Ruth and Abram Hey
from Abram Hey Eulogy
writer unknown
In 1924, Abram traveled to Detroit, Michigan, to learn to install, maintain and repair electric ice cream cabinets. These were made by Kelvinator. Upon his return, he installed the first electric ice cream cabinet in Illinois. This was installed in Fred Eberley's Drug Store located on the northwest corner of 3rd Street and Locust. For a time, he took care of installing, maintaining and repairing the cabinets that Hey Brothers provided for their customers. Abe also taught others how to service the cabinets. This was one of the aspects of the ice cream business that he enjoyed the most.
Mr. Hey was an avid photographer and left us with many interesting and educational movies of his trips. He provided both family and friends with many hours of entertainment by filming historical events as well as special family occasions and vacations. In later years he still went horseback riding with his family and still enjoyed a good toboggan ride down the slide at Sinnissippi Park. He enjoyed gardening and raised beautiful roses as well as fruit trees . Mr. Hey continued in the Hey Brothers partnership until it was dissolved and the business sold in 1950. At that time, he began working for Hey Brothers in Dixon one day a week and more as needed. He also worked at the Sterling Tax Assessor's office. He was employed by both businesses until the time of his death on October 9, 1967. Of all of Mr. Hey's accomplishments in his lifetime, none was more important than the reputation he acquired of being a man of honesty and integrity in his business dealings as well as being a kind and generous man to many in need. This is his greatest legacy to his family. (complete eulogy)
Ruth and Abram Hey
