Our History
Vick’s Corner World was established in 1930 by Layton C. and Edna M. Vick. It started as a small hamburger shop and a gas station with living quarters above it. The initial locations were on the south side of Highway #9, with the hamburger shop on the east side of what is now Highway #86 and the station on the west side.
The hamburger shop soon expanded into Vick's Café, which included a bar and dance hall. Vick's Restaurant was known for offering delicious food, excellent service, and a lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot throughout the Midwest.
Expansion of Services
Initially featuring a basement, the service station was enlarged to include a service bay with additional living quarters above. The service bay facilitated car repairs with a drive-over pit and storage compartments below. Over time, the station also began selling live bait, tackle, and block ice, and part of the basement was converted into a live bait tank. Interestingly, the area hosted boxing matches and later featured a trap shooting zone.
Family Legacy
Layton and Edna were passionate sportspeople, often enjoying hunting and fishing trips. They had five children, three of whom are still living. One of their children owned Millie’s Pancake Haus in Tucson, AZ, while another lives in Texas, and a third resides in Colorado. Layton W. Vick, the eldest son, eventually took over Vick’s Corner World.
In the 1960s, Highway #32 (now #86) underwent significant renovations, leading to the relocation of the restaurant and station. The original restaurant was demolished, and the station was moved to its current site, where it required extensive renovations, including the addition of plumbing and electrical systems.
In the 1960s, Highway #32 (now #86) underwent significant renovations, leading to the relocation of the restaurant and station. The original restaurant was demolished, and the station was moved to its current site, where it required extensive renovations, including the addition of plumbing and electrical systems.
Overcoming Challenges
The Vick family faced numerous challenges during these changes. After Layton C. passed away in the mid-60s, Edna ran the station with the help of her two sons. When Layton W. returned from business school, he leased the station from his mother. During this period, the highway project disrupted the station and required the relocation of underground tanks and signage, along with renovating the driveway system.
Layton W. eventually purchased the station and the surrounding grove area, cluttered with debris from its farming past. He spent several years cleaning and restoring the grove while hosting antique shows and flea markets. As these events grew in popularity, he expanded the facilities, adding electrical services and improving the area for vendors.
Layton W. eventually purchased the station and the surrounding grove area, cluttered with debris from its farming past. He spent several years cleaning and restoring the grove while hosting antique shows and flea markets. As these events grew in popularity, he expanded the facilities, adding electrical services and improving the area for vendors.
Resilience Through Adversity
A significant fire on the 50th anniversary of Vick's Corner World posed a considerable threat, but the Spirit Lake volunteer fire department arrived in time to prevent destruction. Although the building suffered severe damage, it was restored, and operations resumed quickly. Over the years, Layton W. continued to expand the services offered at Vick's Corner World, adapting to customer needs and enhancing the facilities.
Continuous Improvement
In recent years, many improvements have been made, including the addition of RV camping spots and upgraded electrical systems. Layton W. has no plans for retirement and is committed to expanding Vick's Corner World's facilities and services as demand grows.
The Vick Family Heritage
The Vick family's history in the area dates back to 1869 when Peter and Anna Vick immigrated from Prussia/Germany and homesteaded nearby. Peter was involved in community development, including helping to name Diamond Lake Township and founding the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. Their son, Layton C. Vick, continued the family legacy by starting Vick’s Corner World in 1930. Today, the business remains a family-operated venture, with Layton W. and his family actively involved.
Recent Renovations
The latest improvements include the installation of a new roof with steel Brite Red KasselWood style shingles designed to resemble the original cedar shingles and the modernization of the interior with new flooring. The Vicks are focused on preserving their heritage while enhancing the business for future generations.