Skeen's

Lewis Ishmael Skeens (1912-1985), was the son of Joseph and Lucy May Miller Skeens. He married Willie Alice Bill Odell in 1942. He was the owner and proprietor of the East Side Produce Market (also known as Skeens’ Grocery) from the 1940’s until the 1980’s when he developed a rare form of cancer. Mr. Skeens died from the disease in 1985.

The Skeens produce market was located on the corner of Thorn and Rogers Streets in Princeton. According to Lewis’ grandson Chad, in addition to the produce market Mr. Skeens owned a service station, a Studebaker dealership across Rogers Street adjoining the produce market and a mill in the next building. All three buildings are currently standing (2023). The filling station and mill building are being used but the store is no longer open. It appears to be home to many cats.

Mr. Skeens owned the Anita Drive-In Theater located between Princeton and the turnpike along Oakvale Road. It was named “Anita” from 1950 to 1958 when the name was changed to the Twilight Drive-In Theater. It closed in 1965.

The market sold groceries, meat, cheese, which came in a large wheel sliced to order, and dairy products. The market also carried locally grown produce that Mr. Skeens grew himself in a garden located on the lot on one side of the market. He also sold feed for poultry, hogs, cattle and horses. His feed was sold in printed cloth bags. Many women made clothing from these feed bags for their families.

Willie Skeens “was the soul of every enterprise she and her husband accomplished. Mrs. Skeens worked side by side with Lewis in building 3 stores, a mill, a drive-in theater and a service station. Her love and dedication for her family made it possible for them to be involved in community affairs. Because of her devotion and support, her late husband was able to serve 6 terms on the Princeton City Council and 4 terms as the mayor.” (From her obituary, Memorial Funeral Directory & Cremation Center August 21, 2006.)

Lewis and Willie Skeens had a daughter, Anita Skeens Caldwell. After her father’s death Anita became a member of Princeton City Council, the Mayor of Princeton, and went on to be elected as a West Virginia State Senator. Anita Skeens Caldwell is a poet and has published six books of poetry. She was an educator for 40 years. Her son Chad was also a member of Princeton City Council and chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee.

In researching this article and talking with the family, the author remembers her youth when her family raised chickens, rabbits, ducks and hogs. On the way home after getting groceries on Saturday her dad would always say, “got to stop by Lewis’ to get feed.” Those memories were rekindled in 2023, when Anita Skeens Caldwell and her son Chad were met outside the building on Thorn Street. They were very welcoming and offered information about Skeens Grocery, otherwise unavailable. Willie Skeens love for cats must have been passed down to her daughter Anita and grandson Chad. Many beautiful cats accompanied the interview.