Regis Grocery
Joe and Viola Regis constructed this corner grocery store in 1942 after removing the original Old Town Grocery building at the same location. Initially, Joe and Viola retained the Old Town Grocery name, but in 1950 they further modernized, adding the colorful “REGIS GROCERY” neon sign above the entrance. The Carbon County News declared, “the new neon lighting around Regis’ grocery make the section look like a small city.” The building is a striking example of the Streamlined Moderne architectural style. Its smooth stucco walls, sleek curved parapet, and original metal-framed ribbon windows reflect aerodynamic designs that emerged in the 1930s in modern airplanes, ships, and automobiles. Separated from the main Red Lodge business district, the Regis Grocery served the surrounding ethnically diverse working-class neighborhood. When it opened, Red Lodge counted at least twelve other groceries. While the Regis thrived continuously for more than fifty-seven years, other small neighborhood groceries disappeared. Most customers walked to the store to buy canned goods, meats, cheeses, and fruits. In the 1950s, Joe also delivered large orders citywide in his 1957 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria. Seasonally, Viola supplied the store with fresh vegetables from the large garden immediately behind the grocery. Many Red Lodge locals especially remember coming to the Regis for penny candy as children. The couple operated the store together until Joe died in 1989. Viola continued to welcome customers until she died in 1999.
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