Owner of a Manning business establishment that dates back 68 years is Elmer Mueller, 47, whose father founded Mueller Furniture in 1892. The firm has been in the same location at Third and Main street for 60 years.

Mueller Furniture, recognized as a cornerstone of Manning business, is celebrating 95 years of serving customers in Manning and surrounding communities.

The business today features 3 1/2 floors of furniture and home decorating accessories. Many changes have taken place during the 95 year history of this family business, but through the years the Muellers have maintained a reputation for providing quality merchandise for their customers.

The business, established in 1892 by Henry C. Mueller, was located in the building most recently occupied by Christy's Clover Farm. Along with retailing furniture, pianos, and organs, Mueller also had an undertaking parlor on an upper level. The furniture and undertaking firm was moved in 1900 to its present location at 301 Main Street. The piano and organ department was dropped and the milinery business which was started in 1895 by his wife, Anna, was relocated to the back rooms of the First National Bank Building.

The business became engaged exclusively in furniture, floor coverings, and draperies in 1927 when the undertaking business was sold to Ohde Brothers. Elmer Mueller, present owner and son of the founder, started working in the business in 1930 and became a partner with his father and mother in 1939. The partnership continued until the death of Henry Mueller in 1947 and Mrs. Mueller in 1950. Mueller recalls his first sale, a sewing maching, and the thrill of making that sale by himself.

Elmer and Pat Loehr were married in 1946. Pat began working in the store shortly after their marriage.
According to Pat, the biggest selling months were March and April because that was moving time for farm families who rented land. Many new rugs and linoleum pieces were purchased during those months.
"Sales are not so seasonal today," commented Pat. "We do have slack and busy times but not as definite as in earlier years."
Most of the furniture arrived by rail from Wisconsin and Michigan where lumber was plentiful. A drayman transported furniture from the depot to the store. "In the late 40's we purchased our own open truck," recalls Pat, "and then in the early 60's we advanced to a closed truck which we thought was really something." Furniture today arrived by semitruck, mainly from southern states. Every part of the store has been remodeled at one point in time with major remodeling completed in 1949. An entirely new entrance was made, moving the door from the northeast corner of the building to its present location.

The second floor, which previously housed offices for doctors, dentists, and beauty operators was also renovated to better display the furniture and accessories for sale. Selection of merchandise is an intricate, vital part of a retail business. Markets are held in February and July with regional displays taking place in Minneapolis and international markets in Dallas.

"The markets are very interesting and exciting," explained Pat. "There are always new concepts to see and. difficult decisions to be made."
The future of any retail business is never certain.
"We have had high and low times in the past but we have come through them. More people are coming in to look now which is great. Sales aren't as good as in some years but purchases are being made and attitudes are more positive. It is going to get better, " said Pat.

Elmer, Pat, and. son, Bob, who assists Pat in the store, appreciate the loyalty of customers and their continued patronage through the years. The Muellers are assisted in the store by Virginia Halbur, Arlene, Musfeldt, and Malick Foley.
They invite everyone to come in and browse, as they celebrate their 95th anniversary with sale prices throughout the store.

Elmer Mueller Writes
Elmer Mueller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mueller, who is with the Headquarters Service Co., on some English possession since last October, writes that he saw his first Iowa boy recently and that it seemed very much like someone from home.
The man was an Iowa trucker who used to stop at the store and call, Elmer, I have some freight for you." The same thing happened at camp.

Through another soldier from Ronan, Montana, he heard about the Resners, former Manning residents. Elmer has attended Masonic Lodge in the various places he has been.
He writes that they have recently moved into new, well-equipped, comfortable quarters.