The Big Store in a Small Town

Elbert’s Clothing Store located in Gallatin Mo has a long and interesting history.

Eddie Elbert and a partner purchased the original Farmer Store in Gallatin in 1930 and several years later Eddie became the sole owner. The store has survived through much adversity including the depression and two different fires.

The store has been owned by the Elbert family since 1931 with the exception of a couple of times when the store was sold and then later repurchased. Eddie’s son Spence and his wife Judy became co-owners and managers of the store in the late 60’s when it was repurchased. Shortly after the name was changed from The Farmer Store to Elbert’s Department Store, the name of two other stores Eddie owned in neighboring towns. Those stores were eventually incorporated into the Gallatin location.