Jilka Home Furnishings was started in downtown Salina in 1923 and was originally known as the Gebhart-Jilka Furniture Company. In the mid-1920’s, brothers Ed and Jerry Jilka purchased the interest of Mr. Gebhart, and since that time the store has been owned by the Jilka family.
The store was closed in the late 1940’s and then reopened by Ed Jilka’s son Bernard in 1957. Over the years Bernard has been joined at various times by his wife Loretta, his brother Larry Jilka, and nephew David Jilka. In 1995, son Alan returned to Salina and joined the business. The business also includes three long-time employees, Roger Wolf, Norma Burdis, and Hal Stephens who have been a major part of their success.
The business has expanded twice over the years. In the early 1960’s they acquired the building on 5th Street across the alley from their Santa Fe location. In 1997 they moved into the building immediately south of their Santa Fe building, a site formerly occupied by Baldwin Brothers Furniture.
As one of the vanishing independent furniture dealers in the local and national market, Jilka Home Furnishings and its employees try to maintain a commitment to the quality and personalized service that are frequently found lacking in an industry increasingly dominated by large chain stores. It is their experience that today’s customer still wants quality in home furnishings. They continue a commitment to provide customers with superior value at a price competitive with anyone in the market.
Today Jilka Home Furnishings includes full LA-Z-BOY and LANE galleries and a bedroom gallery along with SEALY and RESTONIC bedding. They also offer a complete range of fine home furnishings from kitchen and dining room tables to curio cabinets, lamps, framed pictures, occasional tables and draperies. One can find them in downtown Salina at 131 and 141 So. Santa Fe, next to the Stiefel Theatre, and at 132 So. 5th.