One of the oldest downtown businesses in Chillicothe is Covered Wagon Crafts. Shirley Loser has been proprietor for over four decades. This unique store carries a multitude of craft items and supplies, too numerous to mention. As I have found out writing this column, everyone has a story…this is Shirley’s story.

Shirley was born in Waterloo, Iowa to Roger and Deloris Beiber. Her father was in the Air Force and training as a pilot to go to war, but the war ended, and he went back to Iowa to work for John Deere. Not liking civilian life, he decided to go back into the Air Force. During those years, Shirley says they lived in Guam, Nebraska, Iowa, England, and Michigan where she ended up graduating from high school in 1967. Her father’s last base was in Colorado. It was there she met her husband, Arthur Loser. Art had just returned from Vietnam at the time and she caught his eye. In September, he asked her out and after their 3rd date, he asked her to marry him. She said yes, but didn’t tell her parents until October. They decided they would move back to his hometown of Chillicothe, because Art had a job waiting for him at Caterpillar in Illinois, and she would live with his parents until they married in January. 

They lived in a trailer in North Town until they bought their home in North Hampton, where they still reside. Shirley got a job at Foster Gallagher in the buyer’s office until giving birth to Amy in 1971. A year and a week later they added their son Arthur Jr. (Dale).

Raising two kids in the country kept her busy, so until they were both in school, Shirley stayed home with them. This was the time to meet other mothers and form lasting friendships. She joined the Mother’s Club and helped at school events. She also found time to take painting and other kinds of art classes. Her art projects started piling up and needed an outlet, so she and a friend, Karen Bruce, went on the road calling themselves Covered Wagon Crafts. Karen decided to go back to school, so Shirley carried on alone. With all her art projects, she and her husband decided the business needed a home. When J.C. Penny moved out of the building on 2nd Street, they looked at and purchased that building. At the time, Shirley recounts that the interest rate was 13%! They shared the building with Carol Greer that ran Needle and Thread Fabrics to offset some of the expenses until Carol moved to another building. They stayed close friends and became family as her daughter Amy married Carol’s son Mike, and they now share three wonderful granddaughters. Shirley also has one grandson.

Shirley keeps busy creating items to take to craft shows. She is usually gone 12-15 weekends a year. She is a Chamber of Commerce member and also meets the first Tuesday of the month with other businesses leaders to discuss and brainstorm ideas and promotions for the town. She used to teach craft classes, but says she is just too worn out to do them anymore. When she closes the door each night she is ready to go home. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with cancer and went through chemotherapy, but says she is doing well now.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Amy and Mike have their own craft business called Homespun Traditions and travel all over the country, putting on shows. Her son Dale just retired from being a correctional officer at the Pekin Prison.

Right now Shirley is gearing up for Easter. She heads up the Easter Egg Hunt at City Park each year, that will take place April 19th beginning at 10am. It is a huge undertaking. They fill and put out 8,000 eggs! Helping her fill the eggs the Friday before are The Everyday Leadership Class, the Optimist’s Club, and the Eastern Star Society, as well as her family and friends.

Her generous friend Pam Turner funds this event each year. The morning of the hunt, they not only put out eggs, but also chips, drinks, and cookies in each circle. The age circles start at 1-2, (where the parents can help the child.) Next is  3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9 and up. The Easter Bunny is there to take pictures with and pass out eggs; she never wants to see a child that didn’t get some eggs. Greg Kircher provides music and directions that day. After the hunt, they ask that you empty the eggs so they can recycle them each year.

Right now Shirley is creating her personalized Easter Eggs. She tells us that these eggs are a tradition with families. The kids grow up and move out and take their eggs with them, and then they want eggs for their children and eventually their grandchildren, too. “I love all the events a small town can promote, but the one closest to my heart is the Easter Egg Hunt.”

No matter what the time of year, you can always find Shirley at her shop early, working away. The store is open Monday – Saturday 9-5. Sometimes, on a Friday or Saturday, she will be gone to a show, then there will be a sign on the door.

“The business has changed over the years as new things evolve, but that is what keeps it exciting. I’ve been blessed with wonderful friends and employees, and that will always be the best part. I’ve been there for 43 years, and this is my social life, every day is an adventure. When there are no more adventures, I will retire.” But when asked, she says she has no idea of retiring soon. “Chillicothe is a great community. I’m so glad after all my moving around, Arthur introduced me to small-town living at its best!”

Thank you Shirley for keeping your doors open all these years and caring about the children and the people of Chillicothe.