Weldon Stevenson, 91, is the proprietor of W.S. Stevenson’s, a clothing, sewing and dry goods store that has stood across the street from the Shelby County Courthouse for 64 years. The Shelbyville shop is the last independent clothing store in the county and one of the last in Northeast Missouri.
The shop, which photographer Mike Kipley and I visited on a quiet Thursday afternoon, is an anachronism among the big-box stores that dominate even the rural landscape now. It’s also at the center of Stevenson’s life, as the place he has spent his entire adult life, save for a three-year stint in the Air Force.
Here, Stevenson shares some stories of his store’s history and his retail experiences.
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Love your story and video on Weldon Stevenson’s clothiers! (My folks, who live in Quincy, IL. told me about this article.) I lived in Shelbyville back in the 1950 timeframe and remember Weldon and his store! Have been gone for many years but if I have occasion to return sometime, I must look him/store up.
H.Hughes
5014 E Cholla St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
I have found a photograph in the attic that belonged to my husband. He was raised in northern Missouri. The photograph is noted as Ninth Annual Convention Missouri Retail Clothiers Association February 25, 1920. I am curious to know if you are the same clothing company, and if you are interested in this photograph. Please contact me at magoodi@cox.net
Thank You,
Mrs. Good