Tag Archives: Diane Bell

By Vicki Larkowski The Great Depression triggered a wave of co-op organizing across our nation. One leading co-op launched during this period was the Consumers Cooperative Association of Eau Claire—“the Co-op.” The Co-op’s first purchase for its members was a carload of coal in 1935. Subsequent ventures included a gas station and, by 1953, a grocery store. From there, the Co-op Shopping Center continued to flourish on South Hastings Way. It became the only place in the region that “had it all”—from groceries to clothing, jewelry, and more. In 1962, a married mom with two children and no car needed …