Weber's Ben Franklin to Close After 109 Years of Business in Downtown Dexter

Dexter, Missouri - It is with bittersweet emotions that the ShowMe Times announces the closing of Weber's Ben Franklin in downtown Dexter.  For more than 109 years the store has graced the downtown as one of the best locally owned shopping retail stores in Stoddard County.  Dexter has been truly blessed to have such a store in our community.  However life is ever evolving and time has a way of changing our goals, aspirations, and priorities.

Edward and Alice Weber began the store under the name of Weber's Novelty Store in 1909. 

Ernest Weber, Joe Weber's grandfather ran the store from 1920s through the mid1950s.  When Joe returned home from the Air Force in 1955 he took over working the store.

While originally it was a variety, 5 and dime store, the business transitioned to an arts and crafts store with floral, framing and fabric in the early 1980’s. .

You can find Joe working the counter most every day, but due to health he has been in the store less and less.  He started when he was about 10 years old weighing candy, barely tall enough to see over the counter. 

Another familiar face you would see everyday is Donna West.  In 2012 she celebrated her 50th year at Weber's Ben Franklin.  Donna has been with the store since her high school days and has managed the store for 40+ years. She is looking forward to retirement.  

 

The Weber family wishes to thank the Dexter community as well as faithful customers from the surrounding Southeast Missouri area for their continued support over the years.

"The decision to end the business after 109 years was not an easy one to make, but the timing is right," commented Cynthia Weber Chesser, Joe's daughter.

 

Sales begin Wednesday, May 2, 2018 with discounts up to 30% on most items in inventory.  They will keep the doors open long enough to sell the majority of the merchandise.

You might want to stop in one last time and enjoy a little Ben Franklin.  It's the end of an era.