Center Point Hatchery and Produce

Laurence and Ivadell Benion owned the hatchery from 1945 to 1961. The business was located at 822 Main Street in the same building currently occupied by Craig’s Appliance. About 75,000 eggs were hatched each year. Two trucks were needed to pick-up eggs and poultry and deliver eggs. They bought 1200 cases of eggs per month with thirty dozen eggs included in a case. Two women would candle and grade the eggs; they could grade about four cases per hour. The hatchery also sold baby chicks. At Easter, the chicks were dyed many colors and sold for presents.

Center Point Hatchery and Produce in 1954.

Ivadell Benion, daughter Andrae (Andi), and Jack Kidd behind counter at hatchery.

Excerpted from “History of Center Point” written by the Sixth Grade Class in 1953