McChesney and Miller In 1862, Joseph R. McChesney, a resident of Glen Ellyn, figured out that the townspeople needed a store in his town. He decided to open McChesney Grocery on the west side of Main Street. He opened the store in Danby, which was later renamed Glen Ellyn. The people who lived in Danby welcomed having the little grocery store in the town. Click to keep reading.

As the years went by, a son named Joseph D As the years went by, a son named Joseph D. McChesney bought into the family business. He helped to grow the store. He made changes because customers wanted more things to buy more than just groceries. McChesney's began selling household items and clothing in the store. It became more like a general store.

In 1913 Oscar Miller entered the grocery business In 1913 Oscar Miller entered the grocery business. He was only 23 years old. He opened a meat market next door to McChesney Grocery at 475 Main Street. By 1920 Charlie McChesney and Oscar Miller decided to join forces. They agreed to join together as McChesney and Miller, Inc. in 1920.

In 1984 the Illinois State Historical Society honored McChesney and Miller Grocery and Market as DuPage County's oldest grocery store. A plaque which honors the store can be found on Main Street next to The Book Store, which is the location of the original grocery store. The store is still run by descendants or grandchildren and great grandchildren of the original founders.

General stores were usually located in small towns and sold a wide variety of merchandise, but they were not divided into departments like modern day stores are today. General stores sold many things that people would need right away, but could not make or grow for themselves. General stores would sell material (to make clothes), flour, sugar, salt, coffee, tea, nails, tools, and much, much more. Click on the start to return to the story.