Musings of a Local Hardware Store Owner

“You might find it of interest that in the past there were three guys in the store who were fabricating metal for wood stoves, etc., by hand during the World War – never putting a name on it, so that their plans could never be copied. The patterns are still here, fastened on the back wall”. As Dave added, “I'll never know why they didn't start a fire.”  This led me to take pictures of the large assortment of the blow torches and other old-time equipment used by these guys as Dave  proudly stated that his dad also fabricated some strange stuff to make things work out.

“I have three brothers and sisters. We all grew up working here at one time or another. The store was fired by coal 'til 1974 so as kids we filled the coal stokers and took out the clinkers. We learned that everything had its place and that's why when customers wanted a certain part, maybe to match what they carried in, we all knew exactly where to find it.”

“We use all three floors; glass work and screens are in the basement while heavy plate glass is on the third floor.  Every inch of space is utilized for storage or repairs.

“There's lots of changes in the business. As an example when my dad died, paperwork considered me the new owner, which made a change in suppliers necessary. We had to go to a Southern supplier. Looking on the computer and catalogs , I couldn't find a simple 'duct cap'.  In southern terms, I discovered it was called a 'shanty cap'!   We have to think like they do.”

“Twelve years ago we started to computerize. Everyone's catalog is now on line, and credit cards are necessary. We make look old, but we are up-to-date.” Yet, “We are just one big working antique!” was his statement as he showed me the 1898 working cash register, which was bought from Sanford Supply in Cedar Rapids; a large assortment of old wooden drawers, still being utilized; a magnificent wooden octagon screw rack from the early 1900's; the large old metal haymow barn track near the ceiling which runs the length of the side of the building with an homemade ladder being used to get supplies reaching up to the ceiling; potbelly heating stove, no longer in use because of safety reasons; nail bin; hanging racks; small metal drawers in the back room; even the oily wooden floor, with its springy like effect, so it doesn't make your feet tired. There's probably more that I didn't see or observe working.