Community Connections: Local Hardware Stores, Past to Present
Pictured above is Hutchinson Hardware (circa late 1800s to 2006) in downtown Senoia.
By KATIE ANDERSON, Out and About
My dad’s Uncle Joe owned and operated Morgan Hardware in Rockmart, GA., starting in the 1940s. His son still runs it today. The business itself has existed for over 100 years. When I was young, I would go in with my grandmother when I was visiting. (My mom’s best friend is my dad’s cousin, and my mom’s parents were great friends with Uncle Joe and Aunt Ruth. Did you follow all of that? If you’re from a small town, you probably did.)
They would all make a fuss over me and make me feel like a celebrity, and then catch up on the day’s news. All the while, customers would come and go, adding to the friendly conversation. Even as a child, I realized that Uncle Joe’s hardware store was a place where everybody knows your name.
The same can be said for our local hardware stores. Coweta has a storied history of family-owned hardware stores; some have closed over time, while many are still operating today. These local staples of the community provide us with more than tools. They are one of the vital threads that make up the fabric of our community.
Hardware History
Johnson Hardware, Newnan (Circa 1876 – late 1980s)
Johnson Hardware, downtown Newnan
Located at the corner of West Court Square and West Broad Street, where Piedmont Fitness is today, Johnson’s Hardware was run by the Hollis family for most of the 20th century.
Hutchinson Hardware, Senoia (Originally Senoia Hardware, Circa late 1800s – 2006)
In the building on Main Street where Table Talk is now, Hutchinson Hardware was run for 50 years by Jimmy Hutchinson from 1956 – 2006. He was also well known as Georgia’s youngest mayor when he was elected as mayor of Senoia in 1961.
Newnan Ace Hardware, Newnan (Circa 1979 – 2024)
Newnan Ace Hardware
Family owned and operated by David and Sharon McMichael since 1979, Newnan Ace Hardware recently closed its doors this past July. The store was located in East Newnan on Poplar Road.
Today: More than Tools
Present-day hardware store owners have a lot of the same feel as the stores of yesteryear, with modern day challenges. Barry Fleming of Complete Hardware in Tyrone has been in business for 14 years.
Fleming says, “the best thing about this business are our customers. They are always so supportive of the business. While the economy and Amazon present challenges, we always try to keep prices as competitive as possible.”
Further south on I-85, you’ll find Tucker Hardware on Franklin Road in Newnan. They offer a myriad of services, including a tackle shop, septic service, and a vintage marketplace. Talk about a one-stop shop!
Stalwarts in the business, Billy and Joyce Baker have owned Paper Service and Hardware in Palmetto for 45 years. Billy started the business in 1969 as a paper business, and then expanded into hardware. Incidentally, he’s also a retired Fulton County police officer. He now employs other retired folks – he points out one gentleman retired from the postal service, another from the fire department – because they want something to do and he says “that’s the best kind of employee.” His daughter and granddaughter also work for him and will eventually continue running the family business.
The best part of these small, local businesses? Friendly, helpful staff who care. Where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came.
Visit Our Local Hardware Stores Today
Big M Hardware – 365 LaGrange Street, Grantville, GA
Complete Hardware – 870 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA
Hometown Hardware – 40 Vlg West Drive, Senoia, GA
Miles Hardware – 2006 Hwy 54 W, Peachtree City, GA
Paper Service and Hardware – 615 Main Street, Palmetto, GA
Tucker Hardware – 11 Franklin Road, Newnan, GA
Big M Hardware, Grantville
Complete Hardware, Tyrone
Hometown Hardware, Senoia
Miles Ace Hardware, Peachtree City
Paper Service and Hardware, Palmetto
Tucker Hardware, Newnan
