sept. 13, 1991), Barb Christie has signed a purchase agreement to buy Bell Drug in downtown Devils Lake, and she’ll be operating there Oct. 1.
And in the meantime, Leevers Supermarkets Inc. of Devils Lake announced plans to add 12,000 square feet of space to their present location, with construction slated to start in about two weeks.
When that expansion is completed, Bell Drug will be relocated in the Leevers building, complete with a pharmacy and an as yet undisclosed branch bank.
“This is something we’ve been planning for some time now,” said Bob Leevers of Leevers Supermarkets Inc. “In addition to the expansion for the pharmacy and the branch bank, we’ll be expanding all of our other grocery, meat and produce departments as well.”
Christie purchased the Bell Drug facility from long-time owner Merlen Clemenson and his wife Sonia. Merle plans to help with the transition and remain as a consultant at times.
Christie has been a pharmacist at White Mart in Devils Lake for the past 5 and one-half years, and she’s excited about her new opportunity.
“I’m very excited,” she said. “About the opportunity to have my own business.”
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the customers of Bell Drug. We intend to keep the same name because it’s associated with good service, and we intend to maintain that good service.”
Clemenson said he views the transition with some mixed emotions, but said he’s basically ready to retire. He said he’ll be doing some relief work as a pharmacist around the state and will help Christie as a consultant.
“It has been great,” said Merle. “The people have been great, all our customers have been great. I have some mixed emotions, but I’m looking forward to this. I’m ready to quit. My wife and I want to spend some time with the grandkids, travel and smell the roses a bit.”
Clemenson arrived in Devils Lake in August of 1953, entered into a partnership with the store in 1955, and purchased it outright in 1959. He’s been a registered pharmacist for approximately 40 years.