50 years ago, on June 11, 1974, James A. and Emily Jevne began an enduring family business at 130 E. Main Street–Morrison[, IL,] TrueValue Hardware.
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, owners Don and Jackie Jevne invite their friends, patrons, and local businesses to celebrate this milestone. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to closing with cake, lemonade, coffee, and water; displays; balloons; raffle drawings.
People are urged to attend shortly before noon, when Morrison Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. A similar Ribbon Cutting was held Thursday, October 11, 2012, to spotlight the business relocation to 104 S. Genesee Street.
Formerly the Morrison Old Hotel was owned by Mae Domack; she sold it to Morris G. Meyers, who converted it to TrueValue Hardware. James A. and Emily Jevne bought the corner business for $77,473.
On April 7, 1979, a second purchase of the adjacent, smaller, former Shawver Press building, transferred ownership from Vern Renkes to Donald K. Jevne. This “annex” stocked plumbing; lawn and garden; housewares items; 1970s and 80s games; tackle, rods, and reels. The basement housed toys and bicycles. Antiques and collectibles entered the stock. The Jevnes successfully operated their Main Street business for 38 years.
Don explained, the Main Street building became overstocked, with no opportunity for expansion. A block away, at 104 S. Genesee Street, Blackhawk Lumber went out of business in 2007 or 2008 and was empty for five years. “Kevin Schisler approached me to move to the location. We bought it in 2012.” Over three October days, “lots of people helped transfer 4′ sections of merchandise to the new place, following photos I had posted on new shelves. We never closed our doors!”
Jackie noted, Don’s “caring about his pricing for the Morrison consumer has allowed the store to prosper and employ many people through the years. I think this store has been a true value to Morrison.”
Don said, “I never considered selling [merchandise] early in life. It sneaked up on me.” He graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a teaching degree in Music and taught one year.
In June 1974 when he came home for the summer, he had told his father, “I’ll help you for the summer.” He stayed. “I had loyalty to my parents.” James handled financials. Emily managed housewares and was the cashier. Don taught himself merchandising skills, by accessing programs, periodicals, and television trainings. He took over the paperwork, but now has “an accountant for taxes, reports, and payroll. I try to keep it as simple a possible around here.”
He is “proud of the people who have supported me all these years. I am proud that our family has made a hardware store in Morrison for 50 years and for those we have employed.” There are seven employees, almost all are part time. “I couldn’t have done any of this without them. I’ve been blessed.”
Don is pictured with Assistant Manager Linda Brandon; she is also the Custom Picture Framer. Brandon has been part of the TrueValue team since 2001.
