CRESCENT SPRINGS, Ky. — Rose Wilson and her family opened Crescent Springs Hardware on July 1, 1972. Fifty years later, the hardware business is better than ever. 

“The store was about a third of the size that it is today, so it was much simpler,” Wilson said.

She said running a business comes with challenges especially she’s been a widow for 18 years. But Wilson has five of her kids and a couple grandchildren helping keep the business running. Cathy Croley, Wilson’s daughter, said she’s grown up in the store.

“I don’t know any different because it’s all I know, but it was awesome. I’ve learned so many different things being here,” Croley said.

The City of Crescent Springs named July 1 as Crescent Springs Hardware Day.

“To me, there’s no better city than Crescent Springs to live and work in,” Wilson said.

Spectrum News 1 asked what was the secret to keeping business alive for five decades?

“My family,” Wilson said.

Community members have been congratulating and helping them celebrate all week. Croley said they even had a celebration last weekend.

“We just show up at our job and do what we know and you don’t think about what it’s doing to the community, you just do your job, and it’s just made us realize how vital we really are to the community,” Croley said.

This family expressed their gratitude for the people who’ve shown support and come shop at their store over the decades.

“Every day we just know there’s a certain amount who are almost daily shoppers, weekly shoppers, monthly shoppers but we appreciate them all whether they’re spending a dollar or a hundred dollars,” Wilson said.