The Classic American Hardware Store

There is no doubt that Home Depot or Lowe’s can never compete with the friendly neighborhood hardware store. Sure , they are likely to have lower prices, but that is where it all falls apart.

The hardware store is an American tradition. I remember well my first trips to hardware stores with my Grandpa as a youngster. And also with my dad. The first thing you notice is the smell. The place SMELLS like a hardware store should- fertilizer, mixed with a little 2 cycle oil, some paint thinner and a little bit of glue mixed in. 

A good hardware store will also have a wood floor, its finish long worn off, bare hardwood, soaked in the smells of hardware. That same floor will creak when you walk on it. There is no need for security cameras, you could never sneak up on anyone in such a place. A Home Depot has concrete floors, swept and mopped by a machine.

A hardware store has narrow aisles,  shelves filled with all sorts of stuff you cannot find in a BigBox. If you’re really fortunate, the store owner, who also doubles as manager, janitor, cashier and service dept, will greet you by name. A few minutes of friendly conversation, and often times advice accompanies every sale. youwill never hear those famous words-” other end of the store, turn left”!

The local store near my home has been there for well over 100 years. The proprietor, Mr. Orr, is a stereotypical hardware man. Its in his blood. Tall, thin, white beard, round glasses, a plaid flannel shirt, and suspenders that look like tape measures. The back wall is floor to ceiling small oak drawers full of hardware heaven. It also sports one of those narrow rickety sqeaky sliding ladders to access those hard to reach nuts and bolts.Antique woodworking tools hang from the ceiling.  Occasionally, Mrs. Orr will have some home baked goodies sitting on the counter.

They may not always have exactly what you need in stock, but if you’ll need it again, they will be sure to order it in for you. It may be found somewhere between the chainsaws and the Christmas decorations.  But it will be there.

You can still get your hunting license in a real hardware store. I remember my first,  an Archery deer license and small game license at Gambles hardware store in 1977.  I bought a fistful of Bear archery arrows and broadheads, and some camo face paint too. Out the door I went, as always with a bit of advice and a pat on the back for luck.  Gambles has long since closed it doors, but it’s tradition continues.

I bought my oldest sons first license at our local hardware. Tucked in the back of the store, where only the regulars venture, in a poor lit corner is the hunting dept. you may have to move a few rakes or tarpaulins out of the way to find a spot to sit, but its there. You may have to wait until Mr. Orr finishes replacing a window screen for someone, or finish threading a piece of pipe. But as soon as he is done, and has handed out the complimentary advice, you’re in business.

The store closes from noon to 1230 for lunch, and is never open on Sunday, or holidays. Those are days to spend with family, and go to church, not working of projects.

Many of our local stores are gone, victim of the bigbox stores price wars. there are some things you can never put a price on. Honesty, customer service, and a friendly suggestion. Support those that are left, they are an American icon.