The landscape on the main street of Boyd is undergoing changes. With the demolition of one building and an addition to another, things will look different on the West end of Murray Street.
On Monday, December 16, 2024, the old Ribbons and Rosebuds building at 514 East Murray Street was demolished. The building, currently owned by Lois Meyer, has had a long history in Boyd. In ages past it was owned by Glenn and Katherine Bourget, who ran a grocery store there. Then a trade in properties resulted in Al and Marie Ruff taking over the store. The store was a very popular spot on Sunday mornings when locals could stop in and get their groceries for Sunday dinner. It was also a place kids liked to visit as it carried many varieties of penny candy.
When the time came, Al and Marie sold the building to Wenzel and Marian Gindt. While the Gindt’s did not continue the grocery business, Wenzel was a collector of sorts, and at one time had a beer can display of over 1000 cans. After Wenzel passed away, his wife Marian sold the building to Duane (Bear) and Lois Meyer. For many years Lois operated the Ribbons and Rosebuds Gift and Floral Shop out of the building, closing the business in 2007. From 2010 to 2019, Nancy Soper used part of the building for her Tax Preparation business. The building had been vacant since then.
Lois and Duane still own the lot, and she says they are unsure right now what the plans are for it.
The other change on Murray Street is an addition to the Redwing Custom Cabinets and Flooring showroom. In a land deal with Jeff Tollefson of Tolley’s Bowl and Bar earlier this year, the expansion became possible and is due to open mid-January or early February. The 28 x 52 addition will increase the space of the showroom, as well as provide space for the Property Management Division of Redwing.
Redwing Custom Cabinets and Flooring, owned by Paul and Natalie Close, began business in Boyd in 2007, in the old Big B grocery store building. As the business grew, they decided to build a showroom at 604 East Murray Street, freeing up more space in the original building for manufacturing of the cabinetry. Next came the purchase of the building across the street from the Boyd village hall which is used mainly for frame building and storage. A couple of years ago, the old Bub’s Pub tavern, next door to the cabinetry building, was torn down and the Close’s were able to build an addition to accommodate their growing business. And now, they are building the addition to the showroom. Natalie states that Boyd has been good to them, and they like being here. The business truly is a valuable asset to the Village.
With the current changes happening on Murray Street, one can look ahead to a bright future for the growing community.