For some Bridgeport residents, Ace is the place for nuts and bolts. For others, it has been the place for mowers, appliances, animal feed, play sand, toys and even hunting licenses.

 

Locals have shared memories and appreciation for a longtime store which has served the community for more than half a century. On Thursday, Ace Hardware owner Sharri Brake announced that the store which many refer to as a city icon will be closing its doors on Aug. 30.

 

Raised on the outskirts of Bridgeport during the 1960s and ‘70s, Donald Shriver remembers the local hardware store serving his family for lawn mowers, barbed wire and other fencing materials for the farm.

 

“Also many types of nails, staples, nuts and bolts, as well as appliances and electrical parts,” he said. “I think we bought animal feed there also – and our CB radios.”

 

Growing up in the same era, Bobbie Harbert Kellerman has her own early memories of Ace Hardware on West Main Street. Those memories include tagging along with her dad when he went to purchase plumbing materials or, on occasion, a lawn mower. The family’s very first riding mower was purchase there.

 

Kellerman said there was never any decision as to where to buy those types of items as Ace was the only option – and a very accommodating one.

 

“You could fine whatever you needed without all the hassle,” she said.

 

And in addition to convenience, the store offered a bit of seasonal magic.

 

“I used to love when we came around (the corner) by Crimms Exxon to look up and on the side of the building, there was a big window with a Christmas display – lit up with goodies,” she said.

 

Sarah Harmer Kingery also recalls the store’s former toy department on the upper floor. After climbing the stairs, it was like stepping into another land – one featuring toy and doll favorites, as well as holiday lights and décor.

 

“I have vivid memories of going there during Christmas, seeing all the tree trimmings and smelling pine,” she said. 

 

Kingery said one of her very first bicycles was purchased at Ace. The store also supplied her with rabbit food for her two pet bunnies.

 

For Jenny Webster, memories include piling into the family station wagon at the beginning of each summer to go buy sand for the sand box.

 

Charlie Fest’s favorite season to visit Ace was at the onset of fall.

 

“When I was in high school, I would buy my hunting license there,” he said.

 

As a kid, Joe Petroff remembers window shopping for mini bikes – and actually getting one for his eighth birthday. As an adult, he has purchased supplies there for his lawn and garden, as well as various fix-it projects. The appeal was more than the generous selection.

 

“It was the old school service with a smile,” he said. “The way the employees walked you through your project in detail – making sure you had everything necessary to complete the job.”

 

Sharon Stutler said she and her husband Jimmy have, through the years, experienced the same attention to detail.

 

“They have replaced several hot water tanks for us,” she said. “We would go down to Ace, pay for it and they took care of delivery, installation and removal of the old one.”

 

Other locals have specific childhood memories which revolve around something other than the store’s inventory.

 

“I used to go there so much in the ‘80s, they pulled my little charge card as I went through the door,” said Davette Buckhannon.

 

For Julie Fulks, a visit to the store during her childhood was guaranteed fun.

 

“My sister and I used to love to flip around on the railings near the registers,” she said.

 

Amy Miller Hinkle grew up during the 1980s and early ‘90s. Her dad being a part-time painter, roofer and handyman, he purchased many items there. So have the women in the family – especially when it was time to make cookies for holidays and family weddings. It was the one and only store where they could purchase galette irons for their special creations.

 

Debbie Stewart Mayo said she and her husband Kim have frequented Ace Hardware for household needs since they were married more than 30 years ago. When she was a kid, her parents did the same.

 

Ace Hardware played a very important role in Beckie Alvaro’s life.

 

“I worked my way through college there – and spent much of what I earned there as well,” she said. “I will really miss the store.”

 

All of those interviewed echo those remarks.

 

“Big box stores just aren't the same,” Petroff said. “It will be missed.”

 

The store has been operating under the Ace Hardware name since 1962. It was founded just a few years earlier as Bridgeport Supply and Feed Store. Huff Brake owned and managed the store for several years, after which his son Rick took the reins and for 26 years ran it with his wife Sharri. Brake passed away about a year and a half ago and Sharri Brake has managed operations since. She said she regrets the decision to close the store. She attributes that decision to the inability to compete with large retail conglomerates. Brake said all store inventory, equipment and fixtures – and even the building - will be sold by auction in October. The Bridgeport store is one of the oldest in the state operating under the national Ace Hardware co-op brand.