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Boasting two centuries of serving its customers and its community, Spalding Ace Hardware hosted a community event in June to celebrate its major milestone anniversary. The 200th anniversary celebration included in-store specials, discounts and giveaways. After shopping the sales and signing up to win prizes, attendees could grab a bite to eat at the chicken barbecue dinner sale, hosted by the Gasport Lions Club.
“It was an honor to celebrate this milestone with our community. Lockport, New York, has a long and rich history; the story of Spalding Hardware is just one small part of it. The history of Spalding Hardware is tied to the history of the Erie Canal, which officially opened two years after Spalding Hardware was founded,” says Emily Domedion, social media manager for Spalding Ace Hardware. “There are many other businesses and family names that have been around just as long. It was our privilege to recognize them, as well. The best part of our 200th Anniversary celebration was the chance to interact with local business owners, politicians, our customers and our friends in a positive, party-like atmosphere.”
Other Spalding Ace Hardware anniversary celebration activities included live product demonstrations, free food samples, kids’ crafts and activities and performances by the Lockport Community Band, the Lockport High School Jazz Band and Lock City Sound. The event was also an opportunity to raise funds for the Lockport Locks Heritage District, which oversees the maintenance and preservation of the famous Flight of Five Erie Canal locks. Domedion says there was a basket raffle, 50/50 raffle and they sold raffle tickets to win a Traeger Pro 575. During the month of June, customers also had the option to round up their purchases.
“Overall, our fundraisers were a great success, and thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised over $3,000 for this important local organization,” Domedion says.
Founded in 1822 in Lockport, New York, Spalding Hardware saw booming business from its inception thanks to construction on the nearby Erie Canal. The business was started by Lyman A. Spaulding, who eventually bought out his partner and sold the business to his brother. The business was passed down through the family and moved locations several times before settling in its current location in 1966.
The Ulrich family says there is no secret for staying in business for 200 years, just a passion for people.
“When John W. Spalding sold the business to LaVern Ulrich in 1956, Ulrich put his heart and soul into improving and growing the business,” Domedion says. “That passion has been inherited by his children, who own Spalding Hardware to this day.”
The family runs their business based on hard work, perseverance, sound business acumen and good instincts.
“Part of the company’s success is surrounding ourselves with people who believe in our mission, who have the necessary skills and are willing to learn more and who will push back when needed,” Domedion says. “These are the people who will help grow your company and help you grow as a person, too.”
To read more about Spalding Hardware’s storied history, click here and here. Learn about some of the other oldest home improvement retailers from around the country here.
