history of dansie’s market

In 1925, Robert Erva and Llewellyn Bone Dansie opened what is known as the first “convenience store” in Layton called Dansie’s Market. The 12 X 12 foot building was stocked with groceries such as bread, milk, cheese, and ice cream. In front of the market sat a single hand pump gasoline station provided oil and Firestone tires in addition to gasoline. The market sat on Highway 91, which, prior to the establishment of I-15 through Davis County, was the main road between Ogden and Salt Lake. This convenient location helped the Dansies attract locals as well as those passing through the town.

A few years after establishment, they enlarged their building to 20X20 feet, added two new overhead gas pumps, and began selling beer, sporting goods, shoes, and clothing. In 1947 the building was remodeled and bricked all the way around and looks as it does today. In 1972, after 47 years in business, Mr. Dansie closed the doors. He explained simply that “he got tired” and retired at the age of 76. However, Erva could not rest and decided to dabble in real estate, building several homes, the Dairy Queen drive-in, and a service station.

For a large number of Layton and Kaysville residents, the name “Dansie’s” brings back many fond memories of a time when visiting their small, familiar convenience store was a real pleasure. Early in November 2020, the Dansie family contacted the Museum to donate historical items from the store and estate in memory of Jay Dansie.

The majority of items received, including a portion of the original bar, will be set up in a recreation of the store on the Museum’s north wall. Local artist Laurel Bitton is painting a mural of the original 1920s store to serve as the backdrop for the exhibit.

Source: https://www.laytoncity.org/LC/City/RenderImageOrFile/7329eb0a-a0d3-428c-96fc-edadac24c44c