Berdine’s Five and Dime History
A Philosophy that Remains the Same
Since 1908
The philosophy is the same as it was when K.C. first opened our doors a century ago: treat each customer special while striving to maintain a friendly shopping experience. Today, every customer is greeted warmly, with our employees understanding that treating others with civility is more important than making a sale.
After a century Berdine’s remains the place where children save their money to shop for candy or the special odd toy.
A Story That Begins In 1908
It begins when K.C. Berdine and his brother, Lafayette, relocated from Pennsylvania to Harrisville, West Virginia after a brief effort to establish a store in Weston, WV. Harrisville was then winding down from an oil and gas boom that had turned Harrisville into a bustling town almost overnight. K.C. and Layfayette opened the doors to Hunt & Berdine’s Five and Dime, locating their store on the corner of Court and Main Streets.
Layfayette Withdraws From The Business
By 1909 Layfayette had withdrawn from the business for other ventures, ties to the community were set. K.C. and his wife worked to meet the needs of local customers, guaranteeing no prices would be higher than 10 cents.
Business Moves To Current Location
In 1915, the business moved to its present location on Court Street. The new location was also then a new building with the first floor built specifically to accommodate the 5 & Dime.
A New Owner
In 1983 the store was purchased by the current owners, the Six family of Harrisville. In the years since the time the Six family acquired the store, they have returned the store to its original look and feel. Modern “improvements” were stripped away and golden oak counter tops re-emerged, glass divided bins and classic clip on price tags all re-appeared.
Fred’s Record Matched
In 2011 the Six family matched Fred’s record of owning the store for 28 years.
A Landmark of Local History
Today Berdine’s stands as a landmark of local history. Shoppers enjoy the store’s diverse and fun products as well as the feel of yesterday. Many locals tell stories passed down from generation to generation about how their family members purchased their supplies and provisions at Berdine’s.