Traverse City leather goods store to celebrate 150 years in business

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- A Traverse City business that some consider to be the oldest travel store in the country is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone.

Votruba Leather Goods has been open since 1874 and next week it will celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The store's general manager said he's been looking into the oldest travel goods stores in the country, and could not find one older than Votruba.

"Votruba has adapted to the travel needs of the customers over the years," said Brian Park, the general manager ofVotruba Leather Goods.

"So they started off from trunks and horses and buggies, to now we work with actual updated luggage with four-wheel spinners that you don't have to carry or cart around with the horse anymore," Park said.

The anniversary party will be at the store on the East Front Street next Wednesday at 5 p.m.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments and a networking event.

All are welcome to attend.