Carol Houchen kept students in letter jackets
-
Carol Houchen -
Carol Houchen kept students in letter jackets
By Nila Harris
FALMOUTH — Whether it was on Shelby Street or Highway 27, Houchen’s Clothing and Shoes has been a familiar Falmouth landmark since 1927. And if you stepped inside its doors after World War II, you were sure to see Carol Houchen.
Carol Houchen passed away Feb. 17 at age 96 after a bout of upper respiratory issues that plagued him this past year. Even during his illness, he worked at the store when he could.
Houchen seemed to relish in visiting with his customers; something he had done for the past 75 years.
THE STORE
His first formal participation in the store began after he graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1949.
Houchen and his wife, Nancy, took over ownership of the store after Houchen’s father, Clark Houchen, passed away in 1957.
Many residents have fond memories of the Houchens. During the Christmas season when people were short on money, the Houchens would let them charge their Christmas goods and pay as they could. They would host Christmas parties for customers and their families, who would often eat, shop and wrap their presents there. Carol even opened his store on Thanksgiving Day when individuals had an immediate need.
One such recipient of the Houchens’ giving nature told how his single mom would purchase items on credit, and “almost everything she gave on Christmas morning came from Houchen’s. He (Carol) always found a way to make ends meet with families here in Pendleton County.”
GIVING
It wasn’t just the clothing. . .
Read the rest of this story and other great articles in this week’s Falmouth Outlook, in print or e-edition for $1.00
HOUCHEN, Page 3