Business of the Month
Coach Light Ladies Fashions
545 Main Street
Osawatomie, KS 66064
913-755-2514
Coach Light Ladies Fashions located at 545 Main Street is owned by Gordon and
Joyce Schrader. This year they are celebrating 40 years in business.
This clothing business has a rich history that goes back to 1964 when the
Schraders moved to Osawatomie. A ladies clothing store name "Mr. B's", owned
by Bill Butler and managed by Minnie Crouch, was located in the
small building next to what is now the Loft on Sixth. The business was
sold to Minnie Crouch, Eleanor Waggoner and Gladys Hawkins and was renamed
"Minnie's". Minnie Crouch retired and the store was renamed
"The Coach Light" and moved to its present location.
Web Hawkins actually came up with the name "Coach Light". The owners no
longer wanted to name the store after a person. Downtown was newly redecorated
and had the coach lights in the middle and on either end of the street. Thus, the
name "Coach Light".
Eleanor Waggoner Budke and Gladys Hawkins continued to operate the
store with part-time help of which Joyce was one. In November of 1976, Eleanor
and Gladys asked Gordon and Joyce if they would be interested
in purchasing the store and the Schraders took ownership on January 1, 1977.
Almost immediately, Joyce's mother, Dorothy Messmer, who had
considerable retail experience, began working full-time at the store and
worked there several years until her retirement.
During the forty years that Gordon and Joyce have owned the store, many people
have helped on a part-time basis. They include: Nancy Calvin, Jody Slayman,
Vivian Hamilton, Thelma Pingry, Mickie Thomas, Lela Brown, Helen Bowers
and, of course, loyal and indispensable, Velma Boehm, who has been with Coach
Light for decades.
Joyce has this to say, "Our business has survived and flourished with
personal service. We spend considerable time with our customers helping
them select just the right item. We alter them to fit when necessary. And,
of course, we gift wrap at no charge. Regular and time honored customers come
to shop with us from Johnson County, Garnett, Topeka, Overbrook, Pleasanton,
Paola, Butler, Missouri and on and on. Many want the personal service
as opposed to the department store atmosphere.
We still enjoy visiting with these old friends. But, it is getting harder on
these old knees to get up and down to mark the length of slacks and jeans.
So, I suppose, one of these days these old knees will tell us that we need
to stay at home in the recliner. It has been a fun and successful run and
we thank all who have supported us."
Coach Light will host a Chamber Coffee on Wednesday, March 15th,
at 10 am. Please join us that day to help celebrate 40 years in business
with Gordon, Joyce and Velma!
Look for Coach Light's annual St. Patrick's Day Sale to be held on
Friday, March 17th from 10am-5pm and Saturday, March 18th from
10am-3pm. Select merchandise will be 75% off!
Hours of Operation
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 10am - 5pm
Saturday - 10am - 3pm
Coach Light is a valued business in Osawatomie. They have always
supported our community in so many ways. Joyce and Velma go above
and beyond to help customers. Stop by to see their great selection of
clothing, jewelry, accessories, purses and gift items!
Think Local. Shop Local. Keep it Local.