In 1919 Harry Guy Shafer and his wife Cora (Nichols) Shafer became the first proprietors of Shafer Monument Works which is now known as Shafer Memorials. 

They ran the business with the help of their son Clyde LeRoy Shafer.  In 1927 Clyde LeRoy was crushed while trying to erect a large tombstone at the Delmont cemetery.  They used mule teams and leverage to erect those tall monuments at that time.  LeRoy was guiding it into place with his back while the mule team pulled it up.  Something happened to spook the mules and the large monument fell onto Clyde LeRoy and smothered him.  He was 26 years old at the time and a father of 2 children, Clyde Nichols and Madonna.

Shafer Memorials

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Mitchell SD  57301   1-800-464-3115

85th Anniversary

1919-2004

In 1929 Harry died of a heart condition.  His wife Cora continued to run the business herself for 20 years until her grandson, Clyde Nichols, could take over in 1949.  Women didn't run businesses at that time but Cora was able to run it with the help of her hired men who did the engraving and setting at the cemeteries for her.  Cora ran the office by herself.  She was well know to always be dressed in a fine dress with her hair done just so.  She was quite a lady for her time.