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The History of Fahrney’s Pens is the History of Washington
The year was 1929, the stock market had crashed and America had fallen into the
Great Depression. But one man, determined to beat the odds, decided to start a
business despite the lackluster economy of the time. This was the year Earl
Fahrney founded Fahrney’s Pens as a fountain pen repair shop in Washington, DC.
With discretionary spending in a lull, Mr. Fahrney’s repair business thrived.
He slowly expanded and ultimately decided to sell new writing instruments,
including the “revolutionary” ballpoint pen.
In 1950, Mr. Fahrney relocated the business to the historic Willard Hotel on F
Street. With the move he added the store’s tagline “The Write Place” which
remains the motto to this day. For the next 21 years the Willard served as
Fahrney’s home.
In 1961, Mr. Fahrney hired Odell Chappell who was the store’s first female
employee. “The Pen Lady” as she became known, still plays a role within the
company and her tireless dedication to Fahrney’s, her customers, and the pen
industry has been an inspiration to all who know her.
Mr. Fahrney retired after relocating the store to New York Avenue in 1971. He
subsequently sold Fahrney’s Pens to Jon and Corrine Sullivan in 1972. Mr. and
Mrs. Sullivan upheld Mr. Fahrney’s unique passion for writing instruments. They
also shared his commitment to customers and employees, which is one of the
reasons that Fahrney’s Pens has retained such loyalty on both fronts for so
many years. Eventually, Jon Sullivan stepped back and handed the day-to-day
operations to his son, Chris, who demonstrates the same passion and tradition
that have been a hallmark of Fahrney’s Pens for over 75 years.
Throughout the years, Fahrney’s Pens has supplied fine writing instruments to
some of Washington, DC’s most prominent officials. For many years they sold
Pentel Pens, which were among John F. Kennedy’s favorites, to offices in the
White House and on Capitol Hill. Longtime customers include Rep. Henry B.
Gonzalez (D-Tex.) and columnist George F. Will of the Washington Post. After
his ordination as Pope in 1978, Odell Chappell sent the late Pope John Paul II
a tiny white Chalanna fountain pen trimmed in red and gold, to accompany his
papal wardrobe.
Fahrney’s Pens remains a family-owned business with a commitment to our
customers, who have rewarded us with loyalty rare in the 21st Century. Pens and
so much more – stationery, watches, men’s jewelry – are all available at
Fahrney’s Pens, where our expertise and service are unparalleled.
Visit our downtown Washington, DC store.
1317 F St. NW
Just a block from Metro Center.
202.628.9525
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