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In 1959, the building that housed Glardon's Grocery was, for reasons no longer remembered, turned over to the state of Ohio for dispersment - in other words it was to be sold at public auction.

Don Beckett, who was fresh out of high school, having graduated from Talawanda High in the spring of 1959, wanted to buy the property and continue his business career - which he had started after taking over his grandparents' store, known as Glardon's Grocery.

Don had heard the Earl "Red" Huber, who operated the Hitching Post tavern next door to the grocery, was interested in buying and demolishing the building. So, prior to the auction, Don met with "Red" and shared his dream of buying the property.

While sharing this story of acquiring the grocery building, Don digressed to describe his relationship with Earl Huber, which Don said was always positive and friendly.

"Red" turned out to be supportive of Don's desire to buy the grocery store and he told Don he would not bid against him at the auction. However, if someone else outbid Don, then "Red" would enter the bidding.

On the day of auction and the bidding began, Don waited until it appeared that the bidding was about to close and then he made his move.

Don voiced his one and only bid.

The auctioneer,  Harold "Arky" Vaughn asked if there were any other bids and, with none being expressed, he pronounced "Sold!"

Don Beckett was the new owner of the building that was to become "Don's Carry-Out."

Some 60 years later, in this 2021 phone conversation, Don acknowledged that Earl Huber, being the successful tavern ower that he was, with a far larger bankroll than Don possessed right out of high school, could have easily outbid Don at the auction.

But, as he vowed, and in an obvious effort to help a fellow business man, Earl "Red" Huber stayed silent.

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RIGHT:

Don's Carry-Out

Darrtown, Ohio

Circa: 2016