Silverthorn's Furniture and Appliance first opened its doors in August of 1948. With the support of their wives, our founders Guy and Dan, a father and son team, decided to buy Marshall Auto Parts in Slater. In the late 1950s the company name was changed to Gambles. Our association with Gambles continued for about 20 years. In the early 1970s, Dan opened a new store in Marshall. Then, in 1981, the building in Slater was leased to Western Auto and we moved all operations to Marshall.
In 1992 Dan purchased a second building and expanded our appliance line to include furniture and bedding. Today Silverthorn's has an association with Nationwide buying group. With the buying power of more than 4000 stores, Nationwide is an important part of our business. With the help of Nationwide, we're able to compete with the prices of the big stores, yet still keep that warm, friendly atmosphere that's always been treasured by our customers and staff.
When Dan and Jeanne first bought Marshall's Auto Supply they had only been married a few weeks. In 1951 they had their first child, Alan. Not long after, they had Rita. A few years after that they had Mark. The children have been involved in the business from the beginning. Starting at an early age, the kids would walk to the store after school to help wherever they could. On special occasions they would walk across the street to the City Pharmacy and have a fountain soda. The children weren't the only family members helping out at the store; Dan's sister Elinor helped with secretarial services for many years.
In the beginning, we sold primarily auto supplies such as tires, batteries and bulk oil, and sold and repaired radio equipment as well. It was only a few years after opening that we decided to add appliances to our line. In the early 1950s we sold the first television in Saline County. It was only 10" round. At the time there was only one channel available, and the signal had to come from St. Louis, since Kansas City hadn't even built a television station yet. Imagine what that signal was like.
Silverthorn's also owned a gas filling station for about 5 years. While we were running the filling station, gas prices averaged 19 to 28 cents a gallon; pretty pricey, eh? In the late 60s microwaves were becoming popular, thanks to Amana’s new Radarange, and they sold at our shop for about $250. We've been with Marshall from the first automatic washer to today’s energy efficient front-load machines. From iceboxes to today’s side-by-side refrigerators, Silverthorn’s has seen lots of changes. But one thing has always remained constant – the importance of family and customers.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 9-5
Saturday – 9 - 3
Silverthorn’s Furniture & Appliance
110 East North Street
Marshall, MO 65340
(660) 886-5588
