Valley Park Elevator & Hardware

The Valley Park Elevator and Hardware store has been supplying customers with fast and friendly service since 1874. The original store was built in 1874, but caught fire and burnt down, which was a common thing for Grain Elevators at the time, due to dust and combustion from all of the grain and seeds. It was rebuilt in 1887 and it stands the same way today. It was built by Mr. Timmerman, a wealthy land prospector and business man. After completion of the building, he then sold the Elevator to a “Farmers CO-OP” with a group of 20 or so shareholders. Bill Osdieck was the store manager along with Louie Pedretti for years. In 1976 after years of laying brick, being a Valley Park Police officer, and a Municipal Judge in Valley Park, Richard “JUDGE” Grellner decided to go into business for himself and his family. Judge ran the store for years and years and then passed the store on to his two sons Steven and Jeffrey. Sadly Jeff passed away on February 8, 2008, and Judge passed a month later on March 23, 2008. We miss them dearly but still feel their presence working right along with us at the Elevator. The store is currently run by Steve Grellner, and Jeff’s son Christopher, as well as Rich’s (Judge’s) wife Gloria. We are very much keeping the family tradition alive. (Source)