W.B. Howland celebrates 100 years of business and community service

Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org The year was 1926 when W.B. Howland and his brother John Phillip Howland Jr., recognized the need for a small store in Live Oak. The business began by providing groceries and dry goods to farmers and residents. The original store stood nearly in the same location as today’s W.B. Howland, though slightly closer to the road and with a smaller parking area. Now, in 2026, the business has reached a milestone few ever achieve. On Saturday, March 28, hundreds gathered in Howland’s parking lot to celebrate its 100 years of a success. Crowds swarmed the company’s parking lot during the celebration. The Howland team worked together to hos