Coast to Coast Stores, as a franchised trade name, was only eight years old when E.A. Peterson opened the original Coast to Coast Store in Manning. He started March 1, 1936, in a building west of its present location.

Coast to Coast was a home and auto store in those days, and the 2000 square foot facility in Manning was typical of small Iowa towns during that period.

After operating the store one and a half years, Peterson sold it to Floyd Muhlenbruck in November, 1938. He also ran the store about one and a half years, selling it to O.E. Pratt and his son Ray in February, 1940.

The Pratt and Son partnership continued for 20 years. In August, 1946, the Pratts took in a third partner, Ed Callen, who continued with them until July, 1952. In January, 1960; O.E. Pratt sold his half interest to Ed Dobler. Ray and Ed continued their partnership until August, 1965, when Ray sold his half to Ed, ending 25 years of Pratt participation in the Coast to Coast Store.

Dobler continued as sole proprietor until he sold to Marlin Kahl in March, 1967. The store was sold to Richard Rafferty in August, 1969, and present owner Gary Smith purchased the store in July, 1972.

In the summer of 1948, the store had been moved across the street to 318 Main Street. This provided 2500 square feet of selling space. In 1975, it was remodeled and expanded to include 316 Main, making it a 5000 square foot store.