Sadly, family run businesses are almost a thing of the past. The capital it takes to start a business and the monthly financial strain can be immense. Let alone the long hours which can be difficult for families to endure. The smaller stores can also have a difficult time competing with the big box stores that have the purchasing power and sometimes lower prices. But the big box stores have a difficult time providing the customer service and knowledge that the Geiger family has been spreading for years. Although the bigger stores pay their taxes, they’re not as apt to give back to the community like the mom-and-pop businesses. So, the next time you need that bag of seed, hardware, or that small tool, before you head up the hill and burn the $5 a gallon gas getting to the big box store, remember the asset you have here in Chillicothe. The friendly family at Geiger’s True Value Hardware Store that gives back to the community. They have hardware, tools, and gardening supplies. They also rent equipment and have the adorable pets and pet supplies. Most of all, they have heart for the community and a wealth of knowledge to help you with all your projects. You’re not just a customer at Geiger’s, you’re a neighbor.
    When Ginny and I moved to Chillicothe in 1997, one of the first places I got accustomed to was Geiger’s True Value. I remember seeing Marion Geiger (the founder), sitting on the bench and usually there was a cat or critter close by. Live pets aren’t something you normally see in hardware stores, but Geiger’s started offering live pets when the Ben Franklin closed many years ago thanks to Diane (Jim Geiger’s wife). Many times, I’ve watched children intently admiring these live animals and I’ve enjoyed seeing the expression on their innocent faces as they studied and longed to take a new creature home.
    Tom was the first person that I had my encounters with, but I didn’t know he was the owner’s son. He was just the friendly guy who could match any bolt or nut quickly and answer all my questions about my current repair needs.
    In talking with Tom and his sister, Ann, I found out that the store was started in 1938 by their father Marion. When the store started, there were only 32 other stores opened ahead of theirs making the Chillicothe True Value #0033. Originally the store was located at 921 Second Street, and it moved to its current location in 1983.
    Tom, Ann, and brother Jim grew up in the hardware business and in 1978 they went to a 2-year vocational hardware school in Minnesota. 44 years later and the siblings are still here helping people with their hardware needs. Although the three kids grew up in the business, Jim left in the early 90s to be closer to his wife’s family. Ann works behind the scenes in the office, but she too has the knowledge it takes to help with all the hardware questions. Her husband Frank isn’t involved with the business, but Tom’s wife (Maria) is. Tom and Maria’s sons Jake and Ollie are also in the family hardware business.
    In looking back over the years of watching Dad in the business, I asked both what fond memories they had garnered over the years? Ann fondly remembered the Christmas displays when she was young, and Tom remembers sitting and counting pennies as a child. Tom said he also fondly remembers going to the Hardware Store conventions where he made lifelong friends with other True Value people.
    Old fashion service and great friendly staff is what’s waiting to help you at the Geiger True Value hardware store. It’s like walking back in time every time I walk through those doors. They are people who care about your needs, and they’re located at 307 W. Walnut Street in Chillicothe, Illinois.