‘Heart-breaking decision.’ After 100 years, Tri-Cities store is closing - Tri-City Herald

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Kennewick, WA

One of the Tri-Cities’ oldest businesses is ending 100 years of sales and service to farmers and homeowners Monday.

On Sunday fourth-generation owner Chris Ingersoll said that Farmers Exchange, a farm and garden store in downtown Kennewick, Wash., has “faced increasingly difficult economic conditions.”

“After careful consideration, we have made the heartbreaking decision to close our doors,” he said in an announcement.

The store at 215 W. Canal Drive opened in 1924, originally serving mostly farmers.

But in recent years many of its customers are homeowners coming to the store to buy plants from its nursery; equipment like mowers and chainsaws from its lawn and garden center; and dog and cat food from its feed department.

The store has prided itself on quality and unparalleled customer service.

An employee cleans cobwebs from side of the distinctive Farmers Exchange building in downtown Kennewick. Bob Brawdy Tri-City Herald file

Most customers remember it under the leadership of Ken Silliman, who joined his father, E.A. Silliman, and brother at the store in 1953.

He maintained a desk at Farmers Exchange until his death at the age of 89 in 2021.

Ken Silliman sold the store to the third generation, his son, Keith Silliman, in 1997, who sold to his nephew Ingersoll in 2021.

Ken Silliman received Farmers Exchanged from his father, E.A. Silliman, standing at the left in the photograph Ken is holding, which shows the store in 1938 or 1939. Also shown are Ken’s wife, Arlene, and son, Keith. Tri-City Herald file

“As we reflect on our 100-year history, we are profoundly grateful for the trust and support of the Kennewick community,” Ingersoll said in the announcement of the story closing. “While this decision is necessary, it is nonetheless a deeply somber moment for all of us at Farmers Exchange.”

Customers with pending orders or repairs should call Farmers Exchange at 509-586-3101.

Senior staff writer Annette Cary covers Hanford, energy, the environment, science and health for the Tri-City Herald. She’s been a news reporter for more than 30 years in the Pacific Northwest. Support my work with a digital subscription

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‘Heart-breaking decision.’ After 100 years, Tri-Cities store is closing - Tri-City Herald
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