In the early 1890's, farmers in the town of Vermont, facing a depressed economy, organized a company to obtain quality products at fair prices. Amos Thorsrud served as the first general manager, and he and Nels Simley toured local farms to sell $10 shares in a company store, raising $1800 in capital to finance an inventory of farm supplies. A share of the profits would be returned to the patrons. The store opened on April 9, 1894, in a rented building, and in 1897 the business moved to this site. Fire destroyed the old store in February, 1933, but it was rebuilt by November, and "The Store" operated here until 1994. The co-op's purpose has always prevailed: "Ownership by the patrons and affordable products."