Karchmer Pipe and Supply. Steel pipe, CMP, HDPE, PVC DWV, CPVC, Galvanized, Copper, Brass, Pipe and Fittings. Plumbing Supplies in Centralia, Illinois in the heart of Southern Illinois. Karchmer Self Storage. Culvert Pipe.

Aaron Karchmer grew up in Oklahoma and Texas where he learned the oil business as a roughneck in East Texas fields. Eventually saving enough money to buy a truck, he opened a mobile supply business by hauling pipe and other oil field equipment to new oil discoveries in the mid-west. When oil was discovered in Southern Illinois, he began hauling to St. Elmo, Olney, Salem, and eventually Centralia. Around 1939 he moved a small but already successful pipe and supply business from St. Elmo to Centralia. In 1940 Aaron brought his bride Gertrude to Centralia. Aaron & Gertye raised their two children, Don and Ronna in Centralia and they too learned the pipe and supply business.

Like many businesses, Karchmer Pipe & Supply changed with the times. As the oil business declined the company expanded into the plumbing and supply business. Now oil, pipe, and plumbing supplies can be found in the “little store on the corner”. Aaron & Gertye’s commitment to the city they loved continues through their children. Recent investments in the city include a 175 unit Self Storage facility, a 40 acre Business Park and other on going projects. The present street address was renamed in 2005 as ‘Aaron Parkway’ by the City of Centralia in honor of Aaron Karchmer’s many contributions to the city.