A Holden landmark for more than 35 years, Holden Ace Hardware in now under new ownership.

Longtime owners Don and Carolyn Helton recently sold the business to Holden residents Brian and Dana Patton.

The Heltons began their career in the hardware business in 1971 by purchasing Ken’s Hardware from Kenneth and Lucille Jennings in September 1971.  Their first location was 101 East Second Street and they remained there until 1975.

In July of 1975 they moved to their present location which was formerly Wee Discount and was owned by the Hunter brothers.  In later years, the Heltons purchased the building next door which used to be the original office of the Holden Progress and expanded their hardware store.

According to Carolyn, their son Johnny was four years old when they bought the business so he has grown up there.  He began working in the shop helping out when he was 10 years old and eventually worked with his parents for 25 years before taking a new job in April of this year.

“We have had a lot of wonderful people work with us over the years, too many to mention them all.  A lot of times boys in high school came and worked in the shop,” she added.  “Of course, we had Connie Talley with us for 18 years and we miss her every day.”  Another long-time employee was Chris Hutchison whom the Heltons enjoyed working with.

Carolyn grew up in Magnolia and went to school in Holden.  Don moved to Holden in 1951 and finished high school here. 

“We have seen a lot of changes in the business over the years,” Carolyn said.  “And we have a lot of wonderful memories.”

“We would like to say a big thank you to all of our loyal customers who have stuck with us through thick and thin,” said Don.

The Heltons would like to remind patrons that although they will no longer be in the store they will still be around and will still service the mowers and trimmers they have sold.  Pick-up and delivery of those items will still go through the hardware store.

The Pattons officially took ownership of the store on July 2.  It will now be called Holden Hardware and will offer expanded products and services, according to Brian.

“We are adding square footage throughout the building and opening up other areas and our inventory has gone from 70,000 items to 89,000 items.  We now offer a full line of barbecue grills and patio sets, will soon have Valspar and Dutchboy paint, are putting in a sporting goods line, hunting supplies, and will offer a complete assorted supply of mobile home and RV supplies and repair items,” said Brian.

He noted they will also be offering equipment rental including an airless paint sprayer, power washers, dehumidifiers, enclosed trailer and many other items.  “We will offer anything anyone needs, they just need to let us know what they want to rent and we can get it,” he added.

“It will be perfect for the ‘do-it-yourself-er’; they can use professional tools without the expense of purchasing them,” stated Brian.

Brian moved to Holden in July of 1997 from Sedalia and Dana was raised here.  They have three children, Sara, Phillip and Jacob.

Brian says his motto is “Do it right the first time.”  He added, “Come in and see the place, there are many changes happening quickly with new product lines coming in daily.  Come in and see all of our new products and services.”

The Heltons plan to enjoy retirement by relaxing and visiting relatives.  Carolyn enjoys working with her flowers and will now have more time to devote to her hobby, she says.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff

 

Holden area Chamber of Commerce president Dennis Mason said he considered the July 4 fireworks display a success despite the evening thunderstorms that affected some of the pyrotechnics.  He was speaking at the regular monthly meeting of the chamber last Thursday.

Some of the fireworks were ignited by hand and some were not able to fire at all. Mason said that the ones they could not fire will go back into storage and will be available next year. The display was well attended but other plans were washed out. The Optimist Club concession stand was sparsely used due to the weather. They have rescheduled the Tri-Star event for July 17.

In other business, the fair board is finalizing details for the upcoming event. According to Pat Zvacek, they are building the ads and everything is coming together. They have engaged a new carnival vendor and are planning a bed race as an event.  This fair will feature an additional concert. The committee feels everyone is on track.  Zvacek said they were diligent going through past events and eliminating those they lost money on.

According to its committee, the rodeo was a success, showing a profit this year. Committee members said it was due to the advance ticket sales. Total income was $13,765.00 with expenses of $10,118.50 for a total profit of $3,646.50. There are still tee shirts available in child and adult sizes for year- round gift giving.

In a report from the membership committee, they reported that some enrollees thought that the sponsorship fees were the same for the fair and the rodeo.  they explained that  the on-line form makes it clear they are separate.

In the membership report, there were 54 enrolled although at this time last year they had 66. It was noted that there are organizations that don’t belong but should have the chamber as part of their program. Dennis Mason said they should emphasize that the billboard is included in the membership fee as well as the Christmas lighting.

In the report on the downtown park, Mason said trash barrels are needed as well as picnic tables. During the fair especially there are few seating choices for  people to eat. They also need to work on the wall at the park.

The history book committee reported that the books are available at the library and both banks.

Mason then reported the farmers’ market parking lot has a drainage problem and the park board is aware of it. “We know that something has to be done.

In their report, the  economic develop committee stated they are working on a comprehensive plan for proposal to the city council.

Mason reminded the members that August will mark one year since the membership voted to do something with the building. “In order to revitalize downtown, we need to start with ourselves. If we get that building built the way it was designed we can get more income coming in. We can use the building to provide a place for other organizations to meet.” Mason said since it has been a year, the members need to move forward.

In another area, it was reported that the Civil War reenactment will have 400 participants involved at the City Lake on April 19, 2008.  The road will have to have chip and seal applied. Restrooms need to be available.  Mason said it will benefit the Johnson County Economic Development because this event will bring people to the area.

In new business, Mason said it is time to start thinking about the Christmas lighting and anyone who wants to work on the that committee please let him know.

In upcoming meetings, the sesquicentennial committee meeting is July 12 at the Hallar building. The economic development committee meeting is July 16, at 6 p.m. at O&M.  The next general Chamber meeting is August 2nd at 7 am at Harmony House.

By Terri Vinck
News Staff