Wilhelms Paints & Wallcoverings: A Marion Tradition Since 1928

black and white Wilhelms ad from the 1960s showing a man showing wallpaper while standing behind paint cans to a couple of customers.

For nearly 100 years, Wilhelms Paints and Wallcoverings has been a part of Marion’s story. Founded in 1928 by Floyd and Anna Wilhelm, the little wallpaper and paint shop has grown into a community fixture; still family-run, still dedicated to service, and still proud to call Marion Home.

Generations of Service at Wilhelms

A black and white photo in an ad. — Floyd Wilhelm

Current owners Doug and Mark Withrow grew up in the business. Their father, Robert “Bob” Withrow, first walked into Wilhelms in 1953. A Pleasant High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran, Bob had just returned from serving in Korea. Looking for work, Bob answered a small ad in the newspaper.

“Dad said he might as well take it until something better comes along,” Doug said with a laugh. “He never left!”

A black and white clipping, now yellowed, of two men in suits and ties, one in a dark shirt, a woman for with a white shirt, and two toddler boys surrounded by paint and wallpaper supplies at Wilhelms. — Three generations of Withrow family from left to right in 1986: Mark, Robert, Bob, Mary, Nicholas and Doug. (Credit: Star staff)

Withrows Buy Wilhelms in 1969

Bob and his wife, Mary Alice, bought the business from the Wilhelms in 1969. Together they raised their family in the store, teaching their sons not just how to mix paint but also how to treat people right.

“We’re a close family,” Doug said. “Mom and Dad showed us how to work together and respect customers like they were part of the family, too.”

A black and white photo of an older man with glasses and two younger men, all wearing button-downed shirt sleeve shirts, dark ties and dark pants, in front of a store with a sign for "Wilhelms Wall Covering & Paint) above them and paint behind them. — Bob, Doug and Mark Withrow in front of Wilhelms storefront in downtown Marion. (Provided by the family.)

Second Generation takes the Helm of Wilhelms

A black and white photo. — A photo of North Main Street in downtown Marion. Wilhelms was in the upper right next to the railroad tracks, down from National City Bank, shown on the bottom left-hand corner.

By the time Doug and Mark took over in 2000, Wilhelms had already served generations of Marion homeowners and businesses. Mary Alice retired after working at Wilhelm’s for 45 years. Bob kept coming in part-time well into his 90s. Married nearly 70 years, they set the foundation for what Wilhelms still stands for today: service, honesty and community.

Black and white phot of a man with glasses, a short white button-down shirt and a dark tie, reaching out his hand. — Bob Wilhelm

“Our mission has never changed,” Mark said. “We make sure every customer gets the right product, the right advice, and personal attention you just don’t find at the big-box stores.”

That’s why Wilhelms goes the extra mile. From advanced paint-matching technology and free in-home consultations to free delivery across Marion and surrounding counties, the Withrows bring service to your doorstep.

“We know our customers and we know our products,” Doug explained. “That’s how we get you in and out quickly and make sure you leave confident.”

New Legacy 100 Paint in the Works

Now Wilhelms is soon to introduce Legacy 100, a new premium paint line that offers top-tier quality without the premium price tag. The labels are being designed and printed right here in Marion by Folks Printing, because supporting local has always been part of the Wilhelms’ way.

“Wilhelms has always been about more than paint,” Doug said. It’s about helping people create homes and spaces they’re proud of. Marion has supported us for nearly a century, and we’ll keep supporting Marion right back.”

For more info:

Wilhelm’s Paints & Wallcoverings LLC

676 Bellefontaine Avenue, Marion, Ohio 43302

Phone: 740.387.5619

Email: WilhelmsPaints@Gmail.Com

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MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

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