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This vintage photograph, taken between 1898 and 1907, shows the interior of Beckman's general mercantile and grocery store on Sacramento Street. From left: Owner Frank Beckman, Edwin Steacy, Chester Welch, unknown and Alfred Wallace. Steacy and Welch were Beckman's employees. Beckman bought the store in 1898 and took on partners Wilson Thompson in 1900 and Hilliard Welch in 1904. It then became known as Beckman, Welch & Thompson's. In those early days, customers would call to place their grocery orders, and store employees would hitch up Polly, their horse, load the wagon and deliver. In 1907, Beckman died at the age of 32. Tthe store continued, but it ultimately closed in 1929. (Ralph Lea/courtesy photograph)