Hilsabeck's Has Latest Gear Wrapped In A Little History

By Jean Issler  

Stepping into Hilsabeck Sporting Goods is a unique experience, a mix of finding the latest gear for this season's chosen sport and finding a slice of sports history belonging only to Holdrege.

Brad Schneider, owner since 1988, keeps one side of the store in its original condition, or at least like it was when he bought the business from Frank and Bruce Hilsabeck. "We modernized the clothing side, but we keep the south side historic--on purpose," said Schneider.

After entering the antique split door, customers are greeted by the friendly groans and creaks of the old wood floor. The merchandise in the store is modern, but if one pauses to soak up the atmosphere, there are photos, posters and news clippings dating back to the 1940s.

The Hilsabeck brothers purchased the former Dickerson Sporting Goods in 1947. Hunting and fishing were the main sources of sales in their day. To see proof, one can step over to the south wall and see photos of the brothers with their fishing boat and boat motors displayed in that very store.

Bicycle repair has been a large part of the store's business for decades, and still is. Schneider said 200-300 bikes are repaired in the store yearly. The "shop" is at the rear area of the store along with a display of the latest bicycles for all ages of riders.

Schneider has a nice collection of Stingray Krate bikes above the display area. The model, popular in the 1960-70s, sports the "banana seat" and "butterfly handlebars."

Bike repair is another reason he has for keeping the well-worn wood floor. "Bikes come in muddy, wet and greasy sometimes. I wouldn't be able to keep a carpet clean," said Schneider.

Other items of interest in the store are sports posters, modern day and dating back a few decades to when Larry Bird and Chris Evert were at the top of their games. One gem of a poster touts an evening of pro wrestling at the City Auditorium in 1971. It goes without saying that the Dusters and the Huskers are prominent among the memorabilia.

Today, Schneider stocks the latest styles of sportswear and fan gear. In his early years of owning the store, he phased out the hunting and fishing gear as those activities waned. The bulk of sales is now shoes and clothing.

Helping customers find their purchases are Linda Hansen and Marlene Hilman. Part time clerks are college student Jacob Pfeifer and high school students Isaac Holman and Jared Hunke. Schneider's brother Doug comes in occasionally to help with bicycle repair.

He keeps a large inventory with a big variety of items in both Duster and Husker clothing. Finding unique Duster items like jackets, shirts and winter gear is a specialty for Schneider. He is sure to stock up on men's, women's and children's styles. School letter jackets are becoming popular again at Holdrege High and other area schools and Hilsabeck can stock them at reasonable prices.

Schneider said he enjoys a good relationship with the schools and appreciates their patronage. He was even able to supply goal posts for the Holdrege football field.

The busiest season for the store has lately been baseball. It supplied eleven towns with uniforms and all their equipment, from balls to gloves. Schneider said there are a hundred styles of baseball gloves, but he can get whatever the athletes need.

That applies to almost any sport found in the Holdrege area. Hilsabeck's carries Taylor Made and Wilson golf clubs and golf supplies and accessories. The store carries six top brands of shoes and actually sells more shoes to adults than students. Braces and other sports medicine needs are in stock.

Hilsabeck Sporting Goods has been in business since 1947 because it has adapted over the years to the changing needs of its customers. Keeping the history of the store alive in the creaky floor, the old photos and the mementos is a treat.

Hilsabeck's is located downtown at 408 East Avenue and the phone number is 308-995-5081. Check their Facebook page for numerous photos of their stylish gear.