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 elbert's
Clothing was founded in 1958 following a rich tradition of fine
men's apparel stores located in this building in downtown Arthur.
In fact, the building has only housed a men's clothing store since
it was erected in 1896.
Delbert Taylor, an Arthur native, purchased the clothing store
in 1958 from I.G. Riley. Delbert had previously operated a dry
cleaning business in the rear of the store from 1936 to 1941. At
this time Delbert's Clothing consisted of this single room and
the warehouse located behind the store.
Approximately ten years later John E. Watkins, a Findlay native,
became a partner of Delbert Taylor. John Watkins was a graduate
of the University of Illinois who brought twenty years of marketing
experience with the Mobil Oil Corporation to the business. Together,
Delbert and John purchased the business and building just north
of the main store (what is now know as the North Room) and expanded
their clothing business.
In 1972, John purchased Delbert Taylor's interest in the store,
retaining the name Delbert's Clothing. During the late 1970's and
80's the store's inventory and physical size grew. An annex (now
known as "The Addition") was opened in the mid 1980's to accommodate
the overwhelming inventory. Prior to his death in 1993, John incorporated
the business to reflect its current name, Delbert's Clothing, Inc.
Today, Rob Watkins, John's nephew, is the President of Delbert's
Clothing, Inc. Rob is a Mattoon native and a graduate of the University
of Illinois and St. Louis University School of Law. He is also
a licensed attorney and a member of the Illinois and Missouri Bars.
John and Delbert stressed quality, selection, and above all service.
At Delbert's Clothing, Inc. we adhere to these same principles
and are dedicated to providing you the best service found anywhere.
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