About WB Howland
A Suwannee County landmark since 1926 — still family-owned, still serving Live Oak.
The W.B. Howland Company, also called “Howland's Store,” was founded by John Phillip Howland at the intersection of State Road 51 & Newburn Road in Live Oak, Florida. John Howland sold the store to his brother William Beverly Howland, also fondly known by family and customers as “PA,” in 1938. W.B. and his wife, Ruth, also known as “Big Ma,” could be seen in the store for almost 5 decades.
In 1955 Hal Fletcher joined his Father-in-law in the business. Two years later W.B.'s son, Billy C. Howland, joined the business.
The business began by providing groceries and dry goods to local farmers and Live Oak citizens. Over the years fence wire, posts, hardware and paints were added. Pa always said “Boys, if we don't have it, we can't sell it.” Therefore, the stock of the store was always dictated by the requests of customers. Credit was available to anyone with a good attitude.
In the early years customers would select chickens from a pen out back and meat would be processed on the spot. Howland's store was always known for its famous tender meats and world renowned for its hand-dipped ice cream.
The buggy and cane shown in this replica was used for support by Pa Howland while crossing the street from his residence. The old Howland's Store is a remembrance of how two people's lives can positively affect mankind for decades to come.
Lyn Fletcher is a third generation owner of the company having followed in the footsteps of his father, Hal Fletcher, and grandfather, W.B. Howland. Howland's has long been a Suwannee County landmark remembered for its crushed ice, soda pop and peanuts. Today, Lyn Fletcher oversees a complex business encompassing a full-line hardware store, convenience store and lumber yard.
Our Owner
Lyn Fletcher
Third-generation owner, grandson of WB Howland
Nearly a century of serving Live Oak
Come see why generations of North Florida builders and families have trusted WB Howland.