Harrison Brothers Hardware: A Step Back in Time

Harrison Brothers Hardware, located on the historic Southside Square in Huntsville, Alabama, isn't your typical hardware store. Founded in 1879 by brothers James B. and Daniel T. Harrison, it began as a tobacco shop before evolving into a hardware store. The store has been a fixture in downtown Huntsville since 1897. Today, it's a captivating blend of retail and living history, meticulously preserved by the Historic Huntsville Foundation. Stepping inside is like traveling back in time. The original wooden floors creak underfoot, and the air is filled with the scent of aged wood and nostalgia. The store retains its original appearance, complete with antique counters, display shelves, and fixtures. Sales are still rung up on a 1907 National Cash Register. The brothers' original business desk, safe, and coal stove remain in place. Original advertising posters, receipts, ledgers, vintage photographs, and Harrison family mementos are displayed throughout the store. While it may no longer be a traditional hardware store, Harrison Brothers Hardware offers a unique shopping experience. The store specializes in American-made goods, with a focus on local and regional artisans. Visitors can find pottery, cast iron cookware, gardening tools, gourmet foods, soaps, linens, glassware, books, and children's toys. The Harrison Brothers Gallery features works by local and regional artists, showcasing paintings, textiles, jewelry, wood, and metal creations. It's a destination where history comes alive, community thrives, and visitors can find unique treasures.