It was in 1902 when James Cash Penney first set foot on Kemmerer, Wyoming and started a retail store he aptly called the ?Golden Rule Store?. He operated the store under two philosophies ? cash basis and the Golden Rule (Do unto others what you want others to do unto you).

He opened the Golden Rule Store in the 14th day of April, 1902 and their first sales totaled to a measly thirty three dollars and forty one cents. But, Mr. Penney continued on and started operations at 7 in the morning and closed depending on the frequency of buyers. After 9 years, he was able to establish 34 stores and eventually changed the store name to J.C. Penney.

Today, the first JCPenney Store is still flourishing and has become one of the most photographed tourist spots in Kemmerer, including Penney?s first home which was transformed into a museum.