STRUTHERS -- Bill Stanton has earned his living in the grocery business since he was 12 years old,

STRUTHERS -- Bill Stanton has earned his living in the grocery business since he was 12 years old, and consequently he has had a ringside seat to the evolution of society's food-buying habits.
In 1953 he got his start as a stock boy at Listorti's Golden Dawn on state Route 616 near the Poland-Struthers border. By the time the Listortis were getting ready to sell the store in 1977, Stanton had worked his way up to store manager.
During his 24 years at Listorti's he learned all aspects of the grocery business. He was a meat cutter, produce manager, stock manager and a cashier.
"When Listorti decided to sell out, I had three kids, a new house and no job," Stanton recalled.
At about the same time, the produce salesman who serviced Listorti's told Stanton that Schwartz United Market on Poland Avenue was for sale.
Morris Lockshin, owner of the store, wanted to retire and he was looking for a buyer. "It was my lifelong ambition to own my own store. In less than six weeks after the produce salesman hooked us up, we reached a deal and the store was mine," Stanton said.
Change: Schwartz United was originally in downtown Struthers near where Home Savings and Loan is now. According to Stanton, the store was downtown for a few years, and then it was moved up the hill to its current location around 1937.
When Stanton bought the market it was part of the United Family Food group. "In 1977 there were more than 20 stores, mostly in Mahoning County with a few in southern Trumbull County," he said.
The small neighborhood stores were usually in the middle of a residential area. They pooled their resources to advertise and buy stock as a group.
Stanton was president of the United stores from 1980 to 1990, when they disbanded. "At the end there were only three or four stores. Before I bought my store in 1977 there were as many as 35 United stores in this area," he said.
When the United group ended, Stanton renamed his store Stanton Market.
Family: Throughout the years, his three children have worked with him in the store. "My oldest daughter was 13 when I bought the store and she began working with me. She is now a registered nurse.
"My son worked here until he was in his late 20s. He now has his own business. My youngest daughter worked with me until May, when she moved to Montana. When the kids were here I was able to get away from the store. Now I can't," he said.
Stanton has had to make changes to keep his business going. He added a smokehouse, where he smokes homemade kielbasa, bacon, ham and even pigs' ears for dogs.
"I remember when I sold lots of 25-pound bags of flour. I hardly sell any now, but I have added hot foods to the items I sell," he said.
The store also serves as a payment center for gas, electric and telephone bills. "I can't believe how many people come here to pay their bills. I charge for each transaction, and it has really helped my business," Stanton said.