We’re excited to celebrate 75 years of business—all thanks to you! To thank you, we will promote an item in our store each month. In addition to our history page, we would like to share some additional information about our beginnings. Read each month to learn a little about us and how far we’ve come.
Kucker Haney Paint was initially incorporated on August 1, 1950, by Bill Haney as Haney’s Paint Center. The original storefront was located at 828 Prospect Street in Trenton (zip codes did not yet exist. They came into being in 1963). If you look closely at our first ads, we had a five-digit phone number.
What was going on in the 1950’s?
It was a pretty interesting time. Commerce was booming after World War II; opening a business was great. Our soft opening was in August, followed by a grand opening in the first week of October. Harry S. Truman was President, and unfortunately, the Korean War had just begun. Mortgage rates were at 4%; houses were being built to offset the housing shortage after World War II. The average home price was $7354.00. The average family income was about $3,300.00 a year. Milk was .83 cents a gallon, bread .14 cents a loaf, and gas .27 cents a gallon. Interior paint was available in two finishes: flat or semi-gloss.
Bold colors, playful patterns, and a mix of modern and traditional elements characterized 1950s home decor. Living rooms often featured vibrant hues like turquoise, pink, and mustard yellow, paired with geometric or atomic patterns on furniture and textiles. Mid-century modern design became a staple, with sleek furniture, tapered legs, and functional pieces. Accessories like starburst clocks, textured rugs, and glass or ceramic lamps added personality, while wood paneling and built-in storage brought warmth and practicality to the space. This era embraced a lively, optimistic aesthetic that reflected the post-war boom.
Today’s Benjamin Moore products have expanded to include finishes such as matte, eggshell, satin/pearl, and gloss, along with the classics: flat and semi-gloss. In 1950, we strived to offer our customers the best service and products, continuing with that philosophy today. Stay tuned for our next chapter.
Between the 1950’s and 1960’s was a busy time at Haney Paint. Don Haws, while active in the National Guard, became a partner in the business. In 1954, Don married Doris Knoblach (they remained married until Don passed away in 2015). Bill Haney passed away in the late 1950s. The store moved from its original location to Prospect Street and North Olden Ave, a larger location. In 1957, Don Haws, President of Haney Paint, merged with Tom Kucker of Kucker Paint forming the present company. At this time, Elmer Miller, former vice president of Solfo Paint joined the business as an Outside Sales Representative. The business continued to grow, resulting in a move to 1237 East State Street. As the business grew, Don and Tom looked to expand, opening a second store in Mercerville; its Grand Opening was in March of 1968.
Check in next month to see what we were up to in the 1970s.
Mid 1960’s Trivia
Gas- $.31 cents
Postage- $.03 cents
Tickets to Woodstock- $8
1968 Ford Mustang Fastback $3000
Levi Jeans- $5 each
Eggs .54 a dozen
Bread .21 white loaf with delivery
MIlk .53 half gallon with delivery
Average house $12,700.00Sources
doyouremember.com
stacker.com
retrowow.com
The 1970s The Big Move
The early 70s were a time of growth in the paint business. New developments were being built in Hamilton, Ewing, and Lawrence. Having decided to close the smaller branch store in Mercerville, Tom Kucker, and business partner Don Haws began looking for a new, larger location. In 1976 they purchased the “Mrs.G” building on Nottingham Way. The 5000 square foot store was the perfect fit for a paint store.
Most of the summer of 1976 was spent setting up the new location and transferring inventory. By August of the same year, the new location was up and running, carrying Cabots Stains, Olympic Stains, Fuller O’Brien Paint, and Pierce Spiffy Paint.
Look for the 1980’s and the beginning of …..BENJAMIN MOORE PAINT at Kucker Haney!
1970’s Trivia
Milk – ½ gallon .78
Pound of butter $1.00
Dozen eggs .61
Apples .34/lb.
Gallon of gas .36
Mustang -1972 2,510.00
Washing machine (Sears) 220.00 Dryer (Sears) 90.00 -1972
Average home price in 1975 was $40,900.
The 1980s
While the 1970s were a time of change, relocation and expansion for Kucker Haney Paint, the 1980s were a time of restructuring. Long time co-owner Tom Kucker decided to retire in 1980, and partner Don Haws became the sole owner of the business. In 1987 after working as a chemist for General Foods, Jim Haws joined the company. With degrees in Environmental Science and Chemistry Jim was able to help keep Kucker Haney current with changing environmental regulations, and chemistry changes in the coatings industry.
1980’s Trivia
Housing average-$64,600
Chevy Citation-$6,270
Movie Ticket (1985)- $3.55
The 1990s
In the 1990s, Don Haws went on to serve on the board of the Hamilton YMCA, while Jim served as a coach for the Y’s swim club HAC. Don became the YMCA’s “Man of the Year” for his work within the community to raise funds for the YMCA’s new building. Jim and Don were both honored in 1995 by Hamilton Township with the Small Business Award. Kucker Haney is locally owned and operated, and as such, tries to be engaged with the community. During this period of time, Jim got married to Sue Shedelbower in 1991, and they welcomed their daughters into the world in 1993 and 1999. Life was busy, and the business was flourishing under the new structure.
1990’s Trivia
Housing average- $120,000
1990 Lincoln- $28,900
Movie Ticket (1990)- $4.22
Item of the Month
June BOGO Special
Keep healthy and your jobsite clean.
Buy one hand sanitizer at $9.99 and get the second one FREE. (regular $12.99)
Available at all Kucker Haney Stores
Buy any Wooster GT Pole and receive a FREE Wooster GT Roller Frame.
A $15.99 value! Available at all three Kucker Haney Paint stores.
Offer good now through June 30.
