Home Hardware - St. Jacobs

Home Hardware - St. Jacobs

The Original Home Hardware Store-St. Jacobs

About us

The St. Jacobs Home Hardware Store started as a hardware store in 1900 when it was converted from a blacksmith shop to a hardware store by Henry Gilles. Henry and his son, Alfred, operated the store until 1933. In 1932, Alfred, a young man, passed away suddenly and his father, Henry, passed away a year later. His great-grandson, David Gromeder, manages the present retail facility.

In 1934, the business was purchased by Gordon Hollinger, a local entrepreneur, who changed the name to Hollinger Hardware. Henry Sittler, who previously worked as the manager of the General Store down the street, became manager after the death of Alfred, and continued on as manager. Gordon and Henry developed a very aggressive business that followed the principals of their motto: Value, Service and Dependability.

The original store was less than 2,000 square feet. The wholesaling began in 1936, and was done above the store and in an unheated addition added to the rear of the store. The business grew rapidly. In 1938, when Walter Hachborn joined the company, there were only members on staff: Mr. Hollinger, Mr. Sittler, Enoch Martin (a long time staff member) and Ross Wall. Mr. Hollinger passed away in 1948 and his wife followed a year later. The business was purchased in 1950 by a partnership which included Henry Sittler, Walter Hachborn and A.H. Zilliax, an Elmira barrister.

A Dealer-Owned cooperative was investigated to allow the Dealers to eliminate the wholesale profit and compete with discounters, while at the same time provide service and advice. After consulting with the Dealers and holding countless meetings, Hollinger Hardware was sold to the Dealers as a cooperative on January 1, 1964. The retail store was included in the sale. Walter Hachborn became President and General Manager.

The growth of the business soon demanded more space and facilities so, in 1967, the head office and distribution moved from King Street in St. Jacobs, to a new 75,000 square foot facility on Henry Street, on the outskirts of the village. The facility has been expanded 12 times and now totals more than one million square feet. When the warehouse was relocated, this downtown warehouse was converted in to the Home Furniture Division.
Come see us today at the original Home Hardware Store located in beautiful downtown St. Jacobs!