Sports Corral celebrates 30th birthday

Published 5:00 pm Wednesday, September 20, 2006

The business has been owned by Larry and Shirley Snook and Jim and Connie Dunham, since September of 1976, when they took over Paul’s Sports Corral from Paul and Ellie Hatch. The Snooks have operated the store since that time, while the Dunhams, who ranch near Enterprise, have been silent partners.

According to a Chieftain story when the new owners took over, the Hatches had started the business on Joseph Main Street “where Mac Andrews now has his print and photo shop” about 15 years before.

In 1971 the Hatches had moved the Sports Corral into its present location, a new Western-themed building that was called “Joseph’s largest store” by the Chieftain.

After they took over, the Snooks and Dunhams added on a new perpendicular wing to the building, which is occupied by General Land Office and the dental office of Dr. Steve Zollman.

With the exception of Paul’s Chevron, owned and operated by Paul Castilleja, the Sports Corral is the oldest existing business under the same ownership in Joseph.

“I think people are supporting us now like they always have,” said Larry Snook in a brief pause while waiting on customers during the busy celebration. His wife Shirley and son/assistant manager Brad Snook, as well as long-time employee Pearl Sturm and new-timer Betty McMillen, were also kept hopping by a steady stream of buyers.

Brad Snook – who was just entering eighth grade when his folks bought the Sports Corral – said Monday that the business had a “very good” day for the sale, while free hamburgers and hot dogs were served to over 250 people outside.

“There was a line out there from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” he said.

“We were very happy with the results…We wanted to say ‘thank you’ to everyone.”