This has been a landmark in downtown Folkston for over half a century.
Update: As of 2023, Johnson Brothers is no longer in business.
Johnson Brothers Hardware, 1953, Folkston
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Tag Archives: Georgia Hardware Stores
Bishop Store, Circa 1905, Twin City
This was first known as Bishop’s and likely sold everything from groceries to hardware. It was later home to Brown’s Hardware.
Twin City Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Commercial Block, 1907, Twin City
This large commercial block was originally home to Citizens Trading Company, a general merchandise and hardware store. In 1947, it became the Twin City Manufacturing Company, a textile factory that predominately made shirts. It was a subsidiary of Creighton’s at one point. I believe it’s still being used for manufacturing, as Stitch-n-Print, an embroidery business.
Twin City Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Historic Storefronts, Sale City
Bainbridge Hardware Company
This building served several purposes. According to Susan Weathersby Mann it was originally a tobacco warehouse, then Jesse Gunn’s automobile dealership, then Willis Motors, and finally Bainbridge Hardware. Gary Hodges Sullivan writes [2019]: This great building was leveled and a Dollar General built. Sad.
Bristol Grocery & Hardware, Bristol
I believe this is the only remaining historic commercial storefront in Bristol. Michelle Martin Lee writes: This was my grandparents’ store. It was called Bristol Grocery & Hardware and was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Drawdy, who are both now deceased.
Pittsburgh Paints Sign, Nevils
Ambrose Hardware, Coffee County
Ambrose still has a hardware store and it looks like they supply the essentials in this small town.
Hand Trading Company, 1916, Pelham
A retail establishment of this size would have been considered enormous in a larger city, but for one to have been located in the little farm town of Pelham was nothing short of amazing. Judson Larrabee Hand modeled his store on Marshall Field’s in Chicago and when it opened in 1916, dubbed it “The Largest Rural Department Store in the World”. Perhaps its most impressive architectural feature, besides its sheer size, is a central open rotunda highlighted by a dome (not visible from street level). Over the years the Hand Trading Company helped establish Pelham as both an agricultural and retail center for the region, but changing times led to its inevitable closure by 1984. A long-term renovation of the building into apartments is nearly complete as of 2019.
An interesting side note: Hand’s daughter, Virginia, was the wife of Cason Callaway, famous for Callaway Gardens; his daughter Alice was married to Fuller Callaway, Jr.
Here’s a great memory of Pelham and the Hand Trading Company from C. T. Cain: From 1939 through 1945 my family share cropped a farm owned by Mr.Fred Hand. At least twice a month we would hitch up our mules and wagon for a trip to Pelham(est 4-5 miles). After parking our wagon behind Hand Trading Company,our parents would shop at HTC and I would take in a movie at the Pine Theater. Then I took what was left of the .25 cents and buy a comic book and cherry soda at Hand’s soda fountain. My fondest memories of HTC were the bathroom upstairs since it was indoors and very clean. Also the elevator (which was operated by a man with Dwarfism and always had a smile) to take us to the upper floors. I grew up all around Pelham: 1st in the Cotton/Harmony area, then west of Pelham close to the Hawthorne Trail. Worked in many areas to support my parents. Mostly hiring my labor out to farmers such as Jim Curles, Preacher Thomas, and Mr. Brim in the Cotton area. Even worked for Harris’s dairy for a spell. But each weekend led me back to Pelham and HTC.
In 1951 I joined the US Army and enjoyed 22 years of serving my country. But during all those years, my thoughts were of Pelham and HTC. When I was asked where I was from I would always say “FROM A SMALL SOUTHWESTERN TOWN WHICH HAS A LARGE BUILDING COVERING A CITY BLOCK CALLED THE HAND TRADING COMPANY”. There’s not enough space here to list all the memories I have of Pelham and the Hand Trading Co building. I’ve traveled the world , but there’s no place like home. C.T.(Buddy) Cain US Army Logistical Officer(Retired) PS: I’ve worn many shirts to school with a big hand symbol on the back from a fertilizer sack. Oh those were the days.
The Hand Trading Company was restored in the 2010s and is now used as apartments.
Pelham Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
The Singer Company, Lumpkin
Though it closed its doors in the 1980s, the Singer Company holds the distinction of being the oldest hardware store in Georgia. [It should be noted, however, that the business did not originate as a hardware retailer].
Established by Johan George Singer, who came to Lumpkin from Baltimore in 1838 after initially immigrating from Stuttgart, Germany, in 1835, it remained in the family for five generations. Singer was a cordwainer [cobbler] by trade and initially made boots and shoes.
The store’s first location, a two-story wooden building, was located north of the town square
One of Singer’s older sons, John G. Singer, relocated the business to the northwest corner of the Lumpkin town square during his ownership; he also operated a tanning yard nearby.
Johan George Singer’s youngest son, Fred Sam Singer, was the next owner of the business, and moved it to the present location in 1894.
In subsequent years, Fred’s sons, Jess and Julian, expanded the business, which included general merchandise, hardware, groceries, and farm supplies. The last owner was Julian’s son, Sam Singer.
The structure is soon to become home to a local art gallery. Annie Moye, who’s leading the effort, allowed me to photograph some of the interior.
Lumpkin Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places