THE YEARS PAST...
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 - 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.
1955
In 1955, Whitesboro Mfg. Co. moves to Main Street in the building that is now the Whitesboro News Record.
1958
In 1958, on June 15th, Hank and Rita are married at the First Baptist Church in Whitesboro.
1959-60
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.
1962-71
In the span of 8 years, Hank and Rita start their family and have three children: Chris, Laurie & Sharon.
1983
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.
1985
Hank and Rita 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
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.
1996
Lovejoys kids corner is added and the Ty Beanie Babies™ draw in large crowds.
2002
Lovejoys kids corner is added and the Ty Beanie Babies™ draw in large crowds. Lovejoys opens "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.
Hank and Ed Hayes
2011
Chris and his wife, Lesa, open the bakery in October before Peanut Festival.
2015
The building is closed for 5 weeks in the summer for renovations: removing the drop ceiling and revealing the original beams.
2021
Lovejoys has their Grand Re-Opening with new lunch hours and branding.
2025
The online store launches and is always open for business!
Shop Now!