The Lessenberry Legacy

Few enterprises in south-central Kentucky can claim an unbroken lineage across a century marked by war, economic depression, and even the destruction of the business itself by devastating fire. Since April 14, 1914, when Robert L. Lessenberry and Herbert Trigg unloaded the first of four carloads of goods at the Glasgow Railway Depot, the Lessenberry name has remained tied to commerce in this community without interruption. What began as a modest trade in coal, grain, feed, and fertilizer has evolved into the full-service hardware and building supply enterprise operating today, three generations later. The following account traces that evolution, and the family whose stewardship has sustained it.

From Depot to Do It Center:

1914, The Founding

On April 14, 1914, Robert L. Lessenberry and Herbert Trigg unloaded the first of four carloads of goods at the Glasgow Railway Depot, opening a trade in coal, grain, feed, flour, and fertilizer along West Main Street. The Glasgow Times called the two "among our best young businessmen."

1920s, Lessenberry and Jones

After serving in World War I, R.L. Lessenberry returned home and, in 1920, formed Lessenberry and Jones with Paul Jones at 125 East Main Street, expanding into cement, brick, plaster, and sand. The partners also launched Glasgow's first Chevrolet dealership before dividing the two businesses; Jones took the dealership, and Lessenberry became the sole owner of the hardware trade.

1950s, A Second Generation, A New Name

Robert A. Lessenberry joined his father in 1950 after graduating from Centre College and serving in World War II, then returned to duty again during the Korean conflict. He took ownership in 1953, renamed the business Lessenberry and Jones Building Supply, added lumber, paint, doors, and windows, and relocated to Water Street. Years later, after a prolonged battle with lung cancer, R.L. Lessenberry passed away in 1964.

1967, West Main Street and a National Partnership

R.A. & R. H. Lessenberry in front of the store

In 1967, Robert A. moved the business to its present home at 1010 West Main Street, renaming it Lessenberry Building Centre. That same year, the company joined Hardware Wholesalers Incorporated, now Do it Best Corporation, as member #227, a partnership Robert A. would later help lead as a board member.

1970s, A Third Generation, and a Fire

R. L. & R. A. Lessenberry in the back of the store

Robert H. Lessenberry joined the family business in 1970, marking the start of the third generation, and the company incorporated in 1972. Four years later, a tragic and catastrophic fire completely destroyed the entire showroom, offices, and an attached warehouse. Despite the immeasurable setback, the business continued to operate, and reopened eight months later with an expanded showroom and warehouse.

Lessenberry's in front of the first Store

Lessenberry’s has certainly stood the test of time-operating for well over 100 years-through wars, the Great Depression, the great recession, a catastrophic fire and more. Throughout our history-from unloading the first carload of goods at the depot to our current location., just a stone’s throw away, at 1010 West Main Street our philosophy has remained simple. We treat our customers with kindness and respect in a prompt manner. We will always strive to be good to our customers and our community.

And we are most grateful for that continued opportunity.

1980s, Three Generations, One Store

Leigh Lessenberry joined his brother Robert H. in 1981, and six years later, a grand reopening introduced the modern Lessenberry Do it Center as we all know and love it today.

Still Here, Still Family-Run

Robert A. Lessenberry continued working six days a week into his nineties, until his passing in October 2015. Since then, his children, brothers Robert Howard and Leigh Lessenberry, have continued a culture of kindness and respect to customers and employees alike, carrying forward more than a century of gratitude for this community's continued support. We invite you to stop by and become part of the story yourself.