Gabe Stark
Reporter

After more than five decades of serving area shoppers, Howard’s Department Store is preparing to close its doors in downtown Trenton.

The family-owned store at 1000 Main St. has been a familiar part of the downtown business district for 55 years, offering clothing, shoes and personal service through generations of change in the retail industry.

Howard’s became more than a place to shop. Customers could try on merchandise, compare sizes and receive help from employees who knew the products and often knew the shoppers themselves.

Kevin Noel, son of longtime owners Elvin and Peggy Noel, said the store’s history is deeply connected to his family.

“It’s been my life,” Noel said. “It just gets in your blood.”

The family’s connection to retail in Trenton began before Howard’s opened. Noel said his grandfather previously operated a shoe store called Family Shoe. The operation later expanded to include Friends in Chillicothe and JP Fashions in Cameron. All three stores are now holding going-out-of-business sales.

Several generations of the Noel family worked behind the counter, selected merchandise and helped customers find clothing and shoes. Noel began working at the store as a child.

“I’ve only been on the payroll since I was 8, so I’ve been doing this my whole life,” Noel said.

Howard’s remained a downtown anchor as shopping shifted from locally owned stores to national chains and online retailers.

“When I was growing up, every dollar that was spent locally would turn in town seven times before it left the community,” Noel said. “Nowadays, you’ve got people going straight to Amazon, and so that money never stays local.”

Despite those changes, Howard’s continued offering personal service that online shopping could not easily replace. Employees could suggest sizes, recommend styles and help customers find outfits for work, school or special occasions.

The store’s legacy is also tied to downtown Trenton. Elvin Noel was active in efforts to strengthen the business district and encourage investment in downtown properties.

“He would just be tickled to death to see people stopping and walking from shop to shop,” Noel said. “That would have just warmed his heart.”

The family chose to close all three stores rather than continue operating only one location.

“I couldn’t pick one store to close,” Noel said. “They’re all part of my blood, and I couldn’t pick a favorite to keep open.”

Rather than selling the businesses, the family decided to hold closing sales. Noel said the process has allowed longtime customers to return and share memories with the family.

“She has been getting to see the fruit of her labor,” Noel said of his mother. “She gets to have some closure.”

Although Howard’s is closing, the family owns the Trenton building and has not decided what will eventually occupy the space. Noel said another family-operated venture could someday open under a different name.

“We don’t want to end that,” Noel said. “It’ll be under a different name. It’ll be something. Who knows?”

Howard’s may be closing, but its influence will remain in the memories of customers and in the downtown district the Noel family spent years helping support.