Foster’s Ark Furniture  and finally to Foster’s Furniture.

 

Bob Foster joined the business in 1965 after graduating from Kansas University.  In 1968 Aubrey Jr., “Bud” Foster, joined the family business after several years with J.C. Penney Co.  In 1975 Bud and Barbara opened the store in Winfield.  In 1978, Bob left the business and spent the next 17 years working as a manufacturer’s representative for several different furniture factories.

 

In 1995 Bob returned to the store in Arkansas City to complete his business career.  Later that year the opportunity to relocate the business arose when Cowley College bought the property.  After negotiations with Luther Parman, the decision was made to purchase his building in the 100 block of South Summit.  The name of the store was again changed—to Bob Foster’s Furniture.

 

In March of 2000, Bud and Barbara decided to retire and spend all their time playing golf—so they closed their store in Winfield.

 

And so you have a short history of our family business.  As our founder always reminded us, our guiding principal has always been—”offer your customers a good value and take care of them—and they’ll take care of you.

Bob Foster’s Furniture

Furnishing Cowley County and beyond since 1946!

A short history...

In the spring of 1946, Aubrey Foster and Ernest Casey opened their furniture store—The Ark Furniture—at 205 West Fifth Avenue.  Both men shared a common background in retailing gained from their years with Montgomery Ward.  They also shared a love for Arkansas City and a desire to raise their families in our wonderful small-town environment.  As their business grew and prospered, they expanded, acquiring the buildings at 201 West Fifth  Avenue, the home of Jess Rindt and son, and 207 & 209 West Fifth Avenue, the home of Erdman-Oldroy Funeral Home.

 

With the death of Ernest Casey in 1960, the name was changed to