FENTON BROS ELEC CO

Almost 80 years ago, Leo and Jenny Fenton planted 800 peach trees at Newcomerstown in hopes of making enough money to send their sons, Dale, Harold and Leo to college.

They were successful and the brothers graduated from Bliss Electrical at Tacoma, Md. Since all three boys graduated during a turbulent time, each went to serve their country. Dale and Harold joined the Army while Leo joined the Navy.

After their military service during World War II, the three brothers purchased land at 235 Ray Avenue NE, New Philadelphia, from the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau. Materials were scarce after the war so the three brothers cut their own timber and hauled it to the sawmill for processing into boards and planks. The chrome plated two-man saw that cut the timber still hangs on the wall of the original building along with plaque that reads In Loving Memory of Our Dad. It serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made buy Leo and Jenny so the rest of the family could be where they are today.

The three brothers credit any success to the Lord, saying they were short on business ability and long on mistakes. The first heating system was recycled from an old schoolhouse and much time was spent stoking it to heat the building. The three brothers packed their lunches and ate at work. Having only one truck for the business and nobody but themselves to answer the phone, they could not leave for lunch.

In May 1947, they opened a 30- by 40-foot electric motor shop that primarily served more than 65 dairy farms including many dairy farms throughout Tuscarawas County. The brothers were responsible for the construction designs of five battery-operated mine locomotives.

In the early 1950's, Fenton Brothers' Electric became a Milwaukee Electric Tool distributor and shortly after that, the company added the Klein tool line. Next came the exclusive distributorship of the full line of Square D products. The company has continued to expand its product lines to include the leading manufactures of electrical equipment and supplies for industrial and electrical contractors in Tuscarawas and surrounding counties.

In 1979, Fenton Brothers' was one of the only two businesses in the New Philadelphia area to install a Point of Sale computer system that accurately tracked consumers sales. With the expertise of Charlie Graham, the company is now generating the general ledger monthly statements and continuing to upgrade the computer system.

Increased sales allowed for the purchase of two abandoned railroad lands and removal of four houses to the east of the original building. The three brothers had sons who were interested in their business and chose darer paths to carry on with the family tradition. In the early 80's, with the retirement of Dale, Harold and Leo, their sons purchased the business.

The business continues today with Tom as president; Denny, vice-president; Chris, secretary; and Brian, treasurer. The untimely death of Ron has left a void in the company that will not be filled any time soon.

The company has 35 employees today, and all are considered part of the family,, Tom Fenton said, The experience and loyalty they bring to their jobs every day is priceless.

The company now has shop facilities to repair and rewind motors up to 500 horse power. The business also stocks a complete line of motors, control equipment, power tools and service equipment. Since 1984, with the opening of Fenton's Festival of Lights, the operation also has the largest lighting fixture showroom in Tuscarawas County.

We service homeowners and contractors alike. We are always looking for additional ways to service our customers' needs. Our celebration is not about what we have done, but what our customers have done for us. Thank you doesn't seam like enough for the supporting for 60 years.