Shebuski & Lloyd’s Hardware to Close
Update 10/9/07 - Here is the letter that the city of Wilsonville sent to Shebuski & Lloyd’s, which precipitated their decision to close.
I thought I was there to do an interview for our first "Business of the Week" focus. I waited while Russ and Peggy Dubbel ran their store, while a customer thanked them for being open on a Sunday.
I started to ask my questions. Peggy cut to the chase. "Here is the most recent letter from the City."
Shebuski & Lloyd’s Hardware Store has been having some issues with the City of Wilsonville since 2003 regarding their U-Haul truck business, and the landscaping requirements. At one point it even went to court. The letter from the City received on Saturday by the Dubbels regards the outcome of that proceeding.
"Here is our response," said Peggy.
I skimmed the letter, not quite registering what I was reading. After all, there were customers coming and going. It was plain, however, that the Dubbels had had enough of messing with the City.
Apparently someone will take over the building - not as a hardware store. The Dubbels have decided to close their doors effective March 2008.
The customers who know this news about one of Wilsonville’s few non-chain stores have expressed sadness and disappointment.
The Dubbels express frustration to the point of giving up. They outline their decision making process in a document we have made available to our readers here on the Minute.
"We’re not going to dry up and blow away," says Peggy, "we have some irons in the fire. First, we’re going to take some down time, though."
Who can blame them? Shebuski & Lloyd’s Hardware has been open seven days a week, with Russ & Peggy being the sole workers with some help from the family. They can probably use a vacation.
Copies of page #1 and page #2 of the above mentioned letter.
I have utilized Shebusky and Lloyds Hardware store a great deal. I find Russ and Peggy to be hardworking, and a wonderful fixture to the landscape of Wilsonville. The letter they received troubles me greatly, as the U hauls have never been an eyesore and are convenient for all the residents. I have used the service and have thought many times that this community hardware store is what business should be. It is the backbone of a town having good old fashioned merchants with a family owned business and that to me is what a town and community is all about instead of franchises or chain stores. Having them close is a huge loss, and I want to show my support for them in anyway I can. I realize they may be burnt out from what sounds like an on going issue, but if a petition or letter written would help them to stay open, I would be willing to show my support.