130 years ago, a business partnership between Ben Weber and Clem Hoedebecke began, selling groceries, hardware, and implements. The partnership dissolved a short time later with Hoedebecke continuing with the grocery store, and Ben Weber starting Ben Weber Hardware and Implements.

At that time, the store carried wagons, wood and coal-burning kitchen ranges, heating stoves, and hand-operated washers with rinsing tubs as well as implements like walking plows and cultivators. In 1903, Ben’s brother William “Bill” Weber joined Ben and a business partnership began as Weber Brothers Hardware and Implement Co.

In 1930, electricity gave a great boost to the community. Refrigerators replaced ice boxes, and electric irons and washers were introduced. Water systems with electric pumps were installed, which made it possible to have a modern bathroom. Heating and plumbing became a big business.

With the death of Ben in 1947 and later Bill, the business split. The heirs of Bill Weber took over the implements and parts business, and it was renamed Weber Implement Company. The business then sold to the heirs of Ben Weber, continuing the hardware and appliance business in the original building. It was known as Weber Bros Equipment, Incorporated, and they added radios, televisions, and guns to their products. An addition was added in 1967 for the Honda motorcycle business. The Honda dealership was sold in 2017.

When Bill and Ben Weber opened their doors in 1895, their motto was “The Store of Quality and Good Service.” That still holds true today. Weber Bros’s service department is what truly sets them apart from other appliance stores. They have been named Best Appliance Dealer for many years in the Effingham area. In fact, Weber Bros has been selling Frigidaire products for over 100 years and are the oldest Frigidaire retailer in the nation. Other major appliance lines include Speed Queen, Maytag, Amana, Midea, and Sharp. Weber Bros has certified service technicians with over 145 years of combined experience. Their hardware store is one-of-a-kind. After the big box stores came to the area, many hardware stores closed their doors. Weber Bros hardware has remained strong and is one of the few “mom-and-pop” hardware stores that still exists today. The service department has always remained an integral part of their business. Now in their fifth generation, they still stand by the motto: The Store of Quality and Good Service. We Service What We Sell.