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It all started in 1939 when Art & Mable Meeske moved their young family from their Wisner-area farm to Weeping Water where they purchased a hardware store. Meeske Hardware was originally located across the street from the current main store, in what is currently the Memory Lane Museum. 

In 1949, Meeske’s moved across the street to the current location at 214 West Eldora Ave. The Meeske Housewares building at 107 West Eldora was purchased in 1980.

Art and Mable’s son, Gayle Meeske, started working in the store in 1964 and his bother, Tom, followed in 1972. In 1974, Gayle and Tom were brought in as partners and they took over the business when Art passed away in 1976.

Gayle & Tom Meeske

The Meeske Housewares building at 107 W. Eldora circa 1920

In Memory Of Thomas Whitcomb Meeske

April 19, 1948 – October 16, 2022
Tom was born to Art and Mabel Meeske in Nebraska City, the youngest of four boys. He was proud to be a lifetime resident of Weeping Water. He and his brother, Gayle, purchased the Meeske Hardware store from their parents in 1974. Together they proudly continued providing personal service in hardware for 83 years.
Tom graduated from Weeping Water High School in 1966 and then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and studied architecture. He joined Sigma Chi fraternity where he developed many long-lasting and loyal friends.
Tom collected antique hardware tools, hardware catalogs, display cases, cars, trucks, and more. He was a storyteller, jokester, tree, and bird enthusiast, and Husker fan. He had a special relationship with children, especially generations of nieces and nephews. In August of 2014, Tom suffered a massive stroke and was unable to return to his home.

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