Written by: Keith Cook
Halderson & Plummer Furniture & Embalming
Smith’s Furniture & Mortuary
The Halderson & Plummer Furniture business was originally established by J.O. Halderson in 1894. Besides talent in the furniture business Halderson was also a licensed embalmer. Halderson had a partner for a brief period of time but later became sole owner of the business. It was then incorporated when W.F. Plummer bought an interest, and in 1924 the business again changed ownership when Mr. Lein and Leanoard B. Smith bought most of Plummer and Halderson’s stock.
Soon the name was changed to Smith’s Furniture, Co. and Mortuary. In 1953 Smith moved the furniture business to the J.M. Benrud building located on the north end of the city square. In 2012 it was torn down to make room for a new gas station. That same year L.B. Smith remolded the old business into just a mortuary. When L.B.’s son Larry got out of the service he joined his father in the two family businesses. In 1977 they closed the furniture business. In 1988 Smith sold the mortuary business to Jeff Zwickey, who still owns the business today.
Soon the name was changed to Smith’s Furniture, Co. and Mortuary. In 1953 Smith moved the furniture business to the J.M. Benrud building located on the north end of the city square. In 2012 it was torn down to make room for a new gas station. That same year L.B. Smith remolded the old business into just a mortuary. When L.B.’s son Larry got out of the service he joined his father in the two family businesses. In 1977 they closed the furniture business. In 1988 Smith sold the mortuary business to Jeff Zwickey, who still owns the business today.
Photo taken in 1924 when Smith took over from Halderson & Plummer. Notice the Hearse on the left. Located on the corner of West Gale Ave and 1st streets.
Thank you Larry & Joan Smith for donating the photos to Old Main.