(Milford)– A business that’s become a lakes area icon is marking a major milestone this summer.
The Three Sons in Milford is celebrating 50 years of being in business.
Emil Richter who along with his brother Herman operate the business, says it roots actually go back to 1958. Richter says his father tried to buy the building then with plans to tear it down to build a gas station. Due to some legal complications, the building couldn’t be sold. It became available again January 1st, 1960, when Richter’s father purchased it, along with a 25 foot lot next to it for two thousand dollars. He says his dad didn’t really have anything in mind for the building at that time, but soon after they started storing used furniture and new mattresses and carpet for Smith Furniture.
Eventually, Richter says they got involved in the clothing business, which they started by selling socks to railroad workers….six pairs for a dollar…the same price as what they were purchasing them. Soon after, Richter says they started selling Wrangler jeans, two and four buckle overshoes, and other items.
While the business itself has a 50-year history, the original building, which was built on to over the years, goes back much further…to the days when the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad was operating through Milford. Richter says they’ve learned through the Clark Family Museum in Milford that the original building (the front of the store where the door is) was constructed in 1874. A two-story addition was added 100 years later…in 1974.
Richter says the original building, in its early days, housed a telegraph and scale for the railroad and nearby elevator.
Richter jokes about a comment his brother Herman makes about going to work at the store each day, referring to it as “playing store”.
In addition to the retail business, Emil, Herman and their families have been extremely active in the lakes area. Emil has served on the Milford Fire Department since 1971 and Herman has been instrumental in various University of Okoboji activities. The U of O concept was also born through the Three Sons.
Emil thanks the community for the support over the years and says they’re looking forward to the future, adding his son Brian and Herman’s son Matt are looking to continue the business’ legacy.
Meanwhile, a special display depicting the history of the Three Sons, is on display through July 19th at the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum in Arnolds Park.
