Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Capps retires, passes torch to grandson to carry on tradition

Austin's Variety Store, on Main Street, will continue to be a household phrase in Gurdon for years to come, but the torch has been officially passed on from grandfather to grandson as of Jan. 1.

Austin Capps, 91, officially retired, although he will continue to babysit the family business on Main Street during lunch hours, for doctor's appointments etc. "until my grandson gets some more help."

Jon Capps, 27, who has been manager of the rental property and department store for his grandfather these past six years, has taken over the reigns.

Jon Capps said, "I do not plan to make very many changes. The main thing is to keep up with the rental business. I look forward to a long-term association with Gurdon and to help it be a better town."

Austin Capps was born in Dobyville, just outside of Gurdon. He and his family moved to Gurdon when he was one year old.

"I served four years and left the service as an Army Colonel in 1946," the elder Capps said. "I got to see some country. There was Casablanca, Italy and France. When I got home, I bought the business from my dad, James Roy Capps, which at that time carried groceries and dry goods."

Capps said he began selling mobile homes in 1950 and then got into real estate; renting mobile homes, apartments and houses.

"My favorite part of the business was that I got to stay in Gurdon," he said. "I was brought up in the grocery and dry goods business. I love people and making friends. I wanted to bring my children up in the Gurdon schools."

Capps served two terms on the School Board back in the 1970s. He married Mary Lou (Wells) Capps from Whelen Springs.

They have two sons: James Austin Capps, an Air Force Colonel from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas; and William "Billy" Roy Capps, a retired dentist from Hope who is now a missionary in Hondorus.

Capps is at home in Gurdon. His retirement plans are to, "travel when I can, visit when I can and do what I can."

Of his overall experiences here, Capps said, "I have enjoyed having a life in Gurdon and made lots of friends."

The younger Capps, Jon, is married to Lori and has three children; Tanner, 7; Emily, 5; and Claire, 4.

Mrs. Capps works as a fifth and sixth grade social studies teacher at Cabe Middle School. Jon's brother, Charlie Capps, teaches seventh and eighth grade at the middle school.

Jon has also been the general manager of Pinehope Health and Rehabilitation for two years in Hope.

As to what he likes about the family operation, Jon said the rental business has new challenges every day "and between repairs and meeting new people it is enjoyable."

"I would also like to say that I have really enjoyed working with my grandfather these past six years."