Do You Know Olivesburg History?  Would You Like To Share What You Know?  Send Us An E Mail!!!!  Related to a previous owner?  Let us know.

http://www.amish-heartland.com/backissues/july2001/  <Amish Heartland Story from July 2001

In 1840, The Olivesburg General Store was founded to provide for the needs of the early settlers of Richland County.  In 1846, Richland County was split in half to form Ashland County to the East.  Situated near the Ashland - Richland County Line, the store built a business by matching inventory with the needs of the community.  In 1877 the store burned to the ground.  Soon thereafter, it was rebuilt in the building it resides in today.  Over the years, land titles were slightly more than a handshake, and recording of the deeds was sketchy.  Compounding the issue was the fire at the Richland county courthouse which destroyed many records.  Some listings in the title search do not appear to be operators of the store.  They merely could have been silent partners.  Below, is a listing of title search findings for the store.  Some highlights from the last eighty years include: In 1918, it was transferred to the partnership of Chamberlain & Henry.  They remodeled around 1922, expanded to the North and operated the store for another 22 years.  They sold their shares and over the years many families have owned and operated the store.  One of the more famous owners was the McQuate family (1954-1964).  McQuates' further expanded the store to the North and were known for selling major appliances at competitive prices.  They also built a reputation of being able to get anything within a few hours for anyone.  Elbert "Al" Reid owned the store from 1964 to 1984.  "Al" sold boats and outboard motors.  He carried on the tradition of McQuate through the end of the "local store" reign, now captivated by the large chain stores of today.  The store formerly sold dynamite, in which the "danger explosives" sign is visible in the store today.  Also an old calendar advertising Olivesburg dynamite can be seen in the store, as well.  Over the years, customers return to tell of shenanigans that occurred here as well.  One customer told us how her brother would withhold his nickel from the offering plate and play it in the slot machine in the basement after church.  Today, the store operates and maintains the General Stores' charisma and charm.  The store mainly functions as a local convenience store year round and maintains the ambience of the old general store of its' roots.  The store enjoys a large tourism force in the warmer 3/4's of the year, and has had customers from around the globe. 

Olivesburg General Store

Listing of Owners

(source - Midland Title Insurance Co., Ashland Ohio 1996)

1840 - ?              Yet to be discovered

? - 1882              Israel & Elizabeth Miller

1882 - 1887        A.K. & C.W. Fike

1887 - 1889        Sara M. Runyon

1889 - 1899        Abraham B. Gettleman

1899 - 1918        Tully J. & Myrtle Chamberlain

1914 - 1944        E.J. Chamberlain & C.T. Jenney

1944 - 1945        Lee C. Henry

1945 - 1950        C.J. Kilcher & C.H. Campbell

1950 - 1954        Howard G. Kushin

1954 - 1964        Gilbert & Jessie McQuate

1964 - 1984        Elbert & Naomi Reed and Mark & Edith Houston

1984 - 1990        Thomas & Linda Donelson

1990 - 1996        Patrick & Lynn Kirshner

1996 - 2004    James L. Sr. & Carol Lynn Coffey

2004 - Present  Mike & Connie Crossen

[ Home ] [ History ] [ Feature ] [ Search ] [ Products ] [ Directions ] [ Comments ]

Copyright © 2003 Olivesburg General Store