The Hillsdale Market House was founded in October, 1941 by Brett Boyd's great grandfather, Elmer Pearson. The original store was located at 54 North Howell Street. Pearson owned and operated the meat department and Elmer Cain, the grocery department. In 1947, Phillip Williams started working in the meat department. The grocery department was purchased from Mr. Cain in 1951 and a partnership was formed when Lawrence Jacobus joined the company in 1955.