Herb Hays Furniture and Mattress is closing, owner Lee Ann Naghtin said today.
In a video shared on social media, Naghtin announced her retirement and the decision to soon close the business.
“For 65 years the store has been part of the Hopkinsville community, founded in 1961 by my parents, Herb and Marilyn Hays, and now owned by me,” Naghtin said.
“Our family and I have had the privilege of serving generations of families throughout Hopkinsville and the surrounding area. From all of us at Herb Hays Furniture, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family and your homes. Details of our retirement celebration and the store closing will be announced,” she said.
Herb Hays Furniture was the oldest, continuously operating, locally owned retail business in the city.
At various times in the story’s operation, Herb and Marilyn Hays’ three children — Peg Hays, Jack Hays and Naghtin — all worked in the business.
Naghtin and her niece, Mandy Hays-Calhoun, are now the last family members working in the store following the death of Jack Hays in 2014, and Peg Hays’ decision to step away 10 years ago to focus on Casey Jones Distillery, which she stated with her husband.
The Hays family has been involved in local civic organizations and public affairs for many years. Herb Hays was elected mayor in 1986 and was instrumental in starting the recruitment of industry to the city and county.
This story may be updated.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
