B & B Hardware sees new life and a new owner.
NORTH FORK — In this little town with a big heart lies one of California’s rare commodities these days – an old time hardware store with all the charm to boot.
B & B Hardware has been around as long as most of us can remember and for the last 38 years it has been a labor of love for owner/operator Edgar Johnson.
The time had come for Ed to look toward retirement, and who better to carry on a tradition than his right-hand man Pat Coleman.
B&B Hardware new owner Pat Coleman – photo by Maureen Walling
Pat was a long time resident of the Ontario-Pasadena area and due to the health of his youngest son the family embarked on a wanderlust trip northward to find a small town that would benefit the boys needs. They stumbled upon the little town of North Fork, settling in Cascadel Woods and indeed the foothill climate and atmosphere was just what the doctor ordered.
Pat quickly found his niche with Ed down at the hardware store and the relationship began. As Pat was a private business man in Southern California, building and operating concession trailers for the County and State Fair circuit, he brought that drive and craftsmanship with him to the mountains.
The first thing Pat did was to create his workshop at home and in exchange for working with Ed, his supplies to build his workshop were made available. The two continued their working relationship for five years when it was determined that Pat would become the new owner of the business.
Pat says his motto is – “The hardware store is a whole new world and the charm is staying!” He will continue the tradition of carrying construction items for the older homes from the 40s, 50s and 60s and the old steel bins that hold parts and breakers to serve them will remain too.
He will also be incorporating parts and tools to serve new construction needs, such as PEX plumbing supplies. Pat is opening up the downstairs up to all manner of consignments from heirlooms to antiques, and many of the old treasures customers have come to appreciate will remain in that space, with more arriving.
The main store upstairs is being reworked will all new items and Pat says you can count on the entire store being clean and well lit.
One of the special aspects of B&B Hardware has been the friendly atmosphere and camaraderie. Rest assured this tradition goes on as Pat has the guest table near the front window where folks can enjoy their coffee and a game of checkers by the wood stove.
Cecil Strange at B&B Hardware
A long time and much-beloved resident of North Fork is Cecil Strange, the retired night janitor for North Fork Elementary School. Cecil first stepped into B&B Hardware around 1955 when he returned from the war, and has been a regular visitor ever since.
Cecil reminisces about a previous owner, Cal Burnett and a time when the building once burned down. He says those folks really hung in there with the store. He tells me how owner Ed was a real talker and loved to help people. Cecil made it a part of his daily routine to come by for coffee everyday on his way to work and that tradition will continue for him and many others now.
When you stop, be sure to check the display case on the back wall as it is filled with beautiful Native Mono handmade items for sale by Candi and Ted; that alone is worth a look. Say hi to Pat and Cecil and maybe fit in a game of checkers. Thank you Pat for keeping our traditions alive in North Fork!
B & B Hardware – It’s not just an errand, its a destination and treasure hunt!
Stop in for the Grand Re-Opening on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29, and enjoy free nachos and coffee.
B&B is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed Sundays and major holidays.
Located in downtown North Fork at 32941 Road 222
(559) 877-2512
