When we were kids, we shopped for groceries at “Aunt Martha’s” in Dexter, along the main street. 1950s. Aunt Martha was Dad’s aunt, Martha Blohm, a sister to his mother, Ruby Blohm Neal.
His Uncle Ed was the butcher, who was usually at his meat counter near the back of the store and next to the heavy door to the walk-in freezer. (When we had a hog or beef butchered, Uncle Ed would wrap each chunk in butcher paper and store it in the locker we’d rented in there. The freezer always had an odd scent.)
We girls were mostly interested in whether Aunt Martha would tell us to chose a cookie from one of the big lidded jars. She sat on a stool at the cash register, which was about in the center of the store. Once I noticed a different coin on the cash register and asked about it. It’s a little wider than a nickel but the wrong color. It was an old 2-cent piece.
She asked if I wanted it. Sure. So I became the owner of a 2-cent coin, dated 1868.
Even more interesting than how it came to me is its history, since it dates from the Civil War, when the public began to hoard all gold and silver coins, making them scarce. The 2-cent coin was an easier and cheaper alloy (bronze) to “strike” than other metals.
Once the Civil War ended, it phased out of circulation, having been minted only about a decade (1864-1873).
It was also the first American coin to bear the motto “In God We Trust.”
There are several Civil War veterans buried at Dexter.
“Aunt Martha’s” was really Blohm’s Grocery. It was begun by an immigrant ancestor, George Amus Blohm, who came to America with his parents and siblings.
George Blohm married Anna Ohrt. The cover story of The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland is from Anna’s side of the family. (Due out next month.)
A very interesting nugget of Civil War history! Coincidentally, my parents rented a locker to keep large meat purchases. I remember that the freezer had a weird smell.
Liz, I couldn’t figure out how to describe the smell, but it was surrounded by the chill. I didn’t know about the Civil War history until I looked it up today! Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Joy. I remember the smell as raw meat, old building, and something else.
What a nice reminder of the story and family, Joy.
Thank you, John. I think the most fun was learning the history behind it! It made its way to Dexter, Iowa!
I used to collect coins when I was a kid, so I’m familiar with two-cent pieces, though I don’t actually own any. You’ve got a real piece of history, Joy.
Pete, I didn’t realize the history until I looked it up today. I’d sure like to know how it got to Dexter, Iowa, although there are Civil War veterans buried there.
Having the first American coin to bear the motto “In God We Trust” is a historic treasure for sure. The wonderful Mom and Pop stores of yesteryear are being replaced by dollar stores, which really aren’t dollar stores anymore. I’ll bet Aunt Martha’s sold penny candy. 🙂
I bet she did too, Nancy. Alas, today there’s nothing where Blohm’s used to be. It was torn down and in that little hamlet of 640 souls, nothing has replaced it. Just memories.
I didn’t even know we had a 2 cent piece. Wow!
Rich, I just learned there was a 3-cent coin for a while!
Had no clue. I seem to recall a 1/2 cent someplace. I think we came across a bunch when I was a kid and we were cleaning out Granny’s trailer. But that was a long time ago and I might be mistaken.
I wish you’d saved that one! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half_cent_(United_States_coin)
Me too, but then I was eight years old and had older cousins grabbing stuff. where’s that time machine when I need it?
I’d never heard of this coin. Interesting historical trivia! You didn’t mention who wrote this forthcoming book. Is it something you wrote?
Yes, it’s my newest. My social media followers chose the title from the names of some of the stories. I was a freelancer during the 1990s for local newspapers (including The Des Moines Register), so I gathered up some fun ones for this book.
Oh wonderful! Congratulations 🎈🎉
A wonderful post!
Thank you, Anne. I didn’t realize it would lead to some fascinating American history.
The history of the 2-cent coin is fascinating, Joy, and it’s so nice that you got it from Aunt Martha.
Thanks, Tim. I enjoyed learning its history!
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Amazing, amazing Joy! I can absolutely imagine little you…seeing the coin, seeing the nuances and differences and asking about it. So wonderful! 💝😊💝
Thanks, Vicki. I wonder why it took me so long to look up the history.
Truly amazing…and you have such an eye for detail — then and now! Sending big Saturday hugs to you my friend! 💝😊💝
Hugs!
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I think it’s wonderful that you never lost the coin, Joy! And then to learn the history now—it’s a gift that keeps on giving! 💞
It sure is! Thank you, Lori.
I think we have a two-cent piece in the collection of coins my husband inherited from his father. I did not know the history though. Thanks for sharing that.
Ruth, I learned there’s a 3-cent coin also, but I’ve never seen one. Yes, I enjoyed learning the history as well.
A new book, how exciting! I enjoyed Leora’s Early Years and look forward to reading the others in the series. This two cent coin is amazing. How wonderful you have it in your possession. My uncle Ed had a hardware store in the Hamlet we lived near. I used to love looking around in it as a little girl. One day he had a shipment of books arrive (not his usual merchandise) with a copy of Little Women in it. He said I could have it. I was so happy.
Oh, Darlene, do you still have the book?
What a great story! I’m so glad your aunt gave the coin to you; otherwise, there’s no telling what would have happened to it! I love family stories like this, and I look forward to your next book. By the way, I’m afraid I have been negligent and have not thanked you for the review you left on Amazon. Many, many thanks!
Janet, thank you. I enjoyed what you did with your family stories!
Since they’ve now stopped minting pennies, ALL pennies–not just 2-cent ones–will soon become rare! (Even now, whenever we buy pizza and the kid at the cash register asks if we want our one-penny change, I reply, “Of course! That’s how I can afford to buy your pizzas!”)
Good one, Dennis!
Wonderful story! I always learn something new when I read your posts! 🙂
Thanks, Linda!