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History

100 Years and History of Lessenberry Do-It Center

Store Front of the original store

According to the local “Glasgow Times”, it all started on April 14, 1914. The news account stated that Robert L. Lessenberry and Herbert Trigg unloaded the first of four carloads of goods at the Glasgow Railway Depot and business began at a warehouse there along West Main Street. Coal, grain, feed, flour and fertilizer were among the items for sale. The Times went on, “These are among our best young businessmen and their efforts spell success.”

R. L. Lessenberry

After serving in the U S Army during World War I, Sergeant R.L. Lessenberry returned and in August 1920 formed Lessenberry and Jones with Paul Jones. They located at 125 East Main Street in downtown Glasgow, adding cement, brick, plaster and sand to the product mix.

Additionally, these two started the first Chevrolet agency in Glasgow soon realizing they should split up with Jones taking the car dealership and Lessenberry becoming sole manager/owner in operating Lessenberry and Jones.

Robert A. Lessenberry

In 1950, Robert A. Lessenberry, fresh after graduation from Centre College on the GI Bill (following his service in the army in World War II), officially joined his father in the business. No sooner had he returned; young Robert A. was again called to serve his country when the 623rd Field Artillery unit of the National Guard was called up during the Korean conflict. It was March 1953 when Captain R.A. Lessenberry finally returned and took ownership of the business. He renamed it Lessenberry and Jones Building Supply adding lumber, paint, doors and windows to the products available.

With the expansion the business re-located to 110 Water Street, directly behind the 125 East Main Street location in a brand-new building, on a brand-new street appropriately named since it was constructed over a creek.

After a prolonged battle with lung cancer, R L Lessenberry passed away in August 1964.

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

Business continued to improve and in 1967 Robert A. decided to expand. The business moved to its present location at 1010 West Main Street becoming Lessenberry Building Centre in the process. The special old English spelling of “Centre” was to honor Robert A’s Alma Mater. The new location provided a full cabinet shop as well as storage warehouse space for more lumber and building materials.

It was also that same year that Lessenberry’s became member #227 of HWI (Hardware Wholesalers Incorporated) – now Do-it Best Corporation and Robert A became heavily involved in HWI’s growth serving as a board member, and later, president of the board of directors in the late 70’s.

In 1970 yet another Robert joined the firm. Eldest son Robert H. Lessenberry had worked with his father and grandfather during his youth and officially joined the business after graduation from Western Kentucky University.

In 1972 the business was incorporated and became Lessenberry Building Center, Inc.

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

Four years later, on February 27, 1976 a tragic and catastrophic fire completely destroyed the entire showroom, offices and an attached warehouse. Business continued uninterrupted amid the cleanup and reconstruction. Eight months later in November 1976 Lessenberry’s reopened and celebrated a new state-of-the-art much enlarged showroom, spacious office area and expanded warehouse area.

Youngest son Leigh Lessenberry began full-time employment following his graduation from Western Kentucky University in May 1981.

A grand reopening of Lessenberry Do-it Center was held October 1987 to unveil the newly remodeled showroom and exterior that showcased the new Do-it Center format. With this new beginning appliances were added to the product mix.

For over three decades Robert A and his boys continued to work side by side (by side) with the dedicated staff of Lessenberry’s to build relationships, grow the business and support their hometown and community. Robert A continued to provide guidance and support to all his employees, working 6 days a week even until he was 90 years old when he passed away October 2015 after a very brief bout with pneumonia.

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.