The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Bonnie Johnson
Jacob's TV: Serving Stronghurst Since 1976
Delmar Jacob is a Stronghurst native, graduating from Stronghurst High School in 1970. He went to West Des Moines, Iowa where he attended and graduated from an Electronics Institute. Delmar worked for Admiral in Harvard, Illinois for a few months before deciding to return to Stronghurst.
At that time Blake and Neola Peterson owned and operated the Peterson Radio and TV Shop east of the highway in Stronghurst. Delmar started working for them and became a partner in January of 1973.
When Blake and Neola decided to retire in 1976, Delmar bought the business.
He remained at that location until 1987. He then moved to the former Unit Office owned by the Brook Family on the west side of the business district, and then opened the doors to Jacob TV. He remains there today.
Delmar says there have been many changes in the electronics business. "I've been a Zenith dealer for many years, but now I have the full line of products, such as VCR, digital electronics, stereos, radios and TV. I also have DISHnetwork and satellite services. The new equipment is more complicated and less serviceman friendly."
Delmar has been married to his wife Kathy for nearly 25 years and they have three children; Sarah, a sophomore at SIU Edwardsville, majoring in nursing, Ben, a senior at Southern High School, and Jimmy, a 7th grader at Southern Junior High School.
Delmar and his family are very active in the Christian Church in Stronghurst. Delmar also drives a bus for Southern, is a substitute mail carrier, sings at weddings and funerals, and has been an EMT for over 20 years.
Delmar says, "I am concerned about the community because of the fact that many of the small downtown businesses have closed over the years due to the mega businesses cropping up in the area. I believe it's important to have the personal service that is given when you deal with a small business. I believe we should have a concern for one another."
When asked about his joys of being in this small community, Delmar said, "I love the people and the community. It's a great place to live and to raise a family."