Peters Family Living is one of the oldest continuously family owned and operated businesses in the Arkansas River Valley today. The firm was founded in 1944 by F. C. Peters and W. A. Baldwin and was originally known as Peters-Baldwin Company, a partnership, selling not only furniture and appliances as it does today, but also consisting of a large hardware department as well as electronics. Twelve years after the partnership was formed, Baldwin relinquished his interest in the firm with owners then becoming F. C. Peters, his wife, Lillian, and his two sons, Bill and Flave. After another twelve years, the business was incorporated under the name, F. C. Peters and Sons, Inc.
In 1974 F. C. Peters retired to take care of his wife who was terminally ill. She passed away in 1975, but F. C. Peters lived until 1994 when he died at the age of 93. F. C. enjoyed retirement and was active through 92 years of his life.


Through March, 2001, family ownership continued with Bill and Flave W. being the principals. The store was extensively enlarged and remodeled several years ago, and the firm's name changed to PETERS FAMILY LIVING. The new name reflected the firm's warm, friendly and caring family personality. Also, with the business being family owned and operated with a family of employees taking care of the needs of its family of customers, providing products and services for family living, the new name seemed even more appropriate.

Physical progress continues as well with a spacious parking lot on the east side of the building and a new sidewalk on the west side of the building were phase one in a remodeling project. The next phase of the remodeling project was in 2003 in conjunction with 50/50 Matching "Model Business Grant", to help with an extensive restoration of the two building on the northwest corner of the block. This included restoring the interior and exterior of these buildings which were constructed in the late 1800's. This part of the store is now used for additional furniture display. The final phase of this planned project included the re-painting and sprucing up of the exterior of our block of buildings making up our store. These improvements will continue as needed to keep our business inviting to customers and a credit to the Historic Downtown District.

F. C. Peters started the tradition of "taking care of the customer" over a half century ago, and the company today still strives to live up to that original goal. The proof of this is in the five generations of the many families who still do business with the store. We continue to get better in this regard.

On April 1, 2001, Flave Peters retired and Bill is now the principal. Flave and his wife, Ella Ann, moved to Little Rock in 2006 and reside at Parkway Village, and he is enjoying retirement. He does, however, still comes in frequently and remains an inspirational part of the business.



  • 201 North Arkansas Avenue
  • Russellville, AR 72801

www.petersfamilyliving.com