Small Town Chronicles: Shull’s Corner

Part Two of Two

In Part Two of Lynncovers more on the incrediable teacher and businessman Joe Shull. Lynn writes more about his impact on Imlay City, Muck Days, the businesses and his many other contributions to Imlay City.

I am sure it was a challenging time for Mr. Shull as he helped prepare his students for life after school. Many of his students enlisted in the service, some never returning to apply their lessons from Bancroft School, as they gave the ultimate sacrifice. I wonder how many announcements in the old Imlay City Times he read that involved his students; weddings, accomplishments, promotions, death. Every mention evoking a mixture of pride and grief during those wartime years.

Not only did Shull help prepare students for adulthood, he was also vital in improving their parents’ farming endeavors. Among the programs he implemented was soil testing. In the 1950s the local muck farmers held an annual ‘Muck Day’ luncheon at the Masonic Hall. The event was held in cooperation with the MSU Extension service and Chamber of Commerce. It was at the 1953 program that Joe Shull invited local farmers to take soil samples for testing, they could take them to him at the school or to the Lapeer County Agricultural Agent’s office. The testing would enable the University to make recommendations of the proper fertilizer to use. The convenience of dropping the samples off to Joe made the program a success.

In 1939, Mr. Shull was also instrumental in adult farmers’ classes. Among topics covered was “Farm records for future tax uses.” The group met each Thursday night for 10 weeks during the winter to discuss farm records, income taxes, success factors, laws, financing and production and farm accounts. According to a Flint Journal article, “the meetings are organized to help farmers compile the last year’s records, as well as to help them start a simple set of farm accounts that will make future reports easier.” This was a considerable success for many years and at the end of the 10 weeks, a Farmers’ Class Banquet was held. In 1947, more than two hundred attended that season’s banquet. Shull was still the only instructor, Harold Best was the president of the class that year, Harold Schmaltz was the vice-president. Speeches were given by toastmaster, James D. Morrice, A. H. Placeway from the Rotary Club and H.A. Lyons of the Detroit Board of Commerce who discussed the “The Relationship of Industry and Agriculture.” Maison’s band provided dance music. Among those on the committee in charge of selecting the topics of the classes were: John Bailie, Dave Steckly, Kenneth Ruby, Fred Boller, Harold Walton, Wendall Gibbard, Lee & Jerry Anspaugh, Leo Elwart, and Don Hughes.

At the end of the War, the GI bill was implemented and Imlay City Schools appointed Shull to teach the classes to returning service members. Officially known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, the bill provided tuition, subsistence, books, and supplies for veterans to attend high school, college, or vocational schools. It significantly impacted rural schools and communities, such as Imlay, by providing funding for veterans to pursue education and job training, including agricultural programs. That led to increased opportunities for veterans and their families. It provided a boost in rural economies through modernized farming practices and new businesses. As one can see, Shull was the perfect fit to usher in this beneficial government program. In July, 1950, H.G. DeCamp, secretary of the Board of Education reported that “…the GI school had 42 enrolled with Joe Shull as instructor, assisted by William Koning and George Turner.” By 1953, School Superintendent Alvin Norlin reported that the “…the Veteran program has been discontinued after six and a half years because of the decrease in attendance. Joe Shull was director and instructor.”

Shull was not cutting back on his endeavors by any means though. By 1949, he had two dealerships, J.I. Case farm machinery and Shull Sales and Service, which was an authorized dealer for Pontiac cars. Shull sales was located at the N/E corner of the intersection of M-53 and M-21. It is believed, Shull purchased the large corner acreage between 1940-49. In 1950, he sold the Case agency to Melvin Fiebelkorn of Almont, and it was moved there shortly afterwards. Shull was not just an “teacher” he was also a savvy businessman. That same year he purchased the International Harvester dealership from Lyal Watkins. The Times Herald covered the transfer: “Joseph Shull Buys Imlay City Farm Equipment Business. Mr. Shull will continue at the present location (this would be the chestnut brown brick building immediately north of the present-day Eagles Hall on Almont Ave, next to the railroad tracks) for the time being. He also will retain the same personnel, Clifford Weingartz as mechanic and Robert Lee in charge of the parts and sales.”

In my research, I found an article from 1951 where Shull announced his resignation as high school agriculture teacher after 13 years. He stated he would be continuing his ‘Veteran’s Institute’ instruction. Within a few years, the Veteran program was formally concluded. That appears when Mr. Shull began his junior high school teaching career as a science, math and geography teacher. He continued teaching until 1972 when he retired, completing a 33-year career as an educator, all at Imlay City.

It was not all business for Shull he met his future bride Frances MacDonald at Imlay. They were married in 1942. Frances was the daughter of John F, MacDonald who had a Jewelry Store downtown on East Third street. Mr. MacDonald was a member of the school board, even serving as president of the board at one time. The wedding was at the Congregational Church on Bancroft Street within the view of the school where they met. The Rev. John H. Balfour presiding. Among the attendants were former students of the young teacher, Mervin Whitkopf, Edward Lubahn and Merlyn Muir. The young couple quickly dove into community service while welcoming Tom, John, Judy, and Gerry to their family. The Shulls were a fixture at scouting events, hosting or chaperoning many trips for youths in the 1950s-1960s. Gathering at their home on Bancroft Street before departing for Fairwinds Camp or a class trip to Mackinaw. All four of their children went to and graduated from Imlay City High School. Judy later had an ice cream shop at the “corner.” More on that in another column.

Joe Shull’s contributions to his community extended beyond his agricultural and educational pursuits. His ambitious spirit and business judgment led to multiple ventures, which not only bolstered the local economy but also demonstrated his versatility and commitment to building a thriving community. Through his dealerships, he provided essential services and opportunities for farmers and residents, further cementing his reputation as a pillar of Imlay City.

The Shulls’ dedication to civic life was evident in their active participation in various local organizations and events. Frances MacDonald Shull’s background, tied to a family deeply involved in community leadership, complemented Joe’s endeavors. Together, they created a household that was not only deeply rooted in the neighborhood’s educational and agricultural fabric but also a hub for mentorship, guidance, and collective growth. Their involvement ranged from hosting youth gatherings to supporting community programs, reinforcing their legacy as integral figures in Imlay City’s history.

Even as the years passed and newer generations emerged, the impact of Joe Shull’s vision and initiatives could be seen in the evolving landscape of the town, from improved farming practices to enriched educational opportunities. The Shulls’ commitment to empowering others through education, enterprise, and service remains a testament to their enduring influence on the fabric of their community. Joe Shull passed away on June 27, 1999 at age 86. Frances Shull passed at age 98 on February 4, 2020.

Mr. Shull taught at least two generations of Imlay citizens. One thing they all definitely, positivity, undisputedly remember is “reverse osmosis.” A water purification process. Among those that still can quote the lesson 50-60 years later, which reads like a who is who among current and past community leaders, are: John Lengemann, Cris Timmer, Maurice and Earl Gass, Nancy and Jim Schiller, Linda Swain Kopp, and many more. It is appropriate to conclude this section about the corner’s founder with a quote from his first love and profession, teaching.

“OSMOSIS IS THE PROCESS BY WHICH A SUBSTANCE PASSES THROUGH A MOIST, SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANE INTO AN AREA WHERE THERE IS LESS CONCENTRATION OF PARTICLES OF THAT PARTICULAR SUBSTANCE.”

More on “the corner” and its various businesses in the next installment of Small Town Chronicles. Best read with a mug of cold A&W root beer.

Contact Lynn at tct@pageone-inc.com