Ask Mr. Answer Person: "How long has there been a music store in Decorah?"

Steven e-mails: "JC Penney's was on Water Street for many years before closing. I believe it may have been one of the longest times that a store has been in one location. But how long has there been a music store on Water Street?  I know Kephart's/West Music has been there a long time (I worked there 30 years ago) and before that it was Kjome's.  Marsh Music may have been at that location as well."

Mr. Answer Person says: "Once again, we relied on Decorah Genealogy Association's records to get an answer to your question, Steven.

Let's start with the Marsh Music House, which was established in 1892 in Decorah--but at 110 Winnebago Street (the former Story People offices), not at 126 East Water Street.  B.O. Marsh--known as "Ben," for obvious reasons, operated the store there until his death in 1938.

Around 1930 Marsh Music House got some competition--Thurst Kjome opened Kjome's Music Shop and repaired musical instruments--when he wasn't leading a dance band that performed throughout the area.

Kjome's Music Shop became Kephart's Music when Russ Kephart bought the business from Kjome, then became West Music when Kepharts sold their business.

So there's your answer--there's been a music store in Decorah since 1892 and a music store at 126 East Water Street since 1930."