By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

Things have changed quite a bit in the last 50 years.

In 1962, a gallon of gas would set you back $0.31; a gallon of milk was $0.49. Also, in 1962, Donna West began working at Weber's Ben Franklin in downtown Dexter.

On Tuesday, July 10, West celebrated her 50th year of employment at Weber's Ben Franklin. She was quick to point out some of the many changes she's seen throughout the years.

"Downtown has changed a great deal in these 50 years," West said with a smile. "There aren't as many stores as we used to be, but we still have a fairly decent downtown. All the parking meters are gone now, and businesses have come and gone in 50 years."

"The overall format of the store has changed. When I started, we had much more variety of merchandise. Now, we've gone more towards craft supplies," she continued. "We do framing, floral, and fabric. The store has doubled in size, and we've had many changes to what we offer, along with how things are done nowadays."

Few people stay employed at the same business for this amount of time; West noted that the Weber family, as well as the great atmosphere of Ben Franklin, have kept her happily working in the store.

"I've always been happy here. I've worked for great people; the Webers been really great employers," she said. "I've always liked the atmosphere, and never really wanted to go anywhere else once I got here."

"I've never seriously considered leaving - it's just a great place to work," West added. "I can't imagine being anywhere else."

Photo above: Donna West stands behind the candy counter at Weber's Ben Franklin; West noted the counter was the first job she had in her 50 year tenure at the store.