Business, Government Legal News from throughout WVHuntington Awning and Patio Shop closes after nearly century in business

By JAMES E. CASTO

For The State Journal

HUNTINGTON — For nearly a century, hundreds of Huntington area businesses and homeowners have installed awnings made and sold by the same company. Now the Huntington Awning and Patio Shop at 114 Eighth Ave. has closed its doors.

Owner Tom G. Proctor described his company as "another victim of the downturn in the national economy." He said he plans to continue selling awnings to local customers but will be working with a company in Columbus, Ohio, rather than crafting the awnings in his own shop.

E. M. Peoples started the company as the Huntington Tent & Awning Co. in 1915. In its earliest years, the company primarily manufactured tents for the military. Later it began manufacturing and installing commercial and residential awnings. Peoples brought in Tom Proctor's father, Henry G. Proctor Jr., to manage the business. After Peoples died in 1960, Henry Proctor bought the company and merged it with American Awning Co.

Tom Proctor said he began in the business after finishing school. Unsure what career direction to take, he began working with his father.

"I felt it was a great opportunity to be able to work with my father. He expected a lot from me and, honestly, he was always my hero."

When his father retired in the 1980s, the younger Proctor took over the business. The senior Proctor died last year at age 92.

Awnings once were far more popular than they are today. Before the advent of air conditioning, businesses and homeowners installed them as protection against the heat of the sun. In recent years, awnings have become primarily decorative, favored by some businesses and homeowners seeking a splash of color.

In addition to offering commercial and residential awnings, the company sold retractable awnings, aluminum patio covers and patio furniture, carports and screen rooms.