Marathon, Texas - 1900 The French Co. Story
The French Co. was owned by Lucille French-Clark from about 1920 when she inherited it from her father, to 1972 when she sold it. It closed a few years after that. Her father, W.M. French, started the W.M. French General Merchandise in 1900. It was the first general store in Marathon and was located in the current Evans Gallery on the south side of the RR tracks. Lucille later moved the store to the north side of the RR tracks in what is now Chisos Gallery. Those that were raised in Marathon remember the daily routine of going to the French Co. Some people called it Frenchie’s. Lucille was a large figure in this town. She had a reputation of being very frugal and rigid, and she also had a reputation for a soft side. The stories are being documented right now so that they can be shared with everyone. Every year she gave out small trinkets to her customers, a mop holder, a calendar, a framed poem, etc. They all would have the French Co. name on them. We are trying to collect what is left of these to hang on the wall in the store.
This store is a tribute to Lucille French and to all of those that remember the French Company.
The French Co. was owned by Lucille French-Clark from about 1920 when she inherited it from her father, to 1972 when she sold it. It closed a few years after that. Her father, W.M. French, started the W.M. French General Merchandise in 1900. It was the first general store in Marathon and was located in the current Evans Gallery on the south side of the RR tracks. Lucille later moved the store to the north side of the RR tracks in what is now Chisos Gallery. Those that were raised in Marathon remember the daily routine of going to the French Co. Some people called it Frenchie’s. Lucille was a large figure in this town. She had a reputation of being very frugal and rigid, and she also had a reputation for a soft side. The stories are being documented right now so that they can be shared with everyone. Every year she gave out small trinkets to her customers, a mop holder, a calendar, a framed poem, etc. They all would have the French Co. name on them. We are trying to collect what is left of these to hang on the wall in the store.
This store is a tribute to Lucille French and to all of those that remember the French Company.
"The French Co." history
