New owners reimagine Scio Grocery

By Bonnie Rutledge Publisher

Byler’s Discount Grocery Store in Scio has been sold — to a new family, also by the name of Byler.

While the name has not changed, store goers will notice an abundance of new items in addition to the diverse offerings the store has always carried.

Elva Byler worked in a “bent and dent” for five years prior to meeting her husband, John Byler. John was in Fredricktown visiting her cousins, and the rest is history. The couple has been married for four years, and they have a son named Christopher. Elva said with a smile, “Everybody who shops here knows little Christopher!”

Both Elva and John are excited to work on their new business and get to know their regular customers. “What I missed the most when I got married and moved to Scio was seeing my customers. I love that they come in and tell me what is going on in their lives. I love to listen,” she said.

Though a roofer by trade, John felt that midApril was the right time to purchase the store as it came up for sale. The Bylers explained their eagerness to try new things, namely, stocking case lots in addition to the surplus groceries. The case lots are typically name-brand items that aren’t out of date or damaged, so shoppers have a wider variety of items to choose from. “This week has been busy,” said John, “I can tell business is picking up.”

The Bylers also give out monthly sheets of cold-packed offerings, like yogurt, fish, ham, and beef. The options change each month, and orders can be accepted up

By Susan Adams

West end of Piedmont (toward dam). “Piedmont was one of the youngest towns in the county in 1880. to a week before the delivery date. Customers pick up the items the same day they are delivered. Located just outside of Scio through the state Route 646 intersection, Byler’s Discount Groceries is worth a visit.

It was created by combining Butler, platted by Henry Butler March 2, 1880, and Collinsport, platted by Zacheriah Collins in November 1878.

The two towns, neighboring mill and cluster of houses and the beautiful hills that encircled them was changed to the name of Piedmont (the name of the Post Office). The first family to remain overnight in Piedmont was J.J. Sears who came from Barnesville on April 29, 1880.

The first child born was Ross Sears. The first death was an infant child of the Grebbs family. The first railroad was the Cleveland, Tuscarawas Valley and Wheeling. The first passenger trail arrived during the month of February in 1880.

W.T. Martin was the first postmaster. The Baptist Church was built during 1881. The Piedmont Methodist Church was built during 1890 and dedicated in November of the same year. The first physicians were W.D. Copeland and D.G. Quinn in 1894. John Dadisman opened the first furniture store. The pioneer blacksmith was John Boswell in 1880.” Info from “Piedmont and Moorefield Township” 1776-1976 Bicentennial book.

For more info call 800.552.7150