The latest in customer service at Piper's --- in 1912

I shared this image of Chariton's landmark Piper's Grocery --- now owned and operated by Jill Kerns ---back in 2017, shortly after Miriam Hibbs donated it to the Lucas County Historical Society. The photo was taken during 1911 and Piper (far left) and his four clerks are standing in front. They are (from left) Pete West, R. Findley, Albert Westling (Miriam's father) and Frank Tinder.

And over to the right, parked alongside, is Piper's horse-powered delivery wagon. Joe was an innovator who had embraced the latest consumer technology --- a telephone for use by customers who wished to call in orders rather than shop in person. But the groceries still were delivered the old-fashioned way --- behind a horse.

That all changed a year later, during August of 1912, when Piper invested in a new Ford delivery wagon and retired the old horses. I do not have access to a photo of the new wagon, but here's the report of its arrival that was published in The Herald-Patriot of Aug. 29.

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Chariton is putting on airs and all because she has auto delivery by one of the leading merchants of the city. Joe L. Piper, the hustling groceryman, has discarded the old method of delivery by horses and has installed a new and handsome Ford auto to carry purchases to customers. The new method is much more rapid than the old, more goods can be handled in a given time and longer and more frequent trips can be made than under the old plan.

It is said that one Ford wagon will deliver more goods and cover a wider scope of territory than three wagons will do and that the cost of operation is no greater. Increasing business compelled Mr. Piper to provide better facilities for delivery and the auto wagon presented itself as the best method of solving the demand for more and better service.

The new machine was brought from Des Moines Monday and since Tuesday has been making regular deliveries all over town and to nearby residences in the country. It has 22-horse power engines and is under the guidance of Max J. Lamb, who has the goods at the door almost as soon as they are handed to him for delivery. The women will appreciate the rapid delivery which an auto wagon insures and the new departure of Mr.  Piper should be a paying one.