We all know Old Man Winter is just around the corner. The signs are all here: a chill in the air, shorter days, colorful leaves, soup simmering on the kitchen stove, and the family happily sitting around the register. The what?

Sorry, but the registers at the end of heating ducts just don't create much of a focal point for a cozy gathering, now do they?

Why not consider adding a fireplace or stove to your home to add not only heat, but ambiance to your home this winter? Erbs Stove Center in Berlin is the place to go " they'll take care of all your supplemental heating needs.

The business began 25 years ago in the home of Ed Erb, in Sugarcreek. Ed initially repaired and serviced gas-powered appliances, and then got into building lawn furniture as well. In 1992, he began selling fireplaces and stoves. Running out of space, Ed moved his business to Township Road 367 to be closer to the area's traffic. There, Erbs Stove Center sold and serviced fireplaces, gas appliances and outdoor wooden lawn structures.

But in May of 2007, Erbs Stove made another move to increase their space, this time to the south side of State Route 39, about a mile to the east. A brand new, 5,600-square-foot showroom allows the business to offer better service to their customers. An on-site warehouse is extremely beneficial, as well.

The new building is very easy to find ... just look for the sign by the road that actually looks like a fireplace and chimney! The building has a burgundy roof, so you shouldn't miss it!

"Our new building has a larger display area, giving our customers an in-home look to our fireplaces so they can picture how a fireplace will look in their own home," Duane Erb, store manager, said. "We've expanded some of our product lines and have added more fireplace and camping accessories. We also now have room for more gas grills.

"From the first of September until the end of January, we see the most business," Duane said. "People enjoy having fireplaces in their homes, especially ones that are easy to take care of."

Erbs sells a variety of different fireplaces, including vent-free gas, direct-vent gas and electric. They carry a very nice selection of gas logs, too. They also carry wood stoves and free-standing gas stoves, both in vent-free and direct-vent. If you're in the market for a wood-burning fireplace or a gas heater for your garage, Erbs is the place to come. And if you're not sure what type of heating unit you want, the staff at Erbs will be glad to explain all the different features available on the different models.

"In the last couple years," Duane said, "we started selling pellet and corn stoves. These stoves use an alternative fuel source, very popular right now."
Fireplaces have come a long way " you used to have to go out, chop your own wood, carry it in, burn it, and then carry out the ashes. Now, thanks to modern technology, you can lazily sit in your chair, click the remote control and start your gas logs, either just for looks, or for a heat source, as well! And no mess, either!

Erbs also sells locally made mantels and cabinets to surround their fireplaces. Custom-carved beams, made by the Eagle Song studio in Winesburg, will make your one-of-a-kind mantle a real showpiece.

Fireplace accessories are also available at Erbs. You can purchase fireplace tool sets, screens and grates, as well as stove pipes, humidifier pots and fire-proof rugs. Chimney caps and chimney cleaners are also available. Erbs also has a very nice display of ceramic tile floor pads to put under your free-standing stove.

"Recently, there's also been a growing interest in outdoor fireplaces," Duane said. "People like to be able to have an outside fire, and for those living in the city, this is especially nice, as outside fires are usually forbidden. It's nice to be able to sit around a fire on a chilly evening."

The store carries outdoor fire pits, for both gas and wood, and accessories such as hot-dog sticks and pie irons.

There is a very nice array of gas appliances on display at Erbs, including large Crystal Cold and Servel gas refrigerators, along with various sizes of Premier and Crosley ranges. And Erbs will service these appliances, too, for those living in the area.

As they did many years ago, Erbs still builds and sells wooden lawn furniture, and has added poly-vinyl outdoor furniture, as well. You can choose from beautiful gazebos, arbors, children's play sets, picnic tables chairs, swings and swing frames, gliders and planters.

Delivery and installation is available within a 100-mile radius.

Erbs can take care of all your needs, year-round, with fireplaces and stoves in the winter, and outdoor furniture in the summer. What more could you want?
Make a trip to Berlin yet this fall and see the fantastic new display area of fireplaces Erbs has to offer. Be sure your family can keep cozy and warm as the winter winds begin to howl. They'll thank you for it!

Erbs Stove Center LTD, 4100 SR 39, (1.5 mile E of Berlin), Millersburg, OH 44654, (330) 893-3903; hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.