Perry, Iowa, was a destination town during the 1950s, fun to shop in, and easier to drive to than Des Moines. Grandma Leora, who lived in Guthrie Center in those days, used to enjoy shopping there, too.
Grandma would ride the bus from Guthrie to Panther Corner along Highway 44 in Colfax Township. We waited for the bus in the shade of tall trees along the gravel road across from the Panther store and garage. Here’d come the bus with our precious grandma. Holding her pocketbook and small suitcase, she’d climb down the steps of the bus. We’d help carry her little bag back to the car. Perry is a short drive north from there (now Highway P-58).
After a day of shopping and lunch in a cafe, we’d take her home with us for a few days. Those made for special memories.
These days, there’s only a memorial on that corner, but there are still plenty of people around who have fond memories of bustling Panther Corner.
