We were reading a story on social media about a town losing its local hardware store after over 100 years of operation. The place you’d go to have a nice chat about local things and grab a bunch of screws and some drain cleaner is being lost to changing times. This story is more about you and your memories and their ties to the local community, so we welcome your thoughts and comments about a hardware store you remember.
The amazing part of the typical local hardware experience is that they had everything, and I mean everything. From mouse traps to cooking pans and clothing to snacks, you could always find what you needed or wanted. Those who were lucky enough might have had a family store charge account. We did so my mother could send me down, and I would always proudly say, “Put that on my family account, please.” What a feeling of independence.
I grew up in Westfield, New Jersey, and will never forget riding my bike to town to visit Taylor Hardware on Elm Street. I remember walking in from the front or the back door and hearing the bell ring to announce my welcome. The slightly uneven wooden planked floor spread for what seemed so big but, luckily, was broken up in the middle by the island counter where everyone would meet to cash out.
Taylor Hardware in Westfield, New Jersey, has been part of the town’s retail history and has operated since 1925, contributing nearly a century of service to the community. The proprietors of Paul C. and Harry Nelson Taylor started the Taylor’s Hardware Company in the heart of downtown Westfield on Elm Street; this hardware store has served the community for many generations. It was a fixture among Westfield’s independent businesses, contributing to the local character and economy alongside other now-defunct family-owned establishments.
Major Hardware Store Loss Coming – Finkles in Lambertville
Finkles in Lambertville, New Jersey, will close permanently on Dec. 31 after 107 years. Rachel Finkle, who began working at the store in 1990, explained the decision to close by citing the challenges posed by big-box retailers and specialized distributors.
Finkles Hardware specializes in supplies for lighting, electrical, kitchen, and bath; pipes, valves, fittings, and other plumbing equipment; decorative cabinet, door, gate, window, and industrial hardware; and a wide selection of nuts and bolts. In the past year, it has promoted its eco-friendly ice melt and sleds for kids on social media. It also offers a restored, all-hand-stitched, $2,000 love seat and a $300 chisel sharpener.
“Over my 30 years, we’ve seen the business shrink. It’s incredibly difficult for independents to survive against the market forces of the big conglomerates.”
Rachel Finkle, great-granddaughter of the fellow who started it almost 100 years ago. Finkles Hardware, Lambertville, New Jersey
Historic Hardware Stores Lost Across Jersey
As our researchers have found, Mom-and-Pop hardware stores have been closing at an accelerated pace across New Jersey. Perhaps representing a bygone era, it seems that if you have a local hardware store, the only way to survive is to shop there first and often.
One of the oldest hardware stores in New Jersey was Antrim Hardware in Camden, New Jersey, founded in 1889 by Elwood H. Antrim. It operated for nearly a century and became a central part of the local industrial community. Antrim Hardware expanded in the early 20th century and adjusted to economic shifts, but as Camden’s industrial base eroded in the late 20th century, the store’s viability waned. The business was sold to a Philadelphia firm in the 1980s and eventually closed. Our researchers found more:
Sidebar Story
We also couldn’t forget our own local Bernardsville Hardware along Route 202/206 in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Bernardsville Hardware has a rich history as a family-owned business serving our community for over fifty years. Originally known as Clark Hardware Store, it has been a staple in Bernardsville, providing a wide range of products and personalized service. In 2016, the Hubiak family took over the store and remodeled to modernize it while maintaining its charm. The store offers a variety of items, including plumbing supplies, electrical goods, paint, lawn and garden products, and more. It also serves as a general store for the community, with a welcoming atmosphere that includes free freshly popped popcorn. And who doesn’t love a hardware store that offers candy and toys?
Despite the arrival of larger chains like Ace Hardware in the area, Bernardsville Hardware continues to thrive by focusing on long-term customer relationships and community engagement. We hope the community remembers their commitment to the community and their personal and friendly service.
Do you have any specific memories or experiences with Bernardsville Hardware?
Do you remember your favorite local Jersey hardware store to share? Please post it in the comments section below and tell us if it’s still in business. Maybe we’ll add it to our Lost and Awesome Jersey Hardware Store map!
One Last Jersey Hardware Store Survivor
More Jersey History Memories
Wood Ave. Hardware, Linden NJ. Closed up in the early 90’s. I worked there is the mid – late 80’s as a stock boy + screen & window repairs. George the Owner said “Home Depot is coming, time to sell to Sippersteins before it’s too late! (He did) They’ve been chasing me for this location for 20 years and if I keep pushing my luck, Home Depot is going to get us both”
*Sipperstiens made it in that location for about 7-10 more years before they closed, because of Home Depot.
George saw it coming and bought stock in HD. True story.
Jaspan Brothers on Elmora Ave. in Elizabeth was always fun as a kid. It’s a shame these unique stores are disappearing but it is the way of the world anymore. Too bad my kids and their kids will probably never experience such things. Life was so much simpler back then.