Contributed by Teresa Douglass, Genealogy Specialist
Shelton P. True’s confectionery was the go-to place in Palmyra to meet up with friends and enjoy homemade ice cream, candies, and other tasty treats during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This and other business photos from the past can be found in HCPL’s Businesses of Harrison County collection.
A large crowd of men and boys gather for a photograph in front of the S. P. True Confectionery in Palmyra, Indiana ca. 1900. Individuals in the photo have been identified as follows, (L-R): Samuel H. Voyles, (unidentified), Charles “Tad” Taylor, Herschel Eaton, George Johnson, John Wolfe, Joe Ollis, Mel Herthel, George Martin, Jake Martin, Charley Dalton, Ed Ollis, Roy Rippy, (unidentified), Shelton P. “Barney” True (owner), Benton Arnold, Jim Deweese (on box), Otto Voyles, Blunk Bott, Noah Mosier, Alvin Osborn, Ottis True, John Voyles, Barb Emily, Homer Johnson, and Perry Jonson (holding horse).
Shelton P. True, known by many as “Barney,” established the confectionery in the town of Palmyra in the late nineteenth century. True was born in 1871 and was the son of James L. and Nancy True. He married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Avery of Palmyra, and together they ran the popular confectionery, which was located on the south side of Main Street next to Martin & Huff’s dry goods store. The confectionery sold various candies and homemade ice cream as well as soup, hot dogs and sandwiches, fresh roasted peanuts, cigars and cigarettes. Open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the week, and a couple of hours later on Saturday and special occasions, the store was a well-known spot to meet friends and while away the hours around its pot-bellied stove. True operated his establishment, which later became known as the Midway Sweet Shop, for 47 years. He passed away in 1958 at age 86.
