The former Carpenter Hardware building in Cammack, Indiana, just west of Muncie. The building has been renovated and converted into businesses and apartments.
This building housed one of the last real hardware stores in central Indiana, the kind where if it was a nut, bolt, screw, gadget, plumbing fitting, electrical supply or tool of any kind, it was there or it likely wasn’t available. There were three floors, including the basement, all full of whatever you can imagine, and was a hangout for the local fellows with time on their hands. It was run by Mr. Carpenter (everyone just knew him by “Carpie”), a crochety old so-and-so. If someone was an unfamiliar customer, Carpie ushered him to the product and found it for him. If one was a regular customer or an acquaintance asking for something, he could expect a reply like “It’s upstairs on the west side, about half way down. You can find it.”
Because we--my family--were farmers and carpenters, I grew up frequenting places like this and real lumber yards (the likes of Lowe’s don’t count as a real lumber yards). I miss places like these.
jaymatt wrote:
The former Carpenter Hardware building in Cammack, Indiana, just west of Muncie. The building has been renovated and converted into businesses and apartments.
This building housed one of the last real hardware stores in central Indiana, the kind where if it was a nut, bolt, screw, gadget, plumbing fitting, electrical supply or tool of any kind, it was there or it likely wasn’t available. There were three floors, including the basement, all full of whatever you can imagine, and was a hangout for the local fellows with time on their hands. It was run by Mr. Carpenter (everyone just knew him by “Carpie”), a crochety old so-and-so. If someone was an unfamiliar customer, Carpie ushered him to the product and found it for him. If one was a regular customer or an acquaintance asking for something, he could expect a reply like “It’s upstairs on the west side, about half way down. You can find it.”
Because we--my family--were farmers and carpenters, I grew up frequenting places like this and real lumber yards (the likes of Lowe’s don’t count as a real lumber yards). I miss places like these.
The former Carpenter Hardware building in Cammack,... (
show quote)
I agree with your sentiment. I miss those days also. Was able to buy 1 because I needed one. Now I need to buy a poly bag with 10. What was was.
Beautiful photo and great story, John. Love that you caught it decorated with mums and corn stalks. When I was a boy, there was a similar hardware store in my neighborhood. I remember it always smelled faintly of
3 in One oil.
I worked in a place like that as a student - great fun and learnt more than you could imagine about hardware and people! Nice capture. Please stay well and keep on sharing.
I long for those days and places, too. A very nice image, John.
A vanishing breed - a real treasure trove. We have a place like this nearby in Bellingham - Hardware Sales - they got just about everything you can think of and quite a few that you cannot think of - and the knowledge and customer service to boot!
Very nice shot and a great narrative John! I miss the old stores I grew up with.
jaymatt wrote:
The former Carpenter Hardware building in Cammack, Indiana, just west of Muncie. The building has been renovated and converted into businesses and apartments.
This building housed one of the last real hardware stores in central Indiana, the kind where if it was a nut, bolt, screw, gadget, plumbing fitting, electrical supply or tool of any kind, it was there or it likely wasn’t available. There were three floors, including the basement, all full of whatever you can imagine, and was a hangout for the local fellows with time on their hands. It was run by Mr. Carpenter (everyone just knew him by “Carpie”), a crochety old so-and-so. If someone was an unfamiliar customer, Carpie ushered him to the product and found it for him. If one was a regular customer or an acquaintance asking for something, he could expect a reply like “It’s upstairs on the west side, about half way down. You can find it.”
Because we--my family--were farmers and carpenters, I grew up frequenting places like this and real lumber yards (the likes of Lowe’s don’t count as a real lumber yards). I miss places like these.
The former Carpenter Hardware building in Cammack,... (
show quote)
Great image!!! John
I miss the "Real" Hardware stores!!! everytime I have to go to Lowes, HD etc.
I really hate when I ask for a specific item and the clerk or dept. pro ask what are you going to do with it? It seems they don't know two word Yes or No.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.