Chandler snow cone stand celebrates 20th anniversary

Courtesy Photo 20 YEARS OF SERVICE-- Chandler Snowcone Stand owner Mary John Oliver stands infront of her stand holding grandson Luke Oliver while Luke big brother Levi enjoys a snowcone.

It's hard to believe the little snow cone stand on the corner of Hwy 31 and Hwy 315 at Chandler's red light has been serving the community tasty treats since 1987. Mary John Oliver bought the business for her children, Sarah and John. At the time, Mary John was a kindergarten teacher at Chandler Elementary, Sarah was 12 years old, and John was 10. Mary John knew the children would soon be teenagers and would need something to do during their summer breaks.

Mary John recently retired from 30 years of teaching. She now divides her time between working in the snow cone stand and substitute teaching. John is married to Kasey (Stephens) Oliver and has two boys, Levi and Luke, Kasey is a teacher at Browsnsboro Junior High and John is employed by Texas Department of Transportation in Athens. Sarah is a Captain in the United States Air Force, currently stationed in Denver, CO where she is receiving her Master's degree at The University of Colorado. She is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Midwife in the Air Force. Charles is still carrying the mail in Chandler, which he has done for the past 32 years.

Times have changed and Sarah and John are now grown, Charles is still carrying the mail in Chandler, which he has done for the past 32 years, and Mary John still serves cold, refreshing snow cones to help ease the Texas summer heat.