The actual building where Wiethorn Family Foods is now located, was one of the first major buildings constructed in the town of Valley Mills and has been the center of trade and commerce for more than five generations. 

"That building, more than any other in town, symbolizes Valley Mills with its rich past and wonderful history.” Jo Ann Mitchell, Heritage Society, June 1982

The beginnings of this building, and the city of Valley Mills itself are greatly indebted to the wisdom and foresight of one man, Angus A. McNeal 1856-1948.  McNeal, certainly one of the county’s wealthiest and most notable entrepreneurs, purchased the corner lot in 1881, on which the building would later be erected.  McNeal owned and operated a wooden mercantile store on that site until 1898, when construction on the present building began.

“Construction of the building took almost a year, and was at a great cost in that day.  The building was made of limestone bricks 12 to 18 inches in thickness.  The “McNeal Mercantile” was by far the best building ever built here.” Gordon Nowlin, Valley Mills Historian

The large, stone building was constructed, divided into three sections.  The first (corner) section of the building was, and always has been, a grocery store. The middle store was the dry goods section and the third (rear) section of the building was the furniture department.  Believe it or not, in the furniture section of the building, before Valley Mills had an undertaking business, caskets were sold.  This was an unusual service for a merchant, but proved to be quite helpful to the people of Bosque County.

During the Great Depression of the 1930’s McNeal sold the three stores individually.  Each have since had numerous owners and held various types of businesses.  The building was gutted by a fire and underwent restoration in 1952.  W.W. Hendrix owned and operated the corner grocery store from 1952 to 1969, when it was purchased by Carol Terry.  The grocery store was then called “Terry’s Food Store” for the next 15 years.

The building again underwent significant renovations after another fire destroyed all three sections in 1982 and were all purchase by new owners. 

In 1986 Curtis and Neta Wiethorn became partner owners of what was then called the Valley Mills Mini Max and in 2002 became the sole owners.  Throughout the history of Valley Mills, the corner building has always remained a grocery store, to present day where Wiethron’s now occupies all three sections of the building.

In February 2007, the century–old limestone wall of the building, facing Hwy 6 collapsed amid winds gusting over 50 mph.  Curtis was catering an event when he got the call that the exterior wall had fallen.  Employees, family members and volunteers worked day and night Sunday to clean up massive amounts of dust and remove items from the outside aisle.  Blue Bell donated a freezer truck to store perishable items while everything was being moved around.  On Monday morning at 8 am the store opened as usual, with the use of a temporary exterior wall.

“We are very thankful that no one was seriously hurt,” Curtis said. “All the rest can be rebuilt.”

The exterior wall has since been reconstructed, complete with hand-painted mural dedicated to the history of Valley Mills.  A plaque on the mural reads “The McNeill Building, Built in 1898 – It has survived major attacks of fire and wind.  It stands with pride and still serves our community.  The Chisholm Trail Found its way through our area – It is a true icon for the hard working people for which we are known.   The Santa Fe Railroad – A main cornerstone in the foundation of our city, it represents our strength.”