Waukon natives pair up at new Main Street location for Stranded Memories

Stranded Memories, first opened in November 2012 on Allamakee Street in Waukon, moved to its new location at 3 East Main Street in September of this year. Originally opened by Waukon native Donna Ellingson Fletcher, she was joined by fellow Waukon native Cindy Shogren in March of this year to combine Fletcher’s experience in jewelry and antiques with Shogren’s knowledge of glassware and linens.
“We both grew up in the Waukon area,” the two shared. “The location that we chose has a wonderful atmosphere for the items that we have. The exposed brick walls show the workmanship that went into building historic Waukon.”
Both ladies grew up in Waukon and have now returned after approximately 10 years of being away. Fletcher spent 10 years in Dodge City, KS, where she was an officer with the Dodge City Police Department. She has now returned to her hometown with her husband, Jason Fletcher, and her seventh grade daughter, Cassy Carson. Likewise, after growing up in Waukon and graduating from Waukon High School, Shogren attended the University of Northern Iowa and lived in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area for 10 years before moving back to her native Waukon with her sixth grade son, Zachary Davison, and fifth grade daughter, Diana Davison.
Along with the experience that each lady brings to Stranded Memories at its new location, they feel what makes their business unique is that they claim to offer the largest selection of antique and vintage jewelry in northeast Iowa, as well as new fashion jewelry. “We carry hard-to-find items, furniture and oddities,” they remarked.
It is that possibility of providing their customers with the items they desire that these two owners of Stranded Memories say is the most rewarding aspect of running their own business. “We love finding treasures, oddities, jewelry and decor,” they said. “We carry such a large selection of jewelry, we can match any outfit.”
Fletcher and Shogren invite everyone to “stop in anytime. We offer free coffee every morning, and we always have time to visit.” Stranded Memories is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about the business can be found out by calling 563-568-2505.