Ketchum and Killum on Kiest

Though it says “Gum” repair, I’m guessing they meant to say “Gun”. Ketchum and Killum was primarily a sporting goods store in operation from at least 1953-1966, selling guns, boats, and camping equipment. 1962 was a particularly good year for them as consumers made a run on guns after the Cuban missile crisis. Back then you could buy guys at local department stores Sanger Harris and Titches, but that’s another story. I’m guessing this matchcover is Ketchum and Killum in their post-heyday when they switched over to renting U-Haul trailers and repairs.

I haven’t found an actual person yet answering to the name of either Ketchum or Killum, and I’m thinking whoever came up with this moniker missed the boat by not calling the business “Ketchum, Killum and Eatum.” (They must’ve sold Coleman stoves……)

In 2009 334 W. Kiest was an enclosed empty lot just south of the Hwy 67 – I35 split, and it looked like it might have been a parking lot. At the end of 2011there is a small strip mall with a Pawn Shop, an AmeriTax, and a Subway restaurant.


Comments from the old blog :

from Jeanie: I remember Ketchum and Killum. But I remember it as “Ketchum and Killum on Kiest” Always with the “on Kiest” added.  (I had originally forgotten that!-mc)

from Jon: according to my Dad — when he traded in there in the 50’s that was the owner’s names — (for some reason he thinks they were brothers-in-laws or cousin’s — but he also says he may be confusing them with another business from 50 years ago)
Ketchum and Killum on Kiest was a regular stop when my folks were headed to lake Whitney with the ski boat.

from Robert B.: Don’t know the names of the owners, but it burned down, heard was an insurance job! U-haul became a main stay for awhile after itburnd down or may have been nothing there as I can remember I believe there was nothing after the fire!

from Caroll E: I remember going to Ketchum and Killum with my Dad many times. He would always call it “Skinum and Guttum”. He had a great sense of humor!!

from Warren C: My aunt and uncle owned this store, Their names were Richard and Malarene Fricke. I spent many summers there for weeks at a time selling fishing equipment and traveling with them in their RV. Do you remember the alligator in the fish tank? How about the beautiful wooden recurved bows?