Ida residents welcome independent businesses
Back in the 1920s women weren’t allowed inside the rough-and-tumble Ida Tavern except, legend has it, for Rosie Metz who drank beer and had her own chair and spittoon.
Times certainly have changed. Today the tavern is more a restaurant than bar after being remodeled by owner Bill Labudie, Ida High School’s Class of 1986.
“We’ve gutted it from front to back,” he said. “It’s more a restaurant than a bar. I took a humongous risk. But Ida people are good people. We stick together.”
The tavern is downtown across the street from the iconic Carl’s Hide-A-Way, which has been serving Mexican and American food in business more than 50 years. And for any downtown to thrive or stay alive, restaurants are required.
“What would draw you to Ida?” asked Supervisor Paul Metz, who grew up in Ida and also served as the chief of the volunteer fire department.
The Ida downtown, which has one four-way light, technically stretches from Ida West Road along Lewis Ave. to the southern end at Dr. DeLand’s office. But some feel the downtown is smaller and includes only a few blocks.
“Back in the 70s there were 78 businesses in town,” recalled State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, whose auto repair service has been in town 53 years. “It would be nice if we had more businesses in town.”
Metz believes Ida’s downtown is fairly stable but could use a boost from such businesses as a hardware store and a butcher shop. Cindy Reuther, who grew up in Ida, said she would like to see a coffee shop or bakery where residents can drive-through.
But, Reuther added, the shop would have to be independently owned. Because if there’s one thing that Ida doesn’t need is fast food or chain shops moving in.
“I know the kids want a Subway,” Reuther said. “They feel there’s nothing here but the schools and houses.”
A railroad town created 150 years ago, Ida was the 13th township settled in Monroe County and was a stopover town between Monroe and Adrian. The rail went through town and stopped at the old canning factory behind St. Joseph Church.
Settled in 1837, it was named after Ida Taylor, who was a teacher and civic leader. Its downtown’s skyline is punctuated by the giant silos at the Ida Farmers Co-op. The heart of downtown has the typical essentials: a bank, an insurance company, post office, party store, a realty office, an auto shop and a pizza parlor. The Capaul Funeral Home sits at the northern end.
On the southern end of town is Blue Streak Snac Shop, a popular gathering spot for kids. Nearby is Old 23 Grill, a gas station, a car wash and Old Country Treasures. For a small farming town, Metz said he thinks the downtown offers good services. But, like just about all others, it could offer more.
The hardware store and an IGA grocery store burned down years ago and although the business district serves the residents, more shops would be nice. People do visit Ida to cut down Christmas trees or visiting Stotz Farm or attend the now-famous Ida winter festival and nighttime Christmas parade of lights.
Yes Amazon and online shopping hurts businesses everywhere, so it’s difficult for small, family-owned retailers to set up shop. Still, residents say, maintaining Ida’s small-town charm is essential. So to keep the area healthy and the people happy, just the right types of shops — a hardware store, a butcher, a drive-through coffee shop, a barber shop — would add to the community’s appeal and maintain its shelter from big-city spoils.
“I’m so thankful to have been raised here,” Reuther said. “I feel safe.”