PORT CARBON -- Abdo's Furniture Outlet in Port Carbon survived the Great Depression, World War II and flooding.
After 109 years, the family-owned business is saying good-bye.
Richard Abdo grew up in Schuylkill County and in the furniture business.
He's the third-generation owner of the furniture outlet in Port Carbon.
The family business has been around since 1906, but in just a few days, the furniture outlet will close for good.
Abdo said, "The children don't want the business, so I'm going fishing."
The Abdos said once they clear out everything in the shop and in their warehouse, that's when they'll close up and it looks like it could happen pretty soon.
"I'm going to say in another 10 days we'll be sold out."
Abdo has been in charge of the furniture shop since 1974, but he says it wasn't always easy.
A flood in 2006 cost the business nearly $50,000. Newswatch 16 was there when employees had to clean up the mess.
Abdo said that thanks to hard work and the kindness of people in Schuylkill County, the store did bounce back.
"Had to start all over again," said Abdo.
The customers never stopped coming, like Beverly Kreiger of Ringtown. When she heard the store was closing she wanted to buy one last thing since she trusts the quality of the furniture.
"Way back in 1983, we bought a kitchen set and I have to tell you, truthfully, my son and daughter-in-law still have that set in their kitchen," said Kreiger.
If you take a walk around the store on Coal Street in the borough, you'll find pictures of the Abdo family and their extended family, the Port Carbon community. That's what Abdo says he'll miss the most.
"That's what makes a community, when people help each other and it goes around in a circle. It's been very, very, very humbling and proud."
The Adbos will still own the building on Coal Street in Port Carbon. They hope to rent or lease the space to another small business owner who needs a fresh start.
