ELSMORE — When Elsmore Grain closed its doors in August, the community lost more than a business.
Many locals lost their favorite gathering spot for morning coffee.
So Dick Fewins, Karen Price and a group of other residents found an easy alternative.
For the past few weeks, the Elsmore faithful have gathered each morning at the city’s community building for coffee, snacks and fellowship.
“We knew quite a few people liked meeting for coffee,” Fewins said.
They’ll open the doors each morning by around 5:30, with coffee brewing by 6.
“And it’s probably the best coffee you’ll get in southeast Kansas,” added Elsmore Mayor Loraine Price.
For those with other tastes, the group also has hot chocolate, apple cider or tea.
Different volunteers bring in assorted foods, from muffins to cookies.
Fewins said the group is considering upping its menu choices as fall and winter approach.
“We may do something like biscuits and gravy one day,” he said.
The group keeps an eye on providing healthy foods, he quickly added.
The community building was a natural choice for the new gathering spot, Fewins said, particularly since it was renovated in the past few years.
As word has spread, the crowds have grown. Fewins estimates more than a dozen stop by regularly, either on their way to work, or for retirees to stay longer.
A nearby exercise room remains open for the community, although its use is limited.
“We’d really like to see plenty of people,” he said. “We may bring in checkerboards, games, things like that.”
The last drop of coffee usually is served around 9 or so. By then, the group has consumed multiple pots, Fewins said.
“We’ll go through four or five pots a day,” he said.
Elsmore coffee drinkers find new home
