In the November 10, 1839 edition of the Lexington Progress, the following was written about the radio shop in the "my Column" feature by W.V. Barry, Progress publisher at the time.

Before I was attacked by my old enemy (Sciatic rheumatism), in fact about September 1, as I walked by the home of J. Claude Thomas, the local radio man, and noted that he was having a new roof put on his residence, I thought how different was Mr. Thomas from the Arkansas squatter, who refused to cover his cabin when it was raining and when it was not raining because it did not leak. Claude has done well in Lexington, is on the job every day and is doing his best to provide for the future, and what more could be asked along with the fact while he is trying to live himself, he is extending his business hand to help the other fellow - a policy on which he has prospered and will continue to prosper. In no other Tennessee counties with less than 20,000 population has any dealer in Tennessee put more radios in homes. By way of progress what more could have been done for the people to keep in touch with the best that is going on in the world? In giving honor to whom honor is due, Lexington and Henderson County do not have a man of business more worthy of commendation than does Claude, and I could wish the town no better luck than long life to him.

When the photo was taken, the store was located in the building where Glenn Kirk Insurance Company is now located.

In 1946, Thomas enlarged his store to include furniture and appliances and it became known as Thomas Furniture Company.

Notes: James Claude Thomas born 1898 - died 1968 was married to Betsy Beulah Pope born 25 Apr 1894 - died 1987. They were married 13 December 1925. Both are buried at Memorial Cemetery in Lexington TN. James was the son of Felix Henry (1868-1941) and Ella (1873-1964) Thomas. They are both buried at Nebo Cemetery.