who we are

Lehman's stands for a simpler life. Wherever you are on your journey to a simpler life, we can help you take the next steps.

Family owned and operated since 1955, Lehman's is here to help you live a simpler life. City or country, rural or urban, we can help you build a better future, one that values personal connections, integrity and tradition.

You'll find our retail in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country at our Kidron store, where our story began. For our friends who are far away, our print catalog and website give you access to hundreds of practical goods, from planting and preserving to off-grid living.

Jay Lehman 

Learn more about the founder of the iconic old-time general store, Lehman's.

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our history

Founded in 1955 by Jay Lehman to serve the local Amish with non-electric household goods, Lehman's has grown into an international business, shipping product all over the world.

Jay was born and raised in the tiny burg of Kidron, OH, but spent several years traveling and working overseas. The business experienced huge growth spurts during the energy crisis in the early 1970s, as well as during Y2K in late 1999.

Over the years, Jay's mission has not changed - to provide a simpler way of life in chaotic times. He would love to teach today's world yesterday's skills - sustainable home heating; understand food preservation and consumption; comforting time with family and friends; and a good day's work that ends in satisfying exhaustion.

With a print catalog, website, and retail store in Kidron, the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, Lehman's has made the simpler life affordable for anyone, anywhere.

Lehman's joined HRM Enterprises, Inc. on February 1, 2021. The HRM family of businesses includes Hartville Hardware, Hartville Kitchen Restaurant and Bakery, Hartville Marketplace and Flea Market among other businesses. The Miller Family, owners of HRM Enterprises, were long time family friends of the Lehman's, for decades before they purchased the business. They look forward to carrying forward the values and product line that you've always known Lehman's for. Their customers, team members and community have been the pillars that the Miller family have relied on in their business and they will look to continue with that philosophy.

1950’s

1950’s

Jay Lehman founded the store in 1955 to serve the Amish and others without electricity.

1960's

1960's

Jay and his family take an extended service assignment overseas. He realizes the need for non-electric products in areas with unreliable or non-existent electricity.

1970's

1970's

The Oil Embargo creates a huge demand for
non-electric appliances and wood stoves. Lehman's
first catalog is created.

1980's

1980's

Dramatic physical expansion occurs at Lehman's with
the building of two warehouses and an expansion of the store.

1990's

1990's

Hollywood comes calling as Lehman's becomes known for authentic, old-fashioned props. The "Y2K" scare puts the small company on the map as people stock up on non-electric products.

2000's

2000's

Lehman's marks half century in business with a major store expansion, including a reconstructed Civil-War-era barn.

2010’s

2010’s

A flash flood brings a million gallons of water and 32 tons of mud into the entire 45,000-square-foot store. Parts of the store opened the next day. Lehman's purchases the Aladdin Lamp company.

2020

2020

Lehman's experienced tremendous demand brought on by the COVID Pandemic. Our founder and leader Jay Lehman passed away peacefully in July at the age of 91 (1929-2020).

2021

2021

Lehman's joined HRM Enterprises, Inc. on February 1, 2021. HRM's family of businesses include Hartville Hardware, Hartville Kitchen Restaurant and Bakery, Hartville Marketplace and Flea Market, The Shops at Hartville Kitchen and Top Advantage Surfaces.

Today

Today

Lehman's continues to use high tech to sell low tech and is active on many social media websites including Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, X, TikTok and Instagram.