Linder Opticians Celebrate 100 Years of Business

Linder Optical has been a staple in Willow Grove for the last 50 years.

The three-generation family business has been in operation since 1913 and the company will celebrate its 100^th Anniversary with an Open House full of prizes and giveaways on May 24.

The family has built a business that its clients can depend on. This year the Willow Grove location will celebrate its success in the upcoming weeks.

Started by Linder’s grandfather, the first store opened in Philadelphia at the corner of 20^th and Chestnut in 1913. Now his granddaughter and her brother each run two stores; one in Willow Grove and one in Spring House.

“51 years this year,” Marilyn Linder said, who runs the Willow Grove location. “It’s a changing industry but we have a lot of loyal clients so they keep coming back.”

Marilyn Linder's grandfather designed a trial test lens case for eye physicians which was used extensively in the Wills Eye Hospital and other teaching institutions. He was one of the founding fathers of the "Guild of Opticians of America."

Her father opened the Willow Grove store in 1962 and its withstood the test of time with other chain operations popping up over the years.

"I think that’s a pretty good achievement by very few," Marilyn said.

According to Linder, their business still uses the formula of honesty, integrity and professionalism and hope to continue in that manner for the next 100 years.