Discover Ben Franklin: Bethel Store is an Icon

BETHEL, OH - For Dawn Wisby, the choice to acquire Ben Franklin was a no-brainer. 

No, not THAT Ben Franklin – Wisby acquired the shop in Bethel with the founding father’s moniker from third-generation owner Tim Smith in 2022, who had been looking for someone to take over for a while.  

“He wouldn’t sell it to anyone who was going to demolish it,” said Wisby, a former nurse of 22 years. “I didn’t want that to happen. We’ve had it here forever.” 

Located at 305 West Plane Street, Ben Franklin offers a whimsical, nostalgic atmosphere. There are toys from the early 2000s, classic candies in jars and lots of old timey decor.  

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; it is closed on Sunday.

“Everyone wants to go back to their childhood when they come in here,” Wisby said.  

A few customers shopping agreed, with one saying they “I love the old-timey, nostalgic atmosphere when I walk in,” and another saying they were glad someone is still keeping the store alive.  

Wisby said some customers come to her for hard-to-find items, or items they would like to purchase but can’t drive to places like fabric shops.   

“A lot of our customers are elderly, and don’t want to drive too far for fabric and other things," Wisby said.

Ben Franklin sells craft products like embroidery floss, cotton stuffing and even a sizeable collection of paints that aren’t otherwise available without driving an hour out of the way.  

Still haven’t found something of interest? Wisby also sells concrete goose dresses, locally sourced crafts, candles, candy bars and more.  

Candy is one of her customers favorites, which is why she has a wide selection. A look in the display and you’ll see everything from savory salted chocolate caramels to sweet chocolate covered fruit. Wisby even recently stocked chocolate almonds at the request of a regular customer. 

“We have the best customers, and it’s always laid back when they come in just to chat with us,” said an employee. “The camaraderie we have with customers is really strong”.  

Ben Franklin is, according to Dawn, “a place for people to drop by and relax while chatting with us.” 

As customers are leaving, they walk past a map of the U.S., which shows where people are visiting Ben Franklin from across the country.  

“Every weekend we have people from out of state,” Wisby said. “The farthest we’ve had was Haiti."  

To Wisby, it shows how much customers – local and even international – love what her little Bethel shop has to offer.