Field Hardware on Main St

Field Hardware on Main St

This store at 213 Main Street was Whitson's Hardware from 1910 until it was purchased by Edward J. Field from his great uncles in 1919. He remained here until the property was purchased in 1929 for the expansion of the Miller Theater after which he moved to 111 E. Van Buren. He retired in 1952 and sold that property to Bohn's Hardware.

There was no rear door because it was built into the hillside. Note the amount of tinware on the shelves on the left. The business was often advertised as hardware and tinware. Also, the bicycles in back were a particular passion of Ed Field--he built and repaired bicycles. He is standing on the right in the photo. The other man is unknown.

The original Whitson's Hardware was on the Square (114 N. Benton) from 1854-1910. Thomas Whitson was E. J. Field's great-grandfather. After Thomas's death, his sons George and William and a son-in-law, Augustus Wagner, carried on the business until they sold it to their grand nephew.

Maggie Field Crane

1919/1929