It's Handy Having these Historic Hardware Stores — New Hampshire Preservation Alliance

Hardware stores offer just about every solution to household problems. From obscure bolts to screen repair to chisels when you need them, our state’s small town hardware stores are just the places to shop.

Here are some locally-owned and operated hardware stores located in historic buildings that we encourage you to check out (if you’re not already a loyal patron). If we missed one, let us know!

Edmunds Ace Hardware, Antrim

Open on Main Street in downtown Antrim since 1962 (The Edmunds started their hardware business in Henniker in 1942), Edmunds Ace Hardware is located in a wood-framed block that retains its original storefront.

The family business is on its fourth generation and boasts employees with a combined work experience of 150 years.

Bryant & Lawrence True Value in downtown Tilton is owned by a third generation Lawrence.

Bryant & Lawrence True Value, Tilton

Built in c.1882, this hardware store is a contributing building to the Tilton Downtown National Historic District.

In the 1890s, Edwin Bryant opened his shop, which was shortly taken over by his sons. In 1921, Oaks Kent Lawrence bought into the business - which is now on its third generation. Bill Lawrence, Jr. started working at the store in high school and took it on full time in 1975.

Lawrence must compete with nearby chains, but his loyal customer base (which is also multi-generational) appreciates the decades of knowledge and the store’s ability to source obscure hardware, reproduce keys, sell hunting and fishing licenses, and repair old windows and screens.

Gorham Hardware and Sports

One of downtown Gorham’s most imposing and historic buildings, Gorham Hardware and Sports Center is located in the 1858 Gorham House - a former railroad hotel.

Opened by Roland Chabot in 1964, the business was expanded to include sporting equipment by Roland’s son, Mike. Today, the business caters to everyone, from DIYers and ice hockey players, to painters and Appalachian Trail hikers.

Rand’s Hardware, Plymouth

Located in downtown Plymouth, Rand’s Hardware has been a Main Street staple since opening in its current building in 1922. The business can trace its roots to 1880, but has been in the Rand family since 1908.

The Rands have consistently believed in its downtown location and its employees. In 1935, the business was the first in the nation to enroll in the Unemployment Compensation Program and in 1995, the storefront was restored following Main Street Plymouth, Inc’s guidelines.

New Boston Hardware

A relative newcomer to the hardware business, New Boston Hardware opened in 1995 by Steve Young, who had grown up in town.

The building he chose for the hardware store was actually a barn from the late 1800s that his parents had owned and used to store apples. “I’m very aware of its history and importance,” says Young, who purchased the building back after his parents sold it.

Hicks Hardware, Colebrook

“Hicks Has It” is the motto for our state’s northernmost hardware store.

Originally a lumber yard started in 1904, Hicks Hardware opened on Main Street in the 1940s. Today the business offers everything from housewares to plumbing fixtures to tools. The staff can also restore old wood windows.

The business remains in the family, too: the sixth generation has started working after school.

Alton True Value and Country Supply

Located on Monument Square in Alton Village, this hardware store is a second generation business, opening in 1986.

Prior to the Deroches family, the store was known as J. Jones and Son Hardware and operated by the Dodge Family starting in the 1940s. Sanborn Fire Insurance maps from the 1880s-1910s show the building used as a post office and general store, but by 1923, the building was selling paints and oils. (Jones and Son had a store house behind the building along the railroad tracks.)

Charlestown’s depot-turned hardware store.

Charlestown, Depot Home Center

The perfect hardware store for those who like trains and adaptive reuse, Charlestown’s Depot Home Center is located in an historic railroad depot.

The business, which includes a lumber yard and full service hardware store, has been operated for nearly 65 years by Jan Bailey. “Could it be bigger and newer? I suppose so,” says Bailey. “But we make do.”

Country stores are another “endangered species” like hardware stores. The Preservation Alliance salutes the owners, investors and customers of these important places.