Still Old School
Ford's Department Store
Some people retire. Tom sold shoes.
The Story
Hamilton department store on Main Street since 1947. Western wear, workwear, boots and housewares under one roof, and still a Ford behind the counter.
Ford’s has been selling clothes on West Main in Hamilton since 1947. It carries the mix a valley department store always carried: western wear, workwear, cowboy boots, work boots, dress shoes, sneakers, and a home department with linens, towels, pillows and rugs.
The family story starts in 1929, when J.C. Penney opened a Hamilton store and picked John Ford to manage it. After 18 years he went out on his own, and he and his wife Alene ran the new store together. Their son Tom took over in 1960. Tom was the shoe guy. He was still helping customers in the shoe department into his 90s.
His kids, Julie and Alan, made it three generations. Julie was managing the women’s department around 1980, and Alan had taken over by the mid-’80s.
Need boots? Go get fitted.
Why It's Still Old School
Three generations of Fords. Tom Ford was still helping customers in the shoe department into his 90s. Some people retire. Tom sold shoes.
Photos
Coming soon. Know something that belongs here?
Still There.
- Address
- 136 W. Main St., Hamilton, MT, 59840
- Phone
- 406-363-2251
Sources
Got a Story About This Place?
You're Old School Montana if... the pharmacist knew your name, your mom's name, and exactly which cough syrup you'd put up a fight about
You're Old School Montana if... you bought school jeans and work boots at the same downtown store your folks did
What do you say?
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