Friends say farewell to Leonard Hardware after 123 years
SEBRING − Leonard Hardware has always been a part of Annette Stephens' life.
For nearly 50 years, it was part of the family, dating back to 1974 when her grandfather John Risbeck Sr. bought it from Helen Reed.
On Friday, the store closed after 123 years in business.
"It's been a little emotional when you think this isn't going to be here in this capacity," Stephens said, "but I'm just thrilled for my mom. She gets to enjoy her retirement."
Stephens' mom, store owner Susan Risbeck Sanor, this summer announced her plans to retire and sell the family business at 145 N. 15th St. She found a buyer, and the rest is history.
A final farewell − the last day for sales at Leonard Hardware − was Friday. Sanor was greeted with a steady flow of customers all day.
"It's been a busy time," she said.
Chris Jennings, an Apex Control Systems employee and Salem resident, left the store with his hands full after purchasing several items.
"I've been there 26 years at Apex, and (Leonard's) has been part of us in everything we do. They were a big part of us," Jennings said.
The owner said it was time to retire
Leonard Hardware opened in 1899. It has been the village's oldest business in operation.
Risbeck Sr. brought his sons − Doug and John Jr. − into the business. Sanor, who married John Jr., came to work there in 1977.
Sanor took control of the business in 2006 after Risbeck Sr. and his sons died. Sanor and manager Shawn Morrow, a longtime loyal employee, kept the legacy alive.
But Sanor said it was time to retire.
"The economy is awful right now, and I've thought of (retiring) for years," she said.
"They're good people."
Sanor sold the 10,000-square-foot store to Justin and Alison Biery of Damascus Hardware in August. The couple plans to remodel the store and rename it Sebring Hardware.
The Bierys visited the store Friday and brought Sanor flowers. They plan to reopen in early 2023. Jennings said he expected to shop at the new store when it opens.
"They're good people," Sanor said. "They've been wonderful to work with."
Morrow added: "We really feel better about walking away because (they are) going to continue to have a hardware store for the community. We really feel good about that."
An auction will be held Nov. 9 for sheet metal machinery, tools and other inventory.
'They always had something I needed.'
Like Jennings, several other customers shared their thoughts on an end of an era.
Sebring resident Joyce Whiting brought her grandchildren to the store Friday. "I came here all the time. They always had something I needed," she said.
She continued, saying: "All you had to say, 'Shawn, I need this,' and he'd know what I mean."
Jerry Clark of Sebring, a regular customer, called it a sad day, but said he understands.
"My girlfriend and I were talking about it last night because it's so unique. But it's a tough gig, too," Clark said.
New chapters to be written
Sanor said she plans to stay active in the community.
For example, she runs the village's Summer Concert Series and has been involved in Sebring Historical Society for years. She also served nearly six years on Sebring Village Council.
"I'll keep busy," Sanor added.
For Morrow, the Bierys have offered him a position with the new store. He had been with Leonard Hardware for 41 years, starting as part-time employee in 1981 at 16.
Morrow, who turns 57 soon, said he would consider a return with the Bierys but he wanted a take short break.
"I got my fishing license yesterday. I ain't done that since I was a kid at camp," he said. "I want something new, totally different. It might even be getting a damn cell phone."
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Leonard Hardware closes after final sale Friday in Sebring
