Harry W. Lewis
Marriages
Teresa Caveney Lewis - 1935
Obituaries
Eagle Valley Enterprise - February 9, 1978
Long-time Eagle resident Harry W. LEWIS died at his home Feb. 4 after suffereing a heart attack. He was 67 years old.
He was born Sept. 1, 1910 at Palisade, Colo. He came to Eagle with his parents at the age of five. His father, Tom LEWIS purchased and operated the J.W. Hugus Co. store.
He began work in the store as a child, and stayed in the general store business until retiring in December 1975.
He began operating his own general store in Gilman in 1928. In 1934, he and his brother, John, purchased the Eagle store from their father.
He was married in 1935.
In 1942, Harry and his wife, Teresa, moved to Eagle to operate the Lewis Store, and purchased the business from John in 1954.
Mr. Lewis was educated in local schools, and attended Eagle County High School.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa; two daughters, Suzann Ross of Eagle and Kathryn Lewis of Vail; five grandchildren; and his brother, John, of Gresham, Ore. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Terry.
Eagle Valley Enterprise page 2 - February 9, 1978
Something for Harry, by Kathy Lell.
Since the death of long-time resident Harry LEWIS Saturday, a steady stream of local citizens have been stopping by the Enterprise office inquiring if we planned to "do something for Harry' in this week's paper. A few offered suggestions for what they would like to read about Harry, and all were concerned that in some way, some sort of tribute be paid to a man they respected and will miss.
Having lived in Eagle only five years, I can't claim to know Harry as long-time residents did. But I spent enough time in the H.W. Lewis Store, and in an interview with the Lewis' at the time their general store operation ended, to gain some lasting impressions of the man.
Harry operated his store with work and dedication that is unfortunately hard to find in most present-day businessmen. The store was open every day, including a few hours on Sunday, and the Lewis' put in an untold number of weekly hours at operating their business.
Shopping for groceries or drygoods wasn't the only reason for going there. The Lewis Store was something of a community watering hole. Customers paused to greet neighbors, or to exchange opinions with Harry on town business. Harry had some strong opinions, and was not afraid to pass them along, if asked.
Many remember fondly the special service for customers. Purchasing a stead wasn't a matter of looking over the plastic-film and styrofoam enclosed offerings, then making a selection with the hopes that underside of the product looked as good as the top. Harry exhibited genuine concern about his products--showing customers a huge chunk of beef, asking them to give their okay, and specify the thickness of the steak or roast they desired. Welcome, old-fashioned service.
And who will forget the sight of Harry standing on the street corner outside his store with a fishing pole--the line of which was cast into a growing puddle of backed-up muddy water at the curb? A classic was to let the town fathers know that a cleaning of the culverts was long overdue.
The store--and Harry--had a loyal following. A group of out-of-state big game hunters stopped there every hunting season for 29 consecutive years to purchase hunting supplies. Some 75 friends and neighbors surprised the Lewis' with a celebration at the store in December, 1975, just before the business was closed down.
Men with the strength of character that Harry Lewis had are a vital part of a town like Eagle. His death will create a void which leaves the community a little sadder. -- Kathy Lell
[The following poem, written by Brad SCHLEGEL at the time of the closing of the Lewis Store, is reprinted at the request of readers.]
Harry's General Store
Well if yer ever in Eagle County, out Colorado way
And you're looking for American, and wanting your mind to stray'
Come to the town of Eagle, there's a fellow ya oughta meet.
He's Harry Lewis, the mercantile man; Harry who carves the meat.
He's getting up in years now; ain't a pup no more
He's been running a business there--It's an old time general store.
Just take a glance over you shoulder and leave the light of day.
Step inside and take a ride on a back-trail to yesterday.
There's smells that warm your sense, leathery scents of yore;
Musty oak, and pinewood smoke, in Harry's General Store.
He carves the meat on a cuttin' block; he stands about six foot tall,
A genuine man with calloused hands and heart that just ain't small.
Now the reason I'm wanting you to visit, to stop and chew the fat,
It's cuz' Harry, he's leaving the country and taking his welcome mat.
The store has lost a battle--Harry's heard the call,
Been living too long with yesterday's song and the writing's on the wall.
So take a trip to Eagle, before the anvil rings;
Before you lose compassion for the song that Harry sings;
Do you soul a favor, walk through memory's door
Tomorrow's news, that's Harry's dues, for his store is there no more!
