Source: News-Journal, August 16, 1973 Centennial Section

Rollin Smith Started Firm 32 Years Ago

Rollin Smith Heating and Plumbing is a family success story covering the past 32 years of North Manchester's history.

The Smith family story starts with a business created in a home basement and expanding to one of the major heating and plumbing businesses in the area.

Rollin and Betty Smith opened their  business in 1941 in the basement of her parent's home on 308 North Walnut. The business remained there for nearly a year and then moved to 218 E. Main, the present location of the Party Center.

The Smiths' got off the ground with a 90 day work contract from Thomas Peabody. They hired nine men to help them remodel several Peabody businesses in the Columbia City area. With that for a start, the business continued to grow.

Rollin served a year and a half in the service during World War II and returned to North Manchester in 1944 to continue his work.

The Smiths expanded their operation in 1951 with the construction of a gas bulk plant west of North Manchester. This was later sold and is the present Blue Flame plant.

Three years later they moved their business to its present site at the intersection of State Roads 114 and 13.

Rollin Smith Heating and Plumbing currently uses three office employees and maintains a work crew of six to ten men.

The Smiths have constructed several new homes in the area but remodeling is their main business. Rollin indicated "People are doing a lot of remodeling these days. It has probably increased by 50 percent in the last five years. People want more luxuries in their homes and they're willing to sacrifice to have color appliances, ice makers in their refrigerators and other conveniences."

The Smiths carry an extensive line of heating and plumbing goods. Ten kitchen cabinet manufacturers stock their goods for display and sale purposes at the store. Major names such as Admiral, Frigidaire, Tappan, Lennox, American Standard and others are among those sold.

Source: News-Journal, February 3, 1955

See Rollin L. Smith
for BOTTLE GAS
Economical Delivery to Your Door
Junction-Roads 13 and 114   Phone 16

Source: News-Journal, August 16, 1973, Ad:

No Need To Huddle To The Kitchen Stove Anymore!

We have all you need to keep you warm in the winter
--and cool during the summer. Visit us soon!

Rollin Smith
Heating & Plumbing
St. Rd. 13

1956 Advertising Calendar, Rollin L. Smith--