Gen Sales
There was a time when you could find anything you might need right here in Ellwood City. Lawrence Avenue was lined with shoe stores, furniture stores, children’s clothing stores, women’s clothing stores, and even men’s clothing stores. The town had premium stores and discount stores like the 5 and 10 and Gen Sales on Pittsburgh Circle.
Before K-mart was nearby and Wal-Mart was even heard of, Gen Sales was the area’s first discount department store. Opening in 1956, Gen Sales was the place to get appliances, televisions, and other household items.
We have talked to many people that not only remember the store, but miss it and the products it offered Ellwood City. We have heard of wedding rings, the family’s first television set, and coffee pots that are still used today.
Frank, the son of one of the co-owners of Gen Sales Company Joseph Geniviva, shared with us why the store closed. Right around Thanksgiving, Gen Sales got in their largest shipment of the year to gear up for the very busy Christmas season. Shortly after, disaster struck in the form of a devastating fire. The big fire was complete loss in both inventory and in the money that was invested in the large Christmas inventory. Because of those, Ellwood City lost a valuable asset.
If you recall Gen Sales and would like to share your memories, please leave a comment below or email us at info@ellwoodcitymemories.com
In the caption of the picture of Gen Sales you state the the man in the picture is my father Guff Geniviva. It is in fact Joe Geniviva, Frank’s father. FYI. Thanks for posting this picture
Al Geniviva, Jr.
I believe that I remember the fire, I think it was in the late ’70′s I was a membeer of the Wurtumburg VFD and can remember hearing the cans of pain explode from the heat. We were assisting the Ellwood Fire Dept.