Mel's Trading Post has been around since 1946!

When he was a young man, Mel Mode was a baseball pitcher. A good one according to the "old-timers" who saw him play. He played for local teams (including the Rhinelander "Shorties", named after the local beer), and during his stint in the Army, Mel's baseball career took him into the professional ranks in the minor leagues. He was offered a contract to play in the big leagues for the Chicago Cubs but a back injury ended his career before he could report.

Instead of moving to Chicago to play ball, Mel returned to Rhinelander and in 1946 went to work for Del Stengl at a small sporting goods store, The Trading Post. In the early days they sold household appliances, TV's, toys and quality sporting goods. Over the years a few things changed! Del retired and Mel bought the business. He quit selling the TV's and appliances (but added lawn mowers and Honda motorcycles!). He sold downhill skis and pool tables. He had a popcorn stand the provided the first paying jobs for his children and kids in the neighborhood. He always has stocked quality sporting goods!

Two times he relocated the business to larger buildings (the current location is the former Montgomery Wards building).

Today Mel's Trading Post still sells quality sporting goods for all seasons. Give us a call today at 715-362-5800.