Our Rich Heritage Since 1954
From humble beginnings as Whitesboro Manufacturing Co. to becoming a cherished community landmark, discover the story of how Lovejoys has evolved while keeping its heart in tradition.
1954
Vivian and Bill Young (Rita’s parents), Gladys Hefner, and Ginny Lee McDowell start Whitesboro Manufacturing Co. Inc., a sewing factory above Jim Smallwood’s station making dresses and blouses for Jeanie Co.
June 1954
Hank begins working at the Whitesboro Finley-Hayes drug store located at 125 E Main St. as the soda jerk. Rita walks from "the factory" with a little girl she was babysitting, stops in the drugstore for a cherry Coke, and Hank and Rita meet.
1958
On June 15th, Hank and Rita are married at the First Baptist Church in Whitesboro.
1959-1960
A building is built to accommodate up to 75 employees. The old Catholic church is torn down to make room, and Hank and Rita use beams from the church in their home.
1962-1965-1971
In the span of 8 years, Hank and Rita start their family and have three children: Chris, Laurie & Sharon.
1983-1985
Hank and Rita buy Whitesboro Mfg Co. Inc, moving twenty machines to 138 E. Main (the current location) & rename the business, Lovejoy Cutting Room, Inc.
Later in 1985 they open up the front of the cutting room to become a retail fabric store. They also begin making and selling their own line of ready-made sweatsuits with ruffles down the sleeves.
1994-2002
The retail store is remodeled and no longer sells fabric, but home décor and clothing. Sewing operations are discontinued and the current name, Lovejoys on Main, is established.
Lovejoys kids corner is added in 2002 and Ty Beanie Babies™ draw in large crowds. Lovejoys opens the "Sweet Shop" serving only desserts. The brick columns are added using brick from buildings formerly on Main Street near the current fire station.
2004
The café, which was originally called "The Cook's Hat," is started and begins serving a limited lunch menu.
2010
Hank and Chris build the Old Fashioned Soda Fountain modeled after the Finley-Hayes fountain, where Hank "met his Maker and his mate!"
2011-2015
Chris and his wife, Lesa, open the bakery in October before Peanut Festival.
In 2015 the building is closed for 5 weeks in the summer for renovations: removing the drop ceiling and revealing the original beams.
2021-2023-present
Lovejoys has their Grand Re-Opening with new lunch hours and branding.
November 10, 2023
Rita's earthly service is completed and she goes Home to meet her Maker, Jesus.
Hank continues to this day to serve patrons of the store and restaurant and to joyfully testify of the goodness of the Lord.
Continuing Our Story
Today, Lovejoys stands as a testament to innovation and tradition, offering a unique blend of dining, shopping, and community experiences that honor our past while embracing the future.
