About Us

Drawing of the Original Store in Haubstadt

A. M. Schultheis General Store

At age nineteen in 1881, August Michael “A.M” Schultheis opened a general store in Haubstadt Indiana. He was born on April 15, 1862 and was the eldest of nine children. A.M.’s parents were Bavarian immigrants who settled in the Haubstadt area in the 1840s. On May 27, 1891, ten years after his business opened, he married Mary Anna Ritz of Evansville whom he had six children with.

By 1900, A.M. was a buyer of hides and purveyor of general merchandise. He was advertised as being ”a dealer in Tinware, Hardware, Glassware, Queensware, Woodenware, Tobacco, Cigars, Wallpaper, Cutlery, Jewelry, Dry Goods, Boots & Shoes, and Groceries & Provisions”. Many staples such as flour, sugar, and dried beans came in hundred pound allotments. Many goods such as eggs, butter, live poultry, and potatoes were traded in at the store in exchange for other groceries. The store was well established in shipping large amounts of muskrat, racoon, fox, possum, beaver, and mink hides. Dynamite and blasting caps were sold for a time at the store.

A.M. died on Christmas Eve 1935 at the age of 73 after spending fifty four years as owner and proprietor of the company. In 1937 the business was sold at public auction to son-in-law Victor Meny and son Oscar Schultheis. By 1953 Victor had bought out his partner and the business became know as Meny’s Store.

From Left: Victor Meny, Wilma (Meny) Reidford, Lorene “Emma” Meny, Kenneth “Bud” Meny, Gerald “Curly” Meny, Mary M. Meny

Standing Around the A.M. Schultheis Cash Register, c. 1962

Meny's: Continued Expansion

Over the years, Meny’s greatly expanded the business and services offered. A large specialized meat department was added in 1951 when Eugene, Victor’s youngest son, cut the first side of fresh beef. By 1954 the propane business was incorporated into Meny’s Gas and Appliance. In the 1950s televisions began being sold in the store along with repair services. In October 1967 Meny’s became a member of Cotter & Co. which would eventually become known as True Value. A cooling and heating business was established in the 1960s. In 1985, after a century in business, Meny's moved from its original location to a new 45,000 square foot building to allow everything to be housed under one roof. A pharmacy and liquor where added in 1991. In October 1995, Meny’s expanded outside of Haubstadt and opened a hardware store in Jasper, IN under the name Meny’s True Value.

After Victor’s retirement, five of his twelve children (Mary, Kenneth, Wilma, Gerald, and Eugene) became the owners of the business. Each held various positions in the company throughout their careers. After their retirements, their children took charge of the business.

uploading__1983 Menys.jpg

The Next Generation

In 2003, the third generation retired and sold off the different parts of the business. Gary Meny, now a 4th generation owner, and his wife Michelle bought the store in Jasper. They have operated ever since and moved permanently to Dubois County in 2005. In 2011 they bought the hardware store in Dubois. In fall 2019 they expanded again and opened a 3rd location in Ferdinand.

The Jasper Store in 2003

Why Us?

We carry a wide variety of goods including paint, tools, plumbing, electrical, lawn & garden, automotive, housewares, and farm supplies. We offer many services including rental, screen repair, glass cutting, lock rekeying, and key cutting. We have a great team of employees that can help you with any project. We hope to be your preferred place to shop!

Gary & Michelle in front of the Ferdinand store

AMERICAN ROD & GUN CO

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