Rays TV and Home Appliances closing doors after 54 years
By Edna Sailor
Three generations of Fulton family members have been at the counter at Ray’s Home Appliances for 54 years. The familiar storefront signage has been part of the main street presence for more than half a century. The business will close its doors sometime near the end of August according to Jason Fulton, current proprietor of the business.
Grandfather, Ray Fulton started the business in 1960 not long after the city of New Town was established following the Garrison Dam project. While Grandpa Ray was the driving force behind the fledgling business, "we can’t forget about Grandma Florence," Fulton said. "She held down the fort many mornings until she was in her 80s."
In 1972, Jason’s father, Larry, stepped in to operate the business October 11,1965. He had graduated from the Wahpeton School of Science in 1962. He worked in Los Angeles for a time before returning to New Town in 1963 to work with his father and eventually assume management of the business. Much changed in electronics over the years and in 2008, the company stopped selling television sets.
"It became just too difficult to compete with the big boys." Fulton said.
