07/19/2024
Make sure to stop by and say Hi to Paul tomorrow. He will be in the parade and then here at The Old Print Shop.
2024 Humeston Watermelon Day
🎉 Keeping with the theme of Thinking BIG in a small town, The Mormon Trail Chamber is proud to announce Humeston’s BIGgest Supporter: Paul Gunzenhauser! 🎉
Paul was asked how he first got involved in the community. Paul talked about how he was a beginning member of the Mormon Trail Chamber over 30 years ago. At the time he was living on a farm outside of Garden Grove. A few years down the road, he because president of the Front Street Market board and held that position for over 10 years!
When asking him what his most memorable moment from his time supporting the town he was quick to answer: opening day of Front Street Market. After months of collecting funds and waiting for the building to be complete, Paul was excited for opening day. Everyone gathered outside for a first day picture and excitedly awaited customers. Even though it was a cold snowy day, it was to everyone’s surprise that the first two customers were out of state hunters. They shopped through the store and as they were checking out, Paul snapped a picture of them to commemorate the first customers. Luckily, after that, the town people started showing up and they ended up having a great first day.
When asked what or who inspired Paul to contribute to the community for so many years Paul responded: One hot summer day, his neighbors across the street were getting in the car and he asked him where they were headed to. They said they were going to Osceola to shop for groceries and he thought to himself, “Terrible for 80-year-olds to have to go out of town to shop for groceries when we could have a store here.” That was how he got involved in bringing a grocery store back to Humeston.
Lastly Paul was asked: what advice would you give to others looking to make a difference in their community. His advice is if you have a want or see a need for a new business get some help from community members. Do the research and “let the community help, we all have to work together.”
Currently Paul owns and runs The Old Print shop here in town along with Shaker works. Paul loves to be in the Old Print Shop meeting new people and keeping himself busy during his “retirement”. He also rents out a building he owns to multiple other small business.
As Watermelon Days approches we reflect on the immense support and dedication Paul has shown to our town. His unwavering commitment and generosity have touched the lives of so many, making our community stronger and more vibrant. We are incredibly fortunate to have Paul as our biggest supporter, and his contributions will be remembered and cherished for years to come. Thank you, Paul, for everything you do for our town.
