Bo Guest wrote in his book "Keep the Horses up Tonight" and I quote:
Never to be forgotten was Claude Johnson’s popcorn stand. It was more or less permanently located on an extension of the sidewalk out into Main Street, east of the Petty-Anthony-Parker building. Winter or summer, the smell of hot popcorn and parched peanuts filled the air. Claude was severely handicapped; he could not move his hips, back or neck; he could only shuffle along with the aid of a cane.
The Harmon County Leader reported the following on July 18, 1940:
Claude Johnson, the "Pop Corn King of Southwestern Oklahoma", is celebrating another anniversary, and in commeration of the event is providing a treat for the kiddies, and maybe the older folks, too. It was 15 years ago that Claude established his popcorn business at the Anthony corner, and he has operated it continuously since that time, only being closed short periods for vacation, and maybe for short spells of illness.
Claude Johnson’s place has enjoyed a nice business and he has become known not only to practically every man, woman and child in Harmon County, but to hundreds of people throughout the state, and even by several from outside the state who visit Hollis from time to time.
Claude advertises that, during the next few days, he will give a balloon, a stick of candy or something else with each cash purchase.
It is suggested that EVERYONE give Claude a "shower" of business during the next few days and get a treat of some kind.
Planning the Route gives us the following information:
Claude Johnson was born February 16, 1889 and passed away December 12, 1947 in Harmon Memorial Hospital, at the age of 58 years of age.
