Carl McCleery is shown at right in his Pauline Store in this undated photo. McCleery's store is shown from the outside in the homepage photo that appears at the top of this page. It is fourth from the left with the canvas awning. Photo is from the Bennie Leighfield collection, courtesy of Doris Evans Alexander.

Carl K. McCleery General Merchandise Store*

Carl K. McCleery had the first drug store in Pauline and later operated a general merchandise store. The general merchandise store was next to the bank, to the north, Block 7, Lot 11. The Nebraska State Gazetteer & Business Directory lists McCleery Bros. as operating a drugstore in 1909, and Carl K. McCleery as the owner of a general store in 1911. The store also housed the Pauline Post Office, with McCleery serving as postmaster from May 20, 1909 through Sept. 27, 1920. In 1923 a fire swept through Pauline, destroying many of the businesses, including McCleery's store.

"Carl McCleery was the good humor man who had a fine grocery store. His Irish humor kept his customers happy." -–William Claude Stethem, "Pauline and Community, 1887-1987, 'A Trail in Time' "

Some time after the demise of his Pauline store, Carl McCleery moved to Blue Hill, where he was postmaster and operated a grocery store. He served on the District 8 Pauline School board from 1914-18.

Tom McCleery's Drug Store*

In the photo at right Carl's brother Thomas McCleery is seen in his Pauline drug store, which opened in 1907. He later sold the business to Ernest R. Harriett. In the homepage photo seen at the top of the screen, the building is only slightly visible. It is two doors to the right of the hardware store with a telegraphTom McCleery is shown in his pharmaceutical store, circa 1907. In the homepage photo at the top of the screen, the building is seen two doors to the right of the hardware store. Photo is courtesy of Charles and Donna Knight. pole in front of it, sandwiched between two larger structures with awnings. Thomas McCleery eventually moved to Broken Bow, where he operated a pharmacy with his brother-in-law C.F. Glazier, onetime owner of Glazier & Sons Hardware in Pauline. The McCleery brothers were grandsons of James Boyd McCleery, on whose farm Pauline was built. Six other siblings made up the third generation of Pauline McCleerys, all of whom made their mark in the business world, including brother John, owner of Pauline's west elevator.

 *This information is taken from "Pauline and Community, 1887-1987, 'A Trail in Time' ".