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Central Wholesale/Ace Hardware of Magee will celebrate 75 years of business on Friday, November 12, 2021at 10 o’clock! The public is invited to the event!
Founded in 1946 by Walter J. Johnston, Central Wholesale Company began as a wholesale grocery company. With outside salesmen and a fleet of delivery trucks, the business served rural stores in the surrounding areas with non-perishable grocery items.
In the 1970s, the business became Central Wholesale Building Supply, Inc. offering a full line of building materials. Central met the demands of new construction in the area.
In 1996, Central, as it was commonly known, became Central Building Supply and Hardware, Inc. Partnering with Ace Hardware, it brought Ace brand merchandise and national recognition to the business. A major renovation of the building was conducted in 1995-96.
The family owned business, like the name, has changed over the years with each succeeding generation. Following the original owners, Lavon and Kate Womack became owners followed by Ted and Jean Allen. Allyson Allen Burch became the store manager following the death of her father, Ted Allen in 2020. Five generations of the family have worked at the store, including great-great grandchildren.
Almost 58 years of the 75 years in the history of the business, Ted greeted customers with his big smile. An infectious laugh could often be heard as he helped customers. In a 2019 interview, Ted summed up his appreciation for the support of the business. He was quoted as saying, “we feel blessed that our community and surrounding area has supported us over the many years that we have been here. We have also been blessed with a great loyal staff who care about the customers, and we are very dedicated to the success of our employees.”
Jean Allen expressed her appreciation with these remarks, “serving Magee and the surrounding area these 75 years has been a privilege. We thank our customers for their patronage and support. It’s not unusual for customers to tell us they remember coming here with their parents and grandparents and share a story with us. We thank our customers who have enabled us to adapt to the needs of the area over the years. Your support has made this 75th anniversary celebration possible. We look forward to contributing to the future of Magee as we strive to meet the needs as “The Helpful Hardware Place”
Prizes will be given away at the celebration…be sure to go by and sign up!!!
(Most of the information was compliments of Jean Allen…what a wonderful heritage…Magee loves Central!)
MageeNews.com is an online news source serving Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi.
