In 1862, Joseph R. McChesney recognized Glen Ellyn's need for a grocery and dry goods store so he followed through with his plans and opened McChesney Grocery. In 1913 Oscar Miller entered the grocery business at the age of 23 when he added a meat market next door to McChesney Grocery at 475 Main Street. Charlie McChesney and Oscar Miller joined forces in 1920 and formed McChesney and Miller, Inc. While still a student at Glenbard High School, Oscar's son Harry joined the business in 1932.

The McChesneys sold their share to the Millers in 1954. Oscar, his wife Eva, and his son Harry continued to build the business and serve their customers. They moved their growing business in 1959 to a larger building with a private parking lot at 486 Pennsylvania which is presently the location for Schmid's Pharmacy.

In 1975 the store moved to the current location on Crescent Boulevard which allowed for the addition of modern self-serve meats, additional freezer space and expansion of products. During this time Harry's daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Kermit Ludwig and Sandy and Bill Behrmann, managed the daily operations.

The fourth generation joined the business in 2002 when Bill Behrmann and his daughters Christine and Jill bought the Ludwigs' share of the company. Bill and Chris now manage daily operations of the store.

In 1984 the Illinois State Historical Society honored McChesney and Miller Grocery and Market as DuPage county's oldest grocery store. The plaque pictured above which honors the store can be found on Main Street next to The Book Store.

When you visit McChesney and Miller, be sure to stop and see the wall of history mural above the meat market, painted by local artist Tom Mahady. You'll see a couple of familiar faces who are also pictured here at our website.

Click here for more historical information.