By Robert Downey, Staff Writer
From the July 25, 1985 edition of The Salem Times-Register
The mention of Main Street in Salem might bring visions of empty buildings and parking lots to many, but to Bob Logan it has meant an opportunity to express a commitment to other Salem Merchants.
After extensive interior and exterior renovations to the building which housed the old Eagle Store downtown, Logan has moved his furniture business there from College Avenue.
Now called “Logan’s Furniture”, the business began as the “Furniture Mart” when it was opened by the late Henry Stokes in 1946.
Logan purchased the firm in 1978, and in 1983, he changed the name.
Earlier this year, Logan’s son, Rob, expressed a desire to join the prospering family business.
A need for more room prompted the expenditure of about $14,000 to completely remodel the front of the vacant downtown store, and to paint the interior. Moveable partitions have been installed to create room “areas” for displaying furniture.
“This building was just ideal,” Bob Logan said, and his son quickly added, “It gave us an opportunity to fill one of the holes on Main Street.”
Logan’s Furniture is best known for its high-quality Henkel-Harris furniture and its American antiques. Now that the expansion is complete, the Logans have added pine and oak country furniture, oriental rugs, lamps, and bedding.
“We sell strictly high-quality furniture, which gives us the best possible clientele,” says the elder Logan. “Our customers are very happy with what they buy and we have no problems with merchandise.”
Rob Logan added, “Our business is such that our clients are spread out— Roanoke City and County, The New River Valley and other areas as well as Salem.”
Other merchants on Main Street are happy with their new neighbors. Dennis West of the West Heritage Store said, “They’ve made a real effort to represent their business and to brighten the downtown area. More businesses will benefit all of us in downtown.
Cindy Menefee of Salem Office Supply agreed. “From the outside, the store looks real nice…they have done a lot for the block.” She added, “We wish we could someone in the Newberry’s building.”
The Logans plan to stay downtown. “Our family has been rooted in Salem for a longtime. We have no desire to leave, “Rob Logan said.
-Prepared by Shelly Koon
