George Foote was an enterprising man who was fortunate to have the money to indulge himself in whatever line of work he chose. His initial interest was in automobile after-market electrical systems which brought him into the automobile service and repair end of the business in just a few years. In 1916, Foote purchased the Best Garage auto repair business from Harry Nelson. Harry was son of C.A. Nelson who had been a livery stable proprietor in Chillicothe for many years prior to 1913. Harry established “The Best Garage” working out of the livery stable building on Chestnut Street. George sold his Corn Belt Battery business that he operated under the name of Auto Battery and Electric Service, to John Burkhardt Tire Company on Second Street, with whom he had leased space in 1927.

Foote renamed the garage business to Square Deal Garage. George was not the mechanic, and over the next couple years hired several mechanics to work in and run the business. One of those who had a high reputation as a mechanic was Nelson Brownfield. Brownfield, however, left Chillicothe within a year and George managed the business. Harry Wyman, of Brimfield, Illinois was hired by Foote to manage Square Deal Garage in early 1917. In March 1918, Foote sold the business to Harry Wyman who took Paul Staab as a partner in 1918. Staab had been employed at the Best Garage. The Square Deal Garage was moved three times in less than three years and became an agent for Chevrolet and Nash and Hupmobile automobiles. 

In 1927, after leaving the auto repair business, George rented the north room of the Sunset Theater and opened an aftermarket auto parts business and a Harman-Carden Radio distributorship. That business lasted barely ninety days and George moved on. That space is now occupied by the concession stand in the Town Theater.

During WWII George worked for R.G. LeTourneau in Peoria, but by 1946 returned to the automotive business as a sales representative for several firms in Peoria. In the early 1950s, George began a home-based business at his house at 530 Pine Street but later moved to 417 Pine Street. George sold rugs, drapes, venetian blinds, and a wide range of home furnishings. His health began to fail in late 1950s and George Madison Foote passed away August 12, 1961.

By 1935, Harry Wyman had taken on Calvin Foote, George’s son, in some capacity, but advertised the business as Tate and Wyman and was located on the NE corner of Second and Elm Street. They sold Hudson and Terraplane automobiles also.