By DENISE R. FREELAND

News Leader Staff Writer

"To last this long, there are a couple of things that are basic to business," said Phil Mueller, reflecting on the 73-year history of Minerva Cheese Factory at the annual Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce dinner. "We always try to treat our suppliers, our employees and our customers like friends and family, and when you need to say something to them that they don't want to hear, you say it with respect. Also, when things are good, don't get too high; when things are bad, don't get too low. When you look at all those problems in front of you that look like a forest, you just pick out one tree and cut it down."

The Chamber presented awards to 24 Minerva-area businesses that have been in operation for 50, 75, or 100 years, at its annual banquet, May 1, at the Great Trail Tee House.

"We are awed at what it took to stay in business for 50, 75 or 100 years," said Chamber and Economic Development Executive Director Larry Kosiba.

Dave Gotschall served as master of ceremonies, introducing and giving a brief history of each business. He also recognized clubs, churches and other organizations that fell into each category, noting that the first businesses or organizations in any area are always the churches and funeral homes.

Organizations in existence for at least 50 years in the Minerva area include St. Gabriel Catholic Church, the Church of God, Minerva RNs, Minerva Lions Civic Club, West Township Ruritan Club, Minerva Garden Club, Minerva Eagles and Auxiliary, Minerva Women's Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Businesses recognized for reaching the half-century mark were Electronic Service, established in 1958; Clark, Clark & Chaddock, 1957; Minerva Welding, 1954; B&H Machine, 1951; Battista and Battista, 1951; Dairy Queen, 1950; Palmers Minerva Bowl, 1947; Patton Memorials, 1946; Perry Lieberman, O.D., 1946; Baxter Insurance, 1942; the News Leader, 1937; and General Color, 1945.

Organizations in existence for at least 75 years are the American Legion and Auxiliary, Entre Nous Club, Bayard Grange, and Minerva Public Library.

Businesses honored for serving the community for 75 years were Minerva Cheese Factory, 1935; Loudon Motors Ford LLC, 1930; Vandegrift Excavating, 1930; Filliez Plumbing and Heating, 1927; Kishman's IGA, 1926; and Archer's Bakery, 1919.

Organizations in existence for 100 years are the First Christian, Methodist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian churches, Masonic Lodge, and Eastern Star. Gotschall noted the fire department has existed for 147 years and the Post Office, 180.

Century businesses honored were Hoopes Florist, 1900; Canestraro's Russell Jewelers, 1889; the Normandy Inn, 1887; Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home, 1860; and Bartley Funeral Home and Bartley Ambulance Service, 1850.

Showing the determination it takes to keep a business viable for more than 100 years, Adele Canestraro-Velazquez said, "Minerva's small, but it needs to stay strong and get through it for our parents."