Family-owned and operated for the past 83 years—Glen's Fair Price Store has been a downtown staple and a beloved piece of our community, but now the time has come has come for Glen's to close its doors.
Glen's has had quite the run since opening in 1941 and we wanted to know more! We chatted with owner Gary Stiteler about the history of Glen's and discovered some fun facts from over the years. Check it out, below!
Q: Can you tell us a little about the history of Glen's Fair Price Store?
Gary: Glen's was started by my parents Glen and Evelyn Stiteler, in 1941, at 83 South Main Street as a non-prescription drug and general merchandise store.
In 1952, the business was moved to 187 North Main Street and at that time the camera shop was added. When Glen and Evelyn passed away, the business was handed down to their children, my sister (Melinda Bare) and I.
When Melinda and I purchased the store in 2004, we moved it to our current location—227 North Main Street, which had formerly been the Gift and Thrift Store.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about running Glen's?
Gary: Over the years I have learned that my favorite thing about managing Glen's is our customers. They are not only customers, but have become our friends and family too.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Glen's prime downtown location?
Gary: Being located in the prime downtown area is very rewarding because of the variety of customers that are attracted to this area. The Downtown district also hosts many exciting events which not only draws local people, but a lot of tourists as well. It's a fun place to be and has been a great location for business.
Q: What are a few of the most unexpected things you might have found at Glen’s over the years?
Gary: The variety of merchandise that we carry makes my work really enjoyable. For example, at Glen's you can find just about anything—from vases and tea cups to all kinds of toys, stink perfume and magic tricks, collectibles to gag gifts, hats and wigs, professional makeup, (over 2,000!) rental costumes of all kinds, seasonal decor and novelty items, books, cards and party supplies, and of course our large camera department; the list could go on and on!
Probably unexpected, but also one of my fondest memories would be Easter time at Glen's in the 50's and 60's. We sold custom made Easter baskets with colored chicks, baby ducks and rabbits.There was a time when we sold over 125 baby rabbits during the Easter season. I would drive all over the county picking them up from various farmers!
Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
Gary: I would just like to thank all the wonderful customers, which are our family and friends, for all their support over this past 83 years.
