JEBENS HARDWARE & SUPPLY CO.

A living testament to tradition

by Toni Ferreira

Having served customers for 133 years, Jebens Hardware & Supply Co. is the oldest hardware venture in Cook County, Illinois. Named after its founder, Fred Jebens, it was initially a mom and pop store when it opened in 1876. For the next four decades, the store was passed down from one generation of Jebens to the next: From Fred to his wife, Henrietta, upon his death in 1914, and then on to their three sons, William, John and Alfred, when she passed away in 1930. When William and John died in 1963 and 1969 respectively, Alfred’s son, Stanley who had returned from Naval service in 1945 kept the business on its feet. In 1977, just one year after Jebens’ 100th anniversary, Stanley passed away, leaving behind his remarkable wife, Ethel, a former Blue Island Alderwoman, who still resides above the store and continues to be involved in the community. Although Stanley and Ethel had no offspring, the Jebens Hardware legacy would nevertheless continue on. Enter Art Bulmann, the man who has kept the Jebens legacy and integrity alive.

Art is a proud father of five, who kick-started his career as a Jebens employee – where he spent many years working for Stanley and Ethel – before purchasing the store upon Stanley’s death. His expertise and passion for the business reflects in the way that he has worked diligently to expand merchandise and clientele. The way Art sees it; you don’t have to spend too much money on advertising your business. His philosophy is: Spend your time taking care of your customers and your community and your business will prosper. And he should know, having acquired a second hardware venture – Val’s Uptown Hardware Store, in 1990 – when the owner, Val Lang whom he had also worked for before his employment at Jebens, opted to retire. After several years, he sold it to an acquaintance to keep his focus on Jebens. Under its new management, Val’s Uptown Hardware Store went out of business in 1999.

Art has kept the original name, traditions and interiors of Jebens out of respect for its deep historical roots in the community. Did you know that Blue Island’s First Lutheran church’s steeple was built by Jebens in the 1880s? In these days of progress, Art is not at all concerned about being technologically up to par with the competition – Jebens has had longetivity and value on its side for over a century – If it ain’t broken, why fix it? Elements of 1870s vintage beauty have been preserved throughout the store. Its ornate tin ceilings, concrete and hardwood floors are still in great shape. First assembled in 1988, an electric model train continues to capture the attention of customers as it travels around on a wooden track (which Art had built himself) close to the ceiling of the main room of the store. It is the only train in Blue Island that does not hold up traffic.

On any given day, you’re likely to find Art Bulmann expressing his penchant for motorcycles and motorbikes in more ways than one. He is an avid collector and restorer of all things old and antique. Two items from his vast collection, a 1930 Harley Davidson and a 1949 Whizzer motorbike are currently showcased in the store’s display window. Another of Art’s hobbies is homing pigeons.

He even has a small room above the store for this purpose. He fondly calls it, “The Pigeon Loft”.

Art Bulmann is also a generous man with a big heart that beats strongly for the Blue Cap School, a learning institution for special needs children in Blue Island, Illinois. His philosophy has certainly favored him because Jebens has prospered indeed. Over the years, there have been five hardware stores in Blue Island, but today, Jebens is the only one still standing.

Always friendly and flexible, Jebens services both individuals and contractors, serving complimentary breakfasts and offering a wide variety of items from nuts and bolts to hand tools to paints and stains and everything in between. Chances are you will find unpopular items in Jebens, which other hardware stores have discontinued. It prides itself on its well-stocked inventory, laid-back atmosphere and most importantly, friendly service and long-standing relationships with its customers.

I sat down with Judy Tuma, the Managing Partner at Jebens for the last 23 years, and picked her brain as I enjoyed a pastry and hot chocolate milk which she had so kindly offered me.

Can you tell us about the beautiful Christmas decorations in the display window?

Yes. Displaying elaborate Christmas decorations was the brainchild of a local floral designer by the name of Patty Burczyk. For many Decembers, we used to tediously work on the decorations until midnight. The bows were Patty’s trademark. Then one year, she fell sick with breast cancer, but she continued to decorate our window in fragments, as her strength permitted. When Patty passed away in 2001, I refused to continue our tradition because it was too painful for me. But after an argument with Art over the matter, I gave in. Till this day, I still cannot do the bows like Patty could.

I must say that you did a great job with the Christmas decorations. Thank you. Some of our male customers even noticed and commented on our nativity scene set.

How would you describe Jebens Hardware to someone who has never been here before?

Your grandfather would love us! Even the younger generation loves us because we provide them with helpful information and don’t shy away from teaching or answering questions. Even better, a person can walk in here and buy just one nut! We sell pieces and not packages.

How many employees does Jebens have?

Four at the moment and we’ve all been here for a long time. Very few of our employees are short term and the ones who have left always return. John, for example, returned to us after 18 years of departure, when his job at GE was outsourced, and we are happy to have him back. Karlos is a Blue Island resident, and Val Lang, who was once Art Bulmann’s boss, also works with us now, part-time.

Describe your experience with Art and Jebens.

I have never worked so hard and been so happy in my life.

In conclusion, I interviewed Val Lang briefly…

What was Art Bulmann like as your employee and now, as your employer?

He was and still is a fun, loving, happy and hard working man.

What’s the best part of working at Jeben’s?

I get to interact with people and I also get to see my old customers from Val’s Uptown Hardware Store because they now patronize Jebens.

Located at the same Olde Western address for one 133 years, Jerbens is a living testament to tradition – one that is defined by consistency and change, passion and commitment.

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JEBENS HARDWARE & SUPPLY CO.
708.388.4356
13311 S. Olde Western Avenue
Blue Island, IL 60406