Family owned business in Hillsboro, North Dakota, 1929-1995

Fankhanel's Variety Store (1929-1995)

Fankhanel's Variety Store in Hillsboro, North Dakota, was a family operated business for 66 years. Paul Fankhanel and his wife, Julia, opened the store in September 1929. They ran the store until 1949, at which time Paul contracted tuberculosis. Paul died in 1964 followed by Julia in 1976. Paul and Julia had five children: Dolores, Earl, Lois, Julian, and James. Earl Fankhanel returned to Hillsboro in 1949 after serving in the Navy Air Force. Earl and his mother operated the store together from 1949 until 1964, at which time Earl and his wife, Joyce, purchased the store.

The store sold a variety of merchandise including crystal ware, kitchen items, crafts, and clothing. There was also a candy counter which was well-known for selling penny and bulk candy. Fankhanel's candy counter was the only one in the state which sold Brach candy in bulk. Fankhanel's Variety Store closed in 1995 upon the retirement of Earl and Joyce Fankhanel.

Business and Industry
Hillsboro, North Dakota