320 N. Main

Dillons Grocery Store has a long history with Newton.

In 1910, a man with new ideas for grocery stores came to Newton. J. S. Dillon was a successful businessman from Sterling, Ks where he operated a wagon and buggy repair shop since the 1890s. He bought out Lee-McDaniel Store, south of the tracks, and opened a grocery store on the east side at 314 Main.

With his new store, Dillon introduced Newton to a new way of doing business - cash and carry. Most businesses operated by allowing customers to charge their purchases and pay at a later date. Home deliveries were also expected. Dillon opened "Dillon's Cash Grocery: Save Money by Buying on the Cash Plan Here." Dillon's store did not operate on credit, nor did he provide home delivery.

In 1915, Dillon opened a cash and carry store in Hutchinson, Ks. A year later, he closed the Newton store and focused all of his efforts on stores in Hutchinson.

J. S. Dillon left Newton for 10 years.

In approximately 1926, J.S. Dillon returned to Newton and located his business at 200 Main.

A new modern Dillons was opened in 1956 at 320 N Main.

(Kristine Schmucker)