Rustic's Confectionery, 1919 - 1952, by Izola Mottershead

Date: 1919 - 1952

There was a wonderful place I frequented when I was a teen-ager. My friends and I would scrounge up a quarter each and head off for Rustic's. It was a very small confectionery that boasted the best milkshakes and malted milkshakes in town. There were also the usual hamburgers and fries, sodas, floats, etc. We could sit for hours and not get booted out, nor would there ever be any trouble - at least not from my crowd - at least not usually from my crowd.


Rustic's got its start in 1919 and was located at 9719 Jasper Avenue. It went through many proprietors and one move in its 33-year history. Its several owners were Misters Fred George, Theo Georges, Nick Rodis, Fred Harris, Kris Kirkoff, Wasyl Koroluk and Bill and John Koroluk. It was in 1952 that it moved to 8212-111 Avenue and in a short time ceased to exist.


When you went in the front door it appeared to be just like any other confectionery with its three or four cubicles down the window side and a counter with windows for candy, cigarettes, or what have you and of course, the cash register. The cubicles had high backrests that came up to your head and would seat four or more if necessary.


My Mom and Dad often went to a movie during the 1940's and 50's and would end up at Rustic's for one of their famous milkshakes. On one of these occasions while Mom sat on one side of the booth and Dad on the other, he said to her, "Grace, move over just a bit." She did, and what he saw written on the back of the seat did not impress him very much. Unfortunately, it was to impress me a great deal. The next day saw me at Rustic's with a pail of soapy water and a rag trying to remove "IZOLA LOVES STUART". I honestly did not put it there for the same reason I was taking it off, and I never did find out who did.


I have it on good authority that many of the stainless steel milkshake cups, which you got your milkshake in along with another tall glass and a thick straw, sometimes went missing. Apparently they later showed up welded onto motorcycle tailpipes, which produced the loud "Hollywood Muffler" sounds.


At that time you could also buy a small pack of 'smokes' for a dime, and there were never questions asked about age, or who you were buying them for, and of course, I was no different than most kids my age. Yes, Rustic's was a wonderful place to hang out.