The evolution of lumberyards/hardware

[BigWill]

I'm 45, a SoCal guy all my life.

As a kid, I remember my dad going to Conley's Hardware (Montclair CA) for most typical hardware things. "Ole's" or "Angel's" (both small chain lumber and hardware stores) for everything else.

By '82 or so, I was working for a contractor. We got a "Home Club", which was like a Costco. You had to buy a membership, but it changed the dynamic forever. I remember us all discussing that you could build an entire house with what the sold there. It was crazy good, in those days.
Later, they evolved into "Home Base", then into bankruptcy.

Home Depot came along a year or two (IIRC) later, and Lowes after that.

The days of going to the lumber yard, the plumbing supply, and the hardware were over.

In a way, I miss those days.

 

[Endust]

i have two awesome honest to goodness hardware stores in my neighborhood. grown men actually ask you what you're looking for when you walk in.

 

[WooHorn]

I agree and would throw in local nurseries as well. There are a few around, but I even miss chains like Wolfe's Gardenland being right around the corner.

I always remember Builders Square as the first home improvement box in our area, and I always preferred them for some reason, but I imagine that they are all the same. I am fortunate to live within about 10 of Elliot's and Turner Hardware in Dallas, so I can get most of my real supplies there. Of course, I live 3 miles from a HD and Lowes, but I actually go to Wally's for common stuff instead. I never hooked up with a good traditional lumber yard, though. I have to drive 15 miles to get my redwood from a specialty fencing place.

I always wonder what people way out in the country do (or people in ole times). They must really have to be organized if they can't just make a 15 minute run to the big box for sheetrock at 9:50pm.