The term “throwaway society” makes Mike McGie cringe.
The term was coined from the prevalence of inexpensive, cheaply made products, such as furniture or shoes — heck, even cars — that are designed to be used, discarded and replaced rather than repaired.
However, what’s cheaper now often turns out costing the consumer more in the long run, notes McGie, who has owned Heigele’s Repair Shop for the past 20 years.
“Most of my work comes from antiques,” McGie said. “People will bring in a quality piece of furniture they know is better than something made from particleboard or plywood. Or, it’s sentimental, something Grandpa had, and it has fun memories.”
McGie specializes in upholstery repair, which covers everything from furniture to awnings, convertibles and tarps.
Heigele’s, at more than 120 years old, is one of Iola’s longest continuing businesses.
The shop’s origins date back to 1881 when Phil Heigele opened a harness and tack store in Abilene.
That store burned, so he moved a few miles away to Solomon before migrating to Iola and opening a store in 1901.
Phil and his son, Ballou, started the store across the street from its present location at 201 South St.
Ballou eventually took over in 1920, just in time to face the toughest competition in the business’s career — Henry Ford and his Model T.
In a snap, demand for harnesses plummeted.
But with every cloud comes a silver lining.
Heigele realized those new horseless buggies featured upholstery that wore out just as harnesses did.
And with the skill and equipment already in place, Ballou was ready to adapt.
The store relocated to its present location in 1925.
Ballou Jr. — Stub — joined the operation as a child, and worked at the shop through high school and junior college.
After serving in the military during World War II, he returned in 1946 to go into partnership with ihs father.
