Fairhope, Alabama
FAIRHOPE HARDWARE IS NO MORE
The Times has learned that the Fairhope Hardware store has closed its doors for the last time -- and remaining merchandise will be auctioned off on June 25th during an online auction.
The store was owned and operated since the early 1970s by Bill Baldwin Sr. -- who passed away last March at age 80.
Criticized by some for being "disorganized" -- most locals agreed that is exactly what made it so special; separated it from its sterile, corporate big-box competitors.
The Times remembers Baldwin Sr. as a quiet, friendly man always at his store and willing to help; a hound dog often laying on the floor nearby.
ORIGINAL 'PEOPLE'S STORE'
The building at 310 Fairhope Avenue was completed in 1922 and originally housed the Single Tax Corporation's 'Peoples Cooperative' general merchandise store -- which sold everything from "shoes to plowshares" according to historians; community meetings and other social functions were held in the spacious upstairs auditorium as well.
A Freds, Pigggly Wiggly, Hammond's Grocery, and a Blue Dollar store occupied the building over the years as well, according to a local historian.
BUILDING'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
Sources say the heirs have not yet decided what to do with the building itself: leasing or remodeling into smaller units are options. A well-known local developer has expressed interest in purchasing the property as well.
When informed of the closure by a Times reporter, one existing downtown business expressed interest in re-locating.
(We were told the aluminum facade was added to the brick building in the late 1970s)
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| 310 Fairhope Avenue today |
FAIRHOPE HARDWARE IS NO MORE
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| Bill Baldwin Sr. |
The store was owned and operated since the early 1970s by Bill Baldwin Sr. -- who passed away last March at age 80.
Criticized by some for being "disorganized" -- most locals agreed that is exactly what made it so special; separated it from its sterile, corporate big-box competitors.
The Times remembers Baldwin Sr. as a quiet, friendly man always at his store and willing to help; a hound dog often laying on the floor nearby.
ORIGINAL 'PEOPLE'S STORE'
 |
| closed |
The building at 310 Fairhope Avenue was completed in 1922 and originally housed the Single Tax Corporation's 'Peoples Cooperative' general merchandise store -- which sold everything from "shoes to plowshares" according to historians; community meetings and other social functions were held in the spacious upstairs auditorium as well.
A Freds, Pigggly Wiggly, Hammond's Grocery, and a Blue Dollar store occupied the building over the years as well, according to a local historian.
BUILDING'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
Sources say the heirs have not yet decided what to do with the building itself: leasing or remodeling into smaller units are options. A well-known local developer has expressed interest in purchasing the property as well.
When informed of the closure by a Times reporter, one existing downtown business expressed interest in re-locating.
(We were told the aluminum facade was added to the brick building in the late 1970s)
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| ca 1920s |
Comments
(This comment was edited by the Publisher)
I worked for Mr Baldwin at Fairhope Hardware as well as the Harbor Shop back in the 90's. My father also worked there part-time after he retired from his career in banking. Many, many fond memories in that building. It was like working in Mayberry, everyone knew everyone. Back then we would leave the doors open every now and again making it easy to greet people we knew on the sidewalk or even driving by. Bill Baldwin was a good man and will be missed. It makes me sad to see the store close, it's a Fairhope tradition. I do not believe Walmart plays any part in it's closing. Knowing the family as I do, I believe it's just time. Fairhope is not the same as it was even 10 years ago, our quaint, quiet town is slowly slipping into something else.
A privately owned Hardware, unorganized or not, they were always there to help you find what you need.
I personally, Found merchandise that was from the 70's or 80's and stamped made in the U.S.A.
The old story go's, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'VE GOT UNTIL YOU LOSE IT. ��
There used to be four hardware stores here back in the day!
It might not have been perfect, but it meant a lot to my Dad.