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Trenton Chamber Members...Trenton Hardware

“If we ain’t got it, you don’t need it” is the catchy phrase appearing on the front of a Trenton landmark—Trenton Hardware located on the corner of 9th and Main. At first, I thought that the phrase was owner, Jack McNabb’s sense of humor playing out. After careful inspection, however, I found a lot of truth in the phrase.

Trenton Hardware has a long standing and interesting history in the business community. In 1902, Mr. H.E. Brown formed a partnership with G.A. Easterly. Mr. Brown gained full ownership in 1908. Since that time, other owners have included: Bill Robbins, Herb Brown, R.P. Wynne, Jesse Brummitt, Dr. M.B. Embry, Earl Robinson, Roy Simpson, and current owner, Jack McNabb, who purchased full ownership in 1978.

McNabb, along with his son, Dale, operate the store. They also have 2 part time employees, Robert Low and Hayden Standiford. The McNabbs attribute their longevity to needs based selling, customer loyalty, and offering quality merchandise.

Trenton Hardware carries several lines including: plumbing, electrical, power tools, concrete tools, garden seed and tools, ladders, and general hardware and hand tools. The hand tools include over 50 different styles of hammers to select from. There are many quality and specialty items, such as a 12 foot step ladder.

Both Jack and Dale enjoy working with local contractors who show up early in the morning knowing what their needs are for that day. But, they can also help “weekend warrior” types who don’t have a clue about building. They both note that times have changed with regard to customer orders. Years ago, a farmer would drop off his shopping list, go see a picture show, and then return later that day to pick up his items. Saturday was the busiest day of the week topping the other business days combined. Today, the store typically closes at noon on Saturday.

Business hours are: Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Generally, the store opens earlier than 8 a.m. Jack usually shows up between 6-7 a.m. and is open for business when he arrives. Both Jack and Dale will go to the store for after hour’s emergencies.
Dale recalls going to the store one night to sell a 39 cent flare nut that was needed by a desperate homeowner. Both men have made countless trips to town to help out a customer in need, including local industries.

Trenton Hardware is a gathering place for locals to chat and have fun. Jack recalls as a young man just getting started in the business that he was sent to Horton Hardware to get some board stretchers. He also told a funny story about a young man who was sent to Trenton Hardware to get 10, 24 foot post holes. Earl Robinson waited on him and told him that they would deliver the items. Practical jokes run rampant at Trenton Hardware. Fun, good customer service, and quality items are sure to keep them in business for years to come.