Sherk's Hardware in downtown Chambersburg carried 'everything'
As one travels from Chambersburg's North Main Street through the beautiful Memorial Square and down South Main Street we can see many changes.
Many can remember the buildings that have been razed on North Main Street, and you will also notice the many newly established businesses in the downtown corridor. It is at this time when we realize that there are only a few of the old school businesses that have survived.
A very unique business that I remember from years ago was Sherk's Hardware at the southeast corner of South Main and East Queen streets. This was one of those businesses in Chambersburg that, at the time, carried a huge selection of items used for many repairs at home, in business and for renovations.
The path to this one-time magnificent business started in 1856 by J. & S. Huber who were succeeded by Huber & Tolbert, and were succeeded by R.C. Tolbert & Son in 1864. This business continued until August 1890 when the partnership of A.L. Sherk and A.L. Sollenberger took over the business. Seven years later, in September 1897, Abraham Lincoln Sherk bought out Sollenberger's interest.
In 1912, Sherk announced he was going to renovate his 2,000-square-foot business and add an elevator that went from the basement to the second floor. The project was completed in 1913. By now, the business was know as A.L. Sherk & Son.
The elder Sherk passed away in 1949; ownership of the business transferred to his son, Harry H. Sherk. Harry had told many people about his early days working at the downtown business. The store opened at 7 a.m. and would close when the foot traffic had diminished.
It was during this time that the store was heated during the winter months by pot bellied stoves at various locations throughout the store. For the convenience of the tobacco chewer, there was always sawdust spread all over the wooden floors.
One thing that definitely made Sherk's Hardware a landmark was the large wooden replica of a carpenter's pocketknife displayed below the second story window of the building on East Queen Street. In later years, another unique item on the East Queen Street side of the building was the WCHA weather sign, which was an informative attention-getter for those walking downtown or traveling by.
The following are some of examples of what you could expect once you went through the thick, heavy wooden door to Sherk's: Lavavar wood stain that claimed to stain everything; hardware for the construction of buildings; cutlery; oils; paint; glass; brushes; anvils; hand tools; seeds; picks; axes; varnishes; blankets; and hunting and camping equipment.
As I look at a small paper bag used for seeds from Sherk's Hardware, the wording on it says: "Harry H. Sherk, 'Our Seeds Grow Friends,' Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Harry H Sherk gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to description, quality, productiveness, or any other matter of any seeds, bulbs, or plants it sells and will not be responsible for the crop."
In 1970, ownership of the business changed from Sherk to his daughter Nancy and son-in-law Bud Oliver.
As the years had passed by, so did the types of items being offered for sale by Sherk's Hardware. After the change of ownership, the store carried gifts and housewares, china, crystal, cookware, flatware and cutlery.
In 1980, our community saw the famous Sherk's Hardware close its doors forever.
After the successful and long-running business of Sherk's Hardware, one could definitely understand why the owners could say to their customers that “We carry everything.”
M.L. “Mike” Marotte III is an author and historian who writes about the history of Franklin County. Read more of him at www.vintagefranklincountypa.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Sherk's Hardware's history dates back to the mid-1800s
