Halpin to close doors after 68 years
An archival photo showing Bill Halpin holding a plaque presented to him by Chamber of Commerce President Art Frydenlund and Secretary Fred Grelle. Others present included Joe Cosgriff, Don Ritchie, Gene Lee, Gordon Bowers and Harolow Duerst. (Archival photo)
A look at the Halpins’ initial set up in the late 1950s. The business moved from Elkader, Iowa, to Prairie du Chien in 1958 after a tornado did significant damage to the original building. (Archival photo)
Owners express gratitude to PdC community
By Steve Van Kooten
Halpin Tire Service will be closing up shop on Aug. 1 after 68 years of service, 66 of which they operated in Prairie du Chien.
“The Halpin family thanks Prairie du Chien for all of the years of support,” said Tom Halpin, the owner. He cited issues finding employees and rising costs contributed to the decision.
According to an article from Aug. 13, 2007, Tom’s parents, Bill and Mary, started the business in 1957 in Elkader, Iowa, before moving it to Prairie du Chien in December of 1958.
“A tornado came and ripped it apart. They couldn’t find another place in Elkader, but they found that old grocery store — like an 1850s grocery store,” recalled Tom.
The business is located at 328 E. Blackhawk Avenue, which previously housed the Benish Grocery Store.
When Bill started Halpin, he primarily retreaded and repaired tires, but in the 60s, the business expanded services and the size of their property. The family purchased contiguous land in 1966 and constructed four new bays between 1968 and 1970. They put in another addition during the early 80s.
The business added light truck and passenger alignment in 1970, followed by large truck alignment in 1984, according to the 2007 article. Services continued to diversify throughout the decade, adding exhaust and brake work and off-the-road tires.
“We used to do quarries and road jobs, too. You know, 3,000-pound tires,” said Tom.
Halpin weathered another setback in the spring of 1991, when a fire caused by a failed piece of vulcanized equipment consumed a large portion of their building.
“We never lost a day of business because of the fire,” recalled Bill in 2007. “We had to totally rebuild the shop and office.”
Tom took over the business in 1999 when his dad retired.
“I’ve been here since my mom kicked me out of the house down to the shop with Dad. Probably in 1960 or 61,” he said.
He graduated from Campion High School and began working full-time for his father in 1979 after serving in the Air Force from 1973 to 1977. He attended Southwest Technical College for sales and marketing. Before returning home, he spent a handful of years working for Good Year’s sales department.
Halpin has built its reputation on expertise. In 2007, Tom said that their six employees had a combined 175 years worth of experience.
Tom and his team still have a lot of work to do, even after they close up. Putting a business to bed is about as simple as wrangling a toddler.
“It’ll be a couple of months where we’re doing paper and paying bills yet,” he said.
After getting the tire service squared away, Tom is ready to take his first vacation in a long time.
“Nobody’s going to be happy, but my guys need a vacation, too,” he concluded.
An article written by Ted Pennekamp contributed to this report.
