To some, maybe most, in the Henderson community, the phrase, ‘Some Bigger, None Better’ resonates fond memories of their childhood or an earlier time of their life. Â This was the phrase that was cast on the sign that stood tall as you entered town.
However, this sign was taken down 10 years ago, or maybe even longer than that. To most, the sign was now thought to be, ‘just a memory.’
What may not have been known was the day the sign came down, a member of the community just happened to be driving by and chose not to let the sign die.
Paul Kroeker was the one who watched the sign come down more than 10 years ago and asked where its next home would be. Â He was told the sign was going to the dump, and he just could not let that happen. Â He got permission from the city to take the sign as his own.
From there, the sign sat for about a year before Kroeker decided to let the Heritage Park obtain the sign; and there it sat, again, for 3 or 4 years. Â It was now in about five pieces because Kroeker torched off all the old, rusting bolts.
The sign made, yet, another appearance about three or four years ago at the Spring Fling, where it was being auctioned off. Â It was then that Paul Kroeker decided he would, again, get the sign in his possession. Â After all, this was a part of his childhood; his own heritage. Â When he was a kid in the back of his parents’ Chevy Caprese, cruising back into Henderson, he would see that sign and it would comfort him to know, ‘he was home.’
Kroeker deliberated over when he would resurrect the sign to Henderson. Â After getting it ready to go about six months ago, he knew that the Q125 celebration would be a great time to put the sign back up for the community.
So, the sign was back up on the side of Kroeker Grain and Lumber, which was fitting because it is one of the, if not thee, oldest family owned business in town, going strong for 87 or 88 years now. Â The location was also great because the sign is not too high profile, but would be seen for passers by on main street.
After the sign was put up, Kroeker posted a picture on Facebook and he was totally overwhelmed by the ‘facebook frenzy’ it caused and the amount of people who appreciated the sight. Â He made the comment, ‘I didn’t know I even had that many friends on Facebook!’
Many had the same feelings of the sign as Kroeker; it made them feel like, ‘they were home.’
For Paul Kroeker, the 13 year journey with ‘the old Henderson sign’ has been a fun ride; and a great story. Â A lot of appreciation goes to him as many people have a part of their past put back into their present.
The sign is a great conversation piece, brings back memories for many and is a great thing to pass along to Henderson’s future.
