A&A Stieg celebrates 50 years

This year, A&A Stieg Wholesale, Inc. of Ekalaka is celebrating fifty years in business.

Alfred and Avis Stieg moved back to the area from Washington in 1971 after Alfred completed a two-week agent training course at a center in Freemont Nebraska operated by the Standard Oil Division of American Oil Company. The couple took over the Amoco from Frank Pelican and named it A&A Standard Oil.

Alfred Stieg was an Ekalaka native. He, Avis and their three children made their home in Ekalaka. Later, Amoco left the state of Montana and Alfred became independent. At that time, Stiegs changed the name of the business to A&A Stieg Wholesale.

A propane plant was built in 1976, around the same time they bought the local Conoco. Stiegs ran the business out of their home in Ekalaka until they bought the old Fairview Hotel on Main Street in 1989 and turned it into an office. That same year Al and Avis' son, Doug, and his wife, Sandy bought the business and took over.

Then, in 1994 Stieg's purchased the bulk fuel portion of the old Farmer's Union and added another bulk plant to their operations. In 1995, the old Napa store next to the Fairview Hotel was purchased, allowing Stiegs to expand on the oil and filters they sell. The expansion also allowed them to add a hardware store.

A&A Stieg Wholesale provides bulk fuel and propane. The hardware store provides an array of products including everyday hardware, plumbing, greeting cards, Quikcrete and a whole lot more. They have two bulk plants, two propane trucks and three fuel trucks to serve the needs of their customers.

In addition to owners Doug and Sandy Stieg, their children Jennifer Waterland and Justin Stieg play vital roles in the business. A&A Stieg Wholesale strives to serve customers in a timely manner and to the best of their abilities.

The family is now celebrating their 50th year in business and is hopeful of many more. All A&A Stieg Wholesale customers are invited to celebrate with them at a 50 year anniversary party this Friday, June 25. The party will take place at their shop, located at 681 Mormon Avenue in Ekalaka. A catered meal will be served by Wagon Wheel Café from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and live music from Wilder Butte Band will follow.