Drier's Butcher Shop - Four Generations

“Oh. I have been looking forward to this stop on our tour of US-12.” Chuck’s eyes widened as we approached Drier’s Butcher Shop on South Elm Street in Three Oaks, Michigan. First opened in 1875, Drier’s Butcher Shop has served the Three Oaks community, surrounding areas and some well known celebrities for over a century. I admire the four generations of Driers who have dedicated themselves to their smoked delicacies.

The squeak of the weighted door welcomed us along with saw dust on the floor. “Spitting on Sidewalk Prohibited” a sign read, “Penalty $5.” I felt as though I’d walked into an era before my childhood.

*The weight, tied to the door handle, ensures that the door closes after each customer.*

“Can I get something for someone?” the proprietor called out as we entered her store. A couple approached the white-enameled, glass-front counter. Samples were being distributed freely to anyone who’d like a taste of their time-honored recipes for cured meats and cheeses.

*Carolyn and her daughter, Julie, offered samples to customers.*

“These are pepper sticks. It’s gonna be something like a Slim Jim.” Julie approached us. We each took a piece from the butcher paper offering and hummed our appreciation. “That’s tasty.” Chuck commented. “Let’s do a pound.”

*Carolyn (left) and her daughter, Julie, (right) spend endless hours preparing recipes, smoking meat, packaging products and waiting on customers.*
*David Wooley, nephew and cousin, works behind the scenes, too.*

Next we tried bologna. The taste brought me back to Grandma Martha Bunek’s kitchen. It’s amazing how our senses can transport us through time in an instant.

“I’m fourth generation.” Julie informed us as she wrapped our selection. “That’s my Mom. She’s the third.”

“That’s incredible.” I mentioned as I held the comforting image of my Grandmother standing at her olive-green stove.

“It kind of is.” Julie agreed as she slid the pepper sticks into a bag. Carolyn spoke up from the back table where she was preparing another order. “And it IS incredible.” She emphasized with determination. We all chuckled at our genuine awe of generations overlapping. Chuck heartily responded “If you don’t say so yourself.” Julie flattened her smile, raised her brow and nodded in agreement with her mother. Carolyn lifted her chin in a no-nonsense manner, “Yea, I’ll say so.” Carolyn continued to wrap the meat products.

*(Left) Ed Drier, Sr., Ed Drier Jr. and Uncle Ben*
*(Right) Uncle Ben giving change to customers* *who stood on the saw dust covered floor.*
*Photo Credit: Drier’s Butcher Shop*

Carolyn finished her transaction then stepped forward to us. As a child she recalled coming into the store and asking her Uncle Ben for seventy-five cents. “I’d go a couple doors down and get a hot dog and a Coke at the drugstore.” Carolyn smiled at the memory of her childhood choice to eat an inferior meat product from their competition, but it sounded like her Uncle Ben never complained and simply loved his niece.

“All those memories.” Carolyn’s voice wafted. “And the people coming back who remembered my Dad.” Ed Drier, Jr. had taken over this shop when his father, Ed Drier, Sr., had retired in 1965.

Chuck stepped into the emotion. “You probably contribute more to history than many museums do…”

Carolyn nodded and continued Chuck’s thought. “Because we’re a talking museum.” She leaned on the counter next to their family history book, “Drier’s.” “Ya know,” Carolyn continued, “You do want people to come in. I don’t care if they buy anything.” She waved her hand gesturing to the shop. “This is the way it used to be.”

“The person who comes in and says, ‘Thank you for being here.’ that makes it so rewarding.” Carolyn glowed.

Talking Museum

Drier’s “Talking Museum” contains artifacts from past days as well as memorabilia from celebrities. James Hormel, a master of meat, had vacationed nearby and struck up a friendship with Ed Drier, Jr. Hormel had introduced Drier to Larry Hagman, TV star from the show, “Dallas.”

*Larry Hagman had sent a white Stetson, cowboy hat, along with a note, “To Ed, Thanks for everything you taught me.” (center in photo)*

Drier Butcher Shop has kept their reputation for over a hundred years! I was honored to meet Carolyn and Julie! Hearing their life stories first hand brought the past decades within reach, all while sampling delectable meats.

Ed Drier Befriended Everyone

“What was most interesting to Ed was the people who came in,” Carolyn had shared about her Dad in a 1994 interview with Chicago Tribune journalist, Jon Anderson. Ed Drier had been known for continuing a conversation outside, following the customer along the sidewalk. He had connected with everyone!

At one time, Ed Drier had learned that famous clothing designer, Bill Blass, had enjoyed cooking. So, Ed had sent a set of his favorite, quality butcher knives to Bill Blass. Ed had requested a sketch from Bill, but instead, Blass had sent a personalized apron edged in rhinestones. Carolyn’s Mother, June, had said that Ed had only worn it on “state occasions.”

Over the years many have crossed Drier’s threshold. Mayor Daley of Chicago has been a regular customer. Carl Sanburg, an American poet, and Roger Ebert, a movie critic, had purchased Drier products. Neiman Marcus and the Hormel family, too.

An Amazing History

Before The Civil War, in 1851, this structure had been built as a wagon repair shop. In 1875 Alec Watson, an Englishman, had purchased the building and started “Union Meat Market.” Several years later ten year old, Ed Drier, Sr. had been hired as a delivery boy and paid twenty-five cents a week. Later, Ed had earned a promotion as store clerk with a salary of six dollars weekly. At 22 years old in 1913, Ed Drier, Sr. had purchased the butcher business from Watson.

From 1915 until 1968 the New York Railroad had made stops in Three Oaks. The railroad workers would rush to Drier’s Meat Market and purchase steaks. They would cook their protein treasure on a shovel over a fire. Today, New York Central Railroad hats adorn a corner of the shop to commemorate the memory.

*Ed Drier, Sr. and a local soldier in 1940.*
*Photo Credit: Drier’s website*

*Ed Drier, Sr., Uncle Ben and Ed Drier, Jr. 1963*
*Photo Credit: Drier’s website*

Ed Drier, Sr. had retired in 1965. At that time, Ed Drier, Jr. had decided to focus on cured meat products, cheeses and relishes.

In 1976, after 101 years serving the community as a butcher shop, Drier’s was recognized as a National Historical Site.

Each year on New Year’s Eve, Drier’s Butcher Shop closes until the week before Easter.

During these winter months Ed, Jr. and June had stayed in Florida. Sadly, on February 16, 1994, Ed Drier Jr. had passed away while playing tennis. His determined wife, June, other family members and their grandson, David Wooley, 19 years old, had opened their shop as planned a month later on March 17, 1994. The Drier family has continued to work side by side even through the toughest days.

Peacefully, June left this earthly home in 2016 at 96 years old. Through sadness and joy the Drier family continues bringing the highest quality offerings. A consistency in a world full of uncertainty. Their dedication is admirable!

Today

Carolyn oversees the meat shop with the assistance of her daughter, Julie, and grandson, David.

“We probably sell hundreds of hams, particularly during the holidays,” David Wooley had proudly stated to a reporter. David had stepped into this leadership position back in 1994 when his Grandfather had unexpectedly passed away. Three decades later, David is a steady force in holding the family’s successful traditions.

“Every day we talk about Dad,” Carolyn had said to Jon Anderson, Chicago Tribune reporter. “This is where he would want us to be.”

Resources:

Drier’s Meat Market
14 S. Elm St., Three Oaks, MI
269.756.3101

Drier’s website
US-12 Heritage Trail website
Southwest Michigan Business and Tourism article
Chicago Tribune Lifestyle article by Jon Anderson, June 3, 1994
Edible Michiana article by Jane Simon Ammeson