Kansas State University

search

Kansas Profile

Tag: 97 years old

Gwen Hendricks, Hendricks Hardware

Woman wearing eyeglasses and holding a plaque with hammer attached
Gwen Hendricks

Staying power. That’s important for any business, including those in small town Kansas.

Today we’ll visit a rural community with a business – and a business owner – that has truly demonstrated staying power. This remarkable lady is operating this business at age 97.

Last week we visited Alma to learn about a resurgence of downtown businesses there, many of those businesses led by younger women. This week, we’ll meet a woman who operates another downtown business in Alma, but – with all due respect – young she is not.

Gwen Hendricks is the long-time owner-operator of Hendricks Hardware, along with her family. In its 145 year existence, this store has had only three family owners.

Conrad Mueller built the building in 1878. He used the front half for a billiard hall and saloon and housed his family in the back.

Continue reading “Gwen Hendricks, Hendricks Hardware”