KEYESER — New Year’s Eve will be different here.
June Gilbertson shows off the men's outhouse located behind Gilbertson’s Store, which was built in 1894 without bathrooms. None were added over the past 130 years, so the outhouses have been mainstays for the Columbia County business.
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Kenny Gilbertson mans the front counter of his store on its last day of business in Keyeser, a small community northeast of Deforest. The store was established by his great uncle in 1894 and then in 1935 was taken over by his father. Kenny and his wife, June, bought the business in 2003, but Kenny had spent years prior working at the store while also running a nearby tobacco farm.
Gilbertson’s Store was buzzing with customers Thursday as owners June and Kenny Gilbertson had their last day of business, which coincided with their 65th wedding anniversary. They served up cans and bottles of beer, ham sandwiches and deviled eggs.
Gilbertson’s Store in Keyeser was a throwback, selling everything from denim jeans and fan belts to cans of soup, blocks of cheese and slabs of bacon. The store closed on Thursday after 130 years in business.
Depleted shelves at Gilbertson’s Store share a wall during the last day of business for the historic store.
June Gilbertson and her grandson, Jason Gilbertson, share an embrace Thursday after Jason arrived from St. Louis to help mark the last day of the family-owned Gilbertson’s Store in the Columbia County hamlet of Keyeser. Jason, 46, grew up just down the road from the store.
Keith Gilbertson, son of Gilbertson’s Store owners Ken and June Gilbertson, reflects on the family’s long history with the business.
Photos: A last look at Gilbertson's Store in Keyeser
Kenny Gilbertson mans the front counter of his store on its last day of business in Keyeser, a small community northeast of Deforest. The store was established by his great uncle in 1894 and then in 1935 was taken over by his father. Kenny and his wife, June, bought the business in 2003, but Kenny had spent years prior working at the store while also running a nearby tobacco farm.
Long-time patrons of Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. gather on the last day of business for the store Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
An array of beer bottles share a shelf at Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Gilbertson’s Store in Keyeser was a throwback, selling everything from denim jeans and fan belts to cans of soup, blocks of cheese and slabs of bacon. The store closed on Thursday after 130 years in business.
Depleted shelves at Gilbertson’s Store share a wall during the last day of business for the historic store.
Interior of Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Drew Manthe and his daughter, Grace, 3, explore a Halloween treat bag given to them by Gilbertson’s General Store owner Ken Gilbertson, behind, during their visit to the historic in the town of Keyeser, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
June Gilbertson shows off the men's outhouse located behind Gilbertson’s Store, which was built in 1894 without bathrooms. None were added over the past 130 years, so the outhouses have been mainstays for the Columbia County business.
Long-time patrons of Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. gather on the last day of business for the store Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Window decals from years-gone-by adorn the front door of Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
June Gilbertson and her grandson, Jason Gilbertson, share an embrace Thursday after Jason arrived from St. Louis to help mark the last day of the family-owned Gilbertson’s Store in the Columbia County hamlet of Keyeser. Jason, 46, grew up just down the road from the store.
Gilbertson’s Store was buzzing with customers Thursday as owners June and Kenny Gilbertson had their last day of business, which coincided with their 65th wedding anniversary. They served up cans and bottles of beer, ham sandwiches and deviled eggs.
June Gilbertson closes an historic cooler door at Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Keith Gilbertson, son of Gilbertson’s Store owners Ken and June Gilbertson, reflects on the family’s long history with the business.
A well-wisher leaves a sentiment in a book for Gilbertson’s Store owners Ken and June Gilbertson on Thursday, the store's final day of business after 130 years.
Long-time patrons of Gilbertson’s General Store in the town of Keyeser, Wis. gather on the last day of business for the store Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
Barry Adams covers regional news for the Wisconsin State Journal. Send him ideas for On Wisconsin at 608-252-6148 or by email at badams@madison.com.

