Terrace Supply Company began in 1947 as Elmhurst Welding Supply when James A. Myers began selling compressed gases and welding supplies out of his house in Elmhurst, Illinois.  He and his wife Gertrude moved into a small storefront in 1949, and with the expanding business came the need for a counterman - and Ric Lichtenheld was hired for the position!

In 1953, the business moved into a larger store in Villa Park, and the name changed to Terrace Supply Company - "Terrace" was the phone exchange at the time!  In 1960, a second location in Mount Prospect was opened, and in 1962, J. Frank Benuska was hired to drive a truck for Terrace.  Now our current Vice President of Operations, Frank has served as a paint mixer, counterman, salesman, store manager, and Operations Manager! 

Ric purchased the business from Jim in 1965 and became it's second president.  His wife, Greta, followed in her mother's footsteps and served as bookkeeper, Secretary, and Treasurer!  Ric hired Jim's son, Walt Myers, around this time to help with sales and the technical aspects of the business.

In 1977, Terrace Supply Company built the current 18,000 square foot Villa Park showroom, gas fill plant, and warehouse, and Walt Myers took over as the third President of the company.  One year later, Ric's son, Gary Lichtenheld, joined the Terrace team in Sales and Management. 

In the next 10 years, the customer base continued to grow and the need for a third location became apparent.  The Schaumburg store opened in 1989, and in 1996, the smaller Mount Prospect location moved to our current building in Wheeling. 

In 1997, Gary Lichtenheld became Terrace Supply Company's fourth and current President.

Click on any picture to see some of our memories!