Theurer's Market still the hub of Lewiston after 100 years

By Sarah Ali

September 27, 2005 | LEWISTON -- A hundred years ago, when a pound of sugar was less than a nickel and a dozen eggs only a dime more, Theurer's Market opened for business. Today Theurer's, pronounced like the word "tires," is still up and running and has no plans of closing up shop anytime soon.

According to Rick Theurer, current owner, the market has always been family business. They began in Providence when his great-grandfather Henry Reed, a Swiss immigrant, opened the first market. The family next expanded their market into Richmond and Lewiston, and today own a meat packing plant in Lewiston as well. Although the Providence store was sold the other two are still in the family.

Rick said, "I took over for my dad and uncles and now my sons are working here as well." Putting the market into the hands of the fourth Theurer's generation.

This one-stop shop has almost all you'd need wrapped under one roof. A mini video rental area, fresh veggies and fruits, locally grown and processed meat, and even fabric for those extra ambitious housewives. Rick's wife, Jerilee, runs the fabric section of the store and occasionally sells local products, like quilts.

Despite its success the market remains simple in its appearance, with hand-painted signs for the various aisles and ceramic plant pots for the vegetables. Theurer's Market not only carters to the citizens of Lewiston through the store, they also provide personally customized meats and Rick even does individual deliveries.

The meat is all provided by the family's meat packing plant that is just west of the center of town, where Theurer's market is located. The plant has beef, pork, lamb and even bison.

The city basically is centered around the market, with a gas station across the street and a theater and library just a block south. There is even a bank just east of the store. With the rise in gas prices, the people of Lewiston don't have to worry as much about driving around town to run their errands, everything is within walking distance.

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