Harry B. Halverson

Harry Bernhard Halverson was born November 24, 1889, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Halvor and Jenny Halverson, Norwegian immigrants. A lifelong Stoughton resident, Harry would become known through his military service, neighborhood grocery business, civic involvement, and leadership in the local veterans community.

During World War I, Harry served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Corporal. After returning home, he remained closely connected with his fellow veterans and became active in the American Legion. He was elected Commander of Otis Sampson Post 59 and served in that position in 1941. He was also a member of the Stoughton Barracks, an organization for World War I veterans.

Harry became particularly well known on Stoughton's south side. In 1940, he constructed a new grocery store on Summit Avenue, although his experience in the grocery business went back considerably further. He had previously operated grocery stores in Madison and Lodi and years earlier had operated Stoughton's south side grocery.

The South Side Grocery became a neighborhood fixture. Harry operated the business for more than 50 years, and its small building near Summit Avenue and Milwaukee Street became familiar to generations of Stoughton residents. He remained behind the counter until finally retiring in April 1978.

In 1924, Harry married Irene Ethen. They raised two sons, Nelson and Homer, and made their home on Stoughton's south side.

Harry's interest in his community extended well beyond his business. A longtime resident and property owner in Stoughton's Third Ward, he served for many years as a Third Ward alderman on the Stoughton City Council. Before seeking elective office, he had already served two successive terms as chairman of the Board of Appeals of the City Plan Commission. He was also a member of the Stoughton Country Club and Covenant Lutheran Church.

Harry remained part of Stoughton's daily life for nearly nine decades. His grocery store, military service, work with fellow veterans, and participation in city government made him a familiar presence in the community he had called home since birth.

Harry B. Halverson died unexpectedly at his home on January 19, 1979, at the age of 89, only months after retiring from the grocery business he had operated for more than half a century. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Stoughton with military graveside rites.

Harry Halverson's story is one of remarkable continuity—a Stoughton native who served his country during World War I, returned home to build a business, led Post 59, represented his neighborhood in city government, and spent more than 50 years serving customers at a small south side grocery store that became part of the fabric of the community.