i got stuck in this small town, a mayberry rfd with a true hardware store. wall to wall fasterner, tools and boxes of everything, true wooden floors that make noise when you walk, the odor of paint, seven dust, fertizler. nail by the paper sack. Oh my god, the smells. Boss got mad at me spending two hours in there. i could see cold days, wood burning stove and old folks chatting. lowes dont have chit on this. I could retire working in a place like this, across the road a true mama type cafe with poke chop and taters
hardware store
- Thread starter brownbagg
- Start date
I love those old style hardware stores. It was a sad day when our last family owned independent closed up. We do have 2 family owned chain hardware stores that are really good tho, thankfully
fitter30
Well-known member
In saint louis 71 now when i was a kid 4 or 5 on Saturdays hardware store with selves to the ceiling a library ladder for access, then off to a railroad salvage store for can goods. Hauling lumber on roof racks on a chevy bel air. Father would travel 10 miles to save a cents. Gas stations with glass bottles of oil stacked up around the pumps 10cents. Sundays run 10 miles for weekly 2 cartons cigs to a drug store.
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nadogail
Well-known member
My city has an independently owned hardware store with wooden floors. It is affiliated with Ace hardware. I worked in it for a few months between “real jobs”. The owner has told me that when his lease ends he will be closing, his high rent looks like it will become unaffordable as his store can make more money for the property owners as a restaurant.
When I was a kid (I'll be 67 in 3 weeks), a friend of my Dad owned the local hardware store. Loved going there.
Last year, we ordered something online from an Ace hardware near us. Went to pick it up and damned if it wasn't the same family business but affiliated with Ace. L.B. Johnson Hardware - Good ole Lou Johnson!
I was sort of sad to see it but better that they're still in business which likely wouldn't be the case as a true independent.
Didn't have time to wander but, at a glance, it looked quite a bit like the old time stores. I did see a nail bin turnstile rack!
Bad Eye Bill
Well-known member
My hometown hardware store. An old friend used to say, (RIP Bob), they stock everything from a ladies fart to a clap of thunder.
http://moffettshardware.ca/
“The Day The Queen Was By”
Picture by Don Moffett 2002
http://moffettshardware.ca/
“The Day The Queen Was By”
Picture by Don Moffett 2002
CraigStu
Well-known member
I had one of those old timey store at our last house. I had the float bowl leaking on the carb for our snow blower. Took the old gasket which was actually a square section o-ring there just to give it a try because otherwise it would be 3 days to order one. Showed it to the guy and he asked what model engine was it. Tecumseh. Ok, go back that aisle, turn right, go 5 more feet and turn right again and stop. There is metal bin there that looks like it should have drawers. But the drawers got lost so we just use it as small segmented shelves. There will be a bunch of small paper envelopes in there and each has a gasket in it. Look for ones labeled Tecumseh, I am pretty sure you will be able to find a match. Sorry I can't take you back there right now but I am the only one here so need to stay near the front of the store. Yes, I found a matching gasket!!!!!!! Now we have an ACE Hardware that is actually pretty dang good but it doesn't have the same old feel I liked in the old store.
Zeke
Well-known member
While on a road trip about 10 years ago I stopped in Guadalupe CA (near Pismo Beach) at a NAPA store for some oil. Wooden floors in a 1900's building. And inside there was a small pavilion with a sign above that said "U.S. Post Office." The whole town's business district was 2 blocks. A walk back in time.
I used Google maps and napa is gone.
I used Google maps and napa is gone.
NORTON'S SHOP
Well-known member
If you ever had the chance, Seven Corners Hardware in St. Paul was the place to see. Sadly, it was torn down a bunch of years back and now there's an condo/apartment building there. A ten minute planned stop would turn into a couple hours for me.
WisJim
Well-known member
Frank's Hardware in Stevens Point WI is the best one I've been in lately. Nuts and bolts, table saws, pump leathers, crocks, lawnmowers, etc. Not as much old Stuff as 50 years ago when they were downtown, but still a great place to spend time.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
My grandfather owned an old time hardware store and my father worked there after getting out of the military. Unfortunately, my gradfather got Parkinson's disease and my grandmother sold the store more than 50 years ago. I still remember the hardwood floors and rolling ladder.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Care to say the location for this town? Pardon the stupid question.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Seven Corners was an amazing place. Fortunately there are still some small neighborhood hardware stores around in the Twin Cities; there are three or four close by me, so I rarely have to venture out to the big box stores in the suburbs.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you for the reply.
MAD
Well-known member
Brown and Roberts in downtown Brattleboro VT is a great hardware store. Knowledgeable staff, on-site Small engine, power tool and glass repair and check out the wooden bolt drawers....
Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you for the replies. Now I know where to plan my next vacation.
MAD
Well-known member
Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you, sir .
Lt CHEG
Well-known member
Thank you for sharing this. I’m not super close, at about 70 miles away but I’ll make it a point to visit this shop some Saturday. I love stores like this!Brown and Roberts in downtown Brattleboro VT is a great hardware store. Knowledgeable staff, on-site Small engine, power tool and glass repair and check out the wooden bolt drawers....
Sonofagun. 30+ years ago I sprayed all 18 greens on the local golf course for poa anna. I lived in Montgomery at the time and did this as a demonstration.
weadjust
Well-known member
I go to Tupelo Hardware occasionally. It's not unusual for a bus load of tourist from a foreign country to be looking around on their stop to see where Elvis bought his first guitar.
JAYoung
Well-known member
Bard's Hardware in Leola, Pa. They had a 30-foot hitching rail alongside their parking lot for their Amish customers, and their inventory showed it. Brand new old stock likely from when the store opened a century earlier.
The last proprietor was a high school buddy and we'd always chat about about our rifle team whenever I stopped in. Big-boxed into oblivion about 10 years ago.
The last proprietor was a high school buddy and we'd always chat about about our rifle team whenever I stopped in. Big-boxed into oblivion about 10 years ago.