Tom Johnson and his wife Maude bought the building from Charlie Kaiser located just west, on the south side of Broadway and Main in 1925. The Johnson's started a shoe repair business in the front part of their home with living quarters in the rear.   During the late 20'. 30's and 40's they served the communities shoe repair needs through the Depression and World War II years.

In 1942 an alarm system was installed.  For 22 years Maude and Tom faithfully manned the alarm system and dispatched fire equipment by alerting the Volunteer Fire Department.

The siren also alerted the community of a possible tornado by one long blast and the noon whistle was a short blast.  Citizens relied upon this method of warning and look forward to the noon whistle signifying that another half day had past.