Alva Lease Duckwall

Alva Lease "A.L." ("Lease") Duckwall (August 30, 1877 – August 2, 1937) was an American businessman and entrepreneur, best known for founding the retailers ALCO and Duckwall's five and dime stores.

Early life Alva Lease Duckwall was born to Francis Marion Duckwall and Sara Elizabeth Slade on a farm near Batavia, Ohio. The Duckwall Family moved to Greenleaf, Kansas in 1898, where A.L. opened and operated a repair shop for sewing machines and bicycles. Duckwall sold the Grenleaf shop, and in 1901, purchased a variety store nearby Abilene, which offered for sale small items needed around the home. Joined by his brother, Wilbur, they called the store "Duckwall Bros. RACKET STORE - A Little of Everything." An ALCO store that was closed April 29, 2013 in Vermilion, Ohio.

Personal life A.L. Duckwall had married Retta White in 1904, and had three children: daughters Doris and Donna, and son Junior. Over his life, Duckwall belonged to the Lutheran Church, Rotary Club, Knights Templars, Shrines, and Democratic Party.

Death Duckwall died of a heart attack in his office in 1937. He was laid to rest at Abilene Cemetery. At the time of his death, Duckwall had built over 40 variety stores in Kansas and Colorado.

Legacy In 2000, Duckwall was inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame as recipient of the Historical Honors Award from Emporia State University School of Business. Daughter-in-law Aileen Duckwall accepted the award from Kansas Governor Bill Graves.