Mormon Bill Child first started working part time for R.C. Willey when he was attending the University of Utah studying education. Then, there were two other employees: R.C. and Lamar Sessions, who did installations and repairs -- and one tiny store in Syracuse.

R.C. Willey had built up a loyal customer base and had a good reputation, Child said.

When Willey died unexpectedly in September 1954, son-in-law Child had recently graduated with a degree in education and had a job offer at a school. He hadn't planned on taking over the business.

But there he was, with a wife and family to support, including his mother-in-law. Loans were called in and taxes came due and Child had a choice: Make the business work or fold.

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