Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2007.113.5 |
Collection |
Gable's Hardware Store |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Title |
Interior of Gable's Hardware Store at 6837-6839 Germantown Ave in Mt Airy |
Description |
Interior of Gable's Hardware Store showing kitchen items such as pots and pans, iron skillets, mops and brooms, trash cans, etc. |
Date |
c.1955 |
Photographer |
unknown |
Print size |
8 x 10 |
Location of Studio |
902 Waltnut St. , Philadelphia, PA |
Studio |
Photo Service |
Notes |
E.K. Paul Hardware was at 6837-6839 Germantown Avenue for 139 years, beginning in 1859. After buying the business in 1915, Charles Gable gave it a new look with two one-story storefronts with skylights. Sons Charles, Jr and Albert, joined the business in the 1940's. Dorsh Dorshimer bought it in 1980 with Chuck Clark his partner who left the business in c.1986-1987. Dorsh owned it for 18 years. In Dec. 1998 Dorsh closed the store because business had declined significantly when Home Depot opened on Cheltenham Ave and Washington Lane. Also, many customers retired and moved away. It took 2 years to sell to McCoubrey/Oberholzer and kept it opened during those 2 years. Dorsh said he enjoyed the hardware store immensely. Prior to buying the hardware store, Dorsh was an insurance investigator and before that a nurse. It was believed to be the oldest hardware store in continuous operation in Philadelphia. |