The Oneota Co-op got its start in 1972 with an informal group of people making trips to Iowa City and Minneapolis to purchase natural foods in bulk. The group went on to form the Oneota Food Buying Club in 1973. Food was stored in members’ homes, but interest and participation in the buying club grew and 1974 saw the incorporation of the Oneota storefront at 1007 Paine Street in Decorah. At that time only members (now termed member/ owners) were allowed to shop, and all were required to volunteer in the store. “Oleville,” the nickname given to the store in honor of landlord Ole Youmans, was a distribution network for honey, whole grains, organically-grown beans and products not otherwise locally available.

In 1978 the Co-op moved to the second floor of the Old Armory at 421 West Water Street, Decorah. Benefit dances were held to raise funds for the move, and sales were extended to include non-members in order to increase business. The ordering, inventory control, cashiering and bookkeeping soon became too much for one person to handle. In 1981 the board of directors accepted a proposal for a collective management to replace the previous arrangement of one store manager. Fluctuating between four and six members, the new system offered an opportunity for diverse leadership to represent a broad public interest.

The inconvenience of the Old Armory’s upstairs location, combined with continued sales growth, led to the relocation of the Co-op in 1984 to 521 West Water Street. In 1987 the board approved a proposal instituting the current membership share system. The proposal called for members to purchase one share of stock, valued at $140, to be paid in full or in annual installments of $20. This new system replaced an annual membership fee and provided financial resources with which to approach lending institutions seeking backing for capital improvements.

In 1994, the Co-op moved to 415 West Water Street. During the 13 years spent at this location, membership grew from 200 to 2,000 and sales grew from roughly $430,000 to $2 million/year.

The Co-op moved to its current location at 312 West Water Street in January 2008. The store today spans roughly 6,000 square feet and features a large selection of local, organic and natural products, such as fresh produce, meat, cheese, bulk, packaged and frozen foods, nutritional supplements, body care items, books, gifts and a delicious deli. It has grown from a small buying club of a few like-minded individuals to a diverse group of over 5,000 member/owners.