Romig’s Hardware recognized with Golden Hammer award

Romig’s Hardware in Gilman was recognized with the Golden Hammer Award, which honors community service and the greater good.

Romig’s and the Romig family have deep roots in their Gilman community since the store began operating in its current location in 1938.

There’s a long history of family service, including their son Darrell’s Wisconsin National Guard service. In the 1960s and Founder Glen Romig’s post as captain of the Gilman Rural Fire Department in 1943.

An incomplete list of community activities include the Gilman Industrial Foundation, Boy Scouts, the Miller Dam Lake Association and even the Gilman High School Senior Lock In (a wholesome graduation night tradition in Gilman).

“Being a part of a small community, giving back to your community and surrounding areas is an important part of the local growth of the area,” said Cheryl Romig. “Romig’s gives back with donations to local charities and organizations of all types ranging from supporting the local school, ice fishing contests, church fund raisers and community events.”

Romig’s Hardware History

Romig’s Inc began doing business in its present location in Gilman, WI in April 1938. Glenn Romig and his wife Marie purchased an empty building and borrowed money from his father-in-law to relocate his hardware store from another city. Glenn and Marie operated the business and raised 4 children. Their 2 sons – Ted and Darrell became involved in the business at a very young age.

Marshall-Wells was the first supplier and in 1954 Romig’s began buying from a new supplier – United Hardware Distributing (Hardware Hank). Romig’s Hardware was the 3rd Hardware Hank store in Wisconsin. Glenn purchased equipment from a local man – some of the equipment was a soda fountain. They began serving ice cream, coffee, and malts. The soda fountain is still in operation today and serves as a local gathering place for morning coffee.

Ted and Darrell had a vision for more than just a hardware store. They expanded into building houses as complete contractors. Another vision was municipal contracting. They installed city water mains and sewers; city lift stations and city well pump houses in numerous communities.

As if this wasn’t enough Ted and Darrell owned and operated 2 more businesses in Gilman. In 1958 they owned Romig’s Mink Ranch and in 1955 they bought the Gilman Theatre that they operated until 1988.

Community Involvement

Military — Darrell was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard Red Arrow Division stationed at Fort Lewis Washington during the Berlin Crisis in 1962. He was recently honored for his service by being chosen to fly for the Never Forgotten Flight on a trip to Washington DC.

Boy Scouts — Darrell has been involved with Gilman Troop 86 Boy Scouts for more than 40 years. He still serves as the Treasurer. Fred Romig (son) has been an assistant scout leader for more than 40 years.

Community — Darrell is a charter member of the Gilman CBA (Community Betterment Association) for 60 years . Fred has been a member of the Gilman CBA for 40 years. Cheryl Romig (daughter-in-law) has been a member of the Gilman CBA for 25 years.

Tree Board for Village of Gilman — Derrick Romig (grandson) is involved with keeping Gilman listed as a member of Tree City USA.

Gilman Industrial Foundation — Darrell is a member of this as an officer that involves itself in getting new business into the community and supporting current businesses. He has been a member of this organization for 45 years. Fred has been a member of this of this organization for the past 5 years. Miller Dam Lake Association — Glenn Romig was an integral part in talks of constructing a dam on the Yellow River to make an area for recreation near Gilman. The dam was constructed in 1962. Darrell is a member of this organization that promotes outdoor activities and encourages management and conservation of natural resources. He has been a member for 15 years. Fred is an officer in this organization and has been a member for 15 years. Gilman Rural Fire Department — Glenn Romig was a Captain in the department in 1943. Darrell has been a volunteer fireman in this department for 62 years. Fred has been a volunteer fireman in this department for 43 years and is a Captain. Derrick has been a volunteer fireman in this department for 19 years and is Assistant Chief.

Gilman Park Christmas Lights — In 2017 a vision was put into action. Christmas lights abound in the 2 parks of the small village of Gilman. The community comes together on the second Saturday of December for music, refreshments, bonfires, fireworks, and a visit from Santa!

Fred Romig – the man with the vision and numerous hours putting up lights in season and fixing broken lights in the off season.

Family volunteers include: Darrell Romig, Cheryl Romig (daughter-in-law/Fred’s wife), Jason and Kendra Romig (Fred and Cheryl son and daughter-in-law), Chris and Lynn (Romig) Skabroud (Darrell’s daughter and son-inlaw), Jerry and Sandy (Romig) Sromek (Ted’s daughter and son-in-law), and Derrick Romig (grandson).

Gilman High School Senior Lock In — Fred Romig has been involved with the senior lock in for 24 years. Fred works with the organizers and volunteers his time staying up all night with games, music and refreshments with seniors on

Giving Back — Being a part of a small community, giving back to your community and surrounding areas is an important part of the local growth of the area. Romig’s ‘gives back’ with donations to local charities and organizations of all types ranging from supporting the local school, ice fishing contests, church fund raisers and community events. graduation night.