Dream it.

JW Birt was a Jellico mountaineer, working at the sawmill. He dreamed of starting a business of his own in the booming economy which resulted from the expanding railroad lines throughout the Midwest and South in the early part of the 20th century. JW, his wife along with their five sons and a daughter, eventually landed in Ohio. JW Birt, Harry Birt Sr. and Frank Birt (two of JW’s son), decided to put down roots in Burkettsville, a small railroad town with promising prospects. Soon afterwards, Harry Sr. became the railroad depot manager in Coldwater. Upon hearing the “buzz” among people that a local store closing, JW purchased the inventory and hired a wagon and team, or “huckster wagon,” and opened up a traveling Dry Goods and Grocery Store.

The current home of Harry Birt’s Store came when Harry Birt Sr. rented and eventually acquired an apartment building which was part of the old Peter’s Hotel, located in New Weston, after having met and fallen in love with Hazel Peters, the hotel owner’s daughter. Many interesting stories are told about the Peter’s Hotel, which was considered a “community hub” in the old days; it is rumored that one may have caught a glimpse of Miss Annie Oakley, sitting in front of a potbelly stove, waiting for the next train to come through town and hearing all the latest local news. When Harry Sr. first rented out a space in the Peter’s Hotel apartment, there were three other grocery and dry goods stores established in town. He considered selling his inventory; however, as fate would have it, the other businesses closed soon thereafter, and Harry Sr.’s was the only business left standing. Thus, Harry Birt’s Store came to reside in New Weston, near and amid the grounds of the old Peter’s Hotel in 1920.

Build it.

Buying in bulk was the mainstay of grocery stores back in the 1920’s and 30’s, with vinegar being sold in 100 gallon barrels and other common staples, such as coffee, flour and sugar, being hauled in by the load. Busy shoppers would hand their lists to Harry Sr, and he would retrieve, measure and weigh the goods in the store.

Brad’s father, Harry Birt Jr. was the first Birt to make candy a mainstay item at the store. After having served in the Merchant Marines in World War II, and the Coast Guard during the Korean War, Harry Jr. returned home to Ohio. His father, Harry Sr, asked him to “help out” at the store. It was Harry Jr. who suggested that Harry Birt’s Store expand its fresh fruit and candy selections. Moreover, it was Harry Jr. who made the weekly “runs” to neighboring states, such as Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, with his dad, Harry Sr, and son, Brad, at six months old, in the family’s station wagon.

While the first sweets offered at Harry Birt’s Store were candied orange slices, white peppermint lozenges, and chocolate drops, the selection has grown over the years, offering well over 500 varieties of candies all year round. Every year, Harry Birt’s Store introduces special, one-of-a-kind treats and chocolates for the holiday season. Be sure to come in after Thanksgiving to try the new holiday candies!

Grow it.

In 2018, Harry Birt’s Store released its original recipe and self-created chocolates - peanut butter cremes, maple cremes, and blueberry cremes. This Christmas (2020), Raspberry and Lemon Cremes were introduced and added to the bunch.

What’s kept them here so long? The foundation to treat people how you want to be treated, the mindset to have a good product at a reasonable price, and the motto that a balanced diet is chocolate in both hands! And above all, the support of a community that feels like family - you may come to Harry Birt’s Store as a stranger, but you’ll leave here as a friend!

What’s next? The sky’s the limit! No decision is made spontaneously - every project and every step forward takes years of planning and preparing. They have many dreams for this little store, and are eager and excited to watch them come to life! One day, they’d love to see their chocolates in the hands of people all across the world! They’re already looking forward to the next 100+ years to come!

This year, the store celebrates it’s 103rd Anniversary! The store has been owned and operated by 4 generations of the same family for the last century. It is currently owned by Brad Birt (3rd generation) and assisted by his wife, Teresa Birt, and daughter, Nicole Birt-Dulle, (4th generation).

We hope we’re making you proud, JW, Harry Sr, and Harry Jr!