The Tale of Concord's Vanderhoof Hardware Company

Long Before Software, There was Hardware...the Tale of Concord's Vanderhoof Hardware Company

BY JENNIFER SCHÜNEMANN

Stepping across the threshold of Vanderhoof Hardware, you travel back in time. The soft jingle of the shopkeeper’s bell, the gentle creak of wooden floors that have witnessed customers coming and going for more than 115 years, the unassuming murmur of voices discussing home improvement projects, and the ring of a 1930’s telephone (yes, it still works), all let you know you are someplace special.

Scott Vanderhoof, the 4th generation of Vanderhoofs to run this charming old-school hardware store, greets me with a genuine smile and the relaxed demeanor of someone who is comfortable in his world. The iconic yellow wall along one side of the shop showcases a delightful array of tools, parts, trinkets, gizmos, and bits to support any doit-yourself project around town. Downstairs, the lower level of one of the oldest buildings in Concord Center reveals a glass cutting station, and a workshop where lamps are restrung and a wide range of formerly broken items and small appliances are restored to their glory and sent home. Specialty tools also sharpen everything from knives, to garden tools, to scissors, to chainsaws!

“My great-grandfather, Albert, moved to Concord in 1904 – just at the time that indoor plumbing and electricity were becoming popular. He transitioned the focus from the old coal stoves to this ‘new’ technology here in Concord. In fact, the Fitchburg railroad station was one of the first jobs his shop took on when he opened,” said Scott.

Circa 1900s; from left to right: Albert Vanderhoof (founder), George Keith, Auton Saunders, Frank Vanderhoof, George Emmott, Philip Vanderhoof

Courtesy of Vanderhoof Hardware

Back in 1904, the shop mostly focused on coal stoves, kerosene lamps, copper wash boilers, plumbing, and heavy hardware. The upper floor was a specialty shop to make air ducts. You can still see the heavy iron basement door that slides out to the street where the coal stoves were loaded in and then raised to the upper floors via a handcranked lift.

Sons Frank and Phillip would go on to run the store until the mid-1960s, transitioning into housewares, white enamel cookware, saucepans, stockpots, and a wider range of hardware. Parker Vanderhoof (Scott’s father) would take over and run the shop until his retirement in 1995. Now Scott is the one guiding projects around town and equipping them with just the right supplies. He is joined by his talented nephew, Thomas…the 5th generation of Vanderhoofs in this amazing place. Thomas brings an accounting degree and new insights into digitizing the inventory systems and creating a user-friendly web experience for customers. But the core Vanderhoof experience remains the same as it was 115 years ago – hands on learning, all the right tools and parts, plus approachable and friendly guides to help you figure it out.

The iconic yellow wall - with every fastern or hinge a project could need.

©Pierre Chiha Photography

A veritable “Hardware University” degree can be had at Vanderhoof’s. If you take the time to explain your project and then step back to listen, anyone can receive a highly satisfying crash course in the project at hand. That kind of range and expertise – from plumbing, to electric, to engineering - comes from a lifetime of living and breathing hardware and its application. This town is lucky to have one of the few true old-style hardware stores left in America, right in Concord Center. In fact, Vanderhoof Hardward, Co. was featured in the book “Old-Fashioned Hardware Stores” by Walter H. Olson in 2015. And before that, it was featured in The Reader’s Digest in 1977!

Scott and Thomas Vanderhoof - the 4th generation continuing the tradition in Concord Center.

©Pierre Chiha Photography

In a world of consumerism and waste, Vanderhoof hardware is a refreshing reminder that taking a moment to fix something can be both satisfying and good for your wallet. “I love it when a customer comes in looking for a referral for a plumber, only to realize that she can replace that toilet flapper tank ball herself. Or that a teenager can learn how to sand, prime, and paint a home project all on their own. We take all the time necessary to walk through the steps until our customers understand. I love the calls just to tell me about the little successes all over town,” said Scott. “People come through these doors with all kinds of projects – from ‘how do I fix a scratch on my car’ to ‘can you help me turn this bugle into a lamp’! We always want to encourage people to learn new skills and to experience the satisfaction of repairing something on their own. Especially this year, it’s been so rewarding to help so many folks stuck at home. Working on a project can go a long way towards relieving isolation and anxiety.”

Concordians have been particularly grateful for this gem during the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many people focused on home repairs, a newfound love of gardening, or rediscovering the art of outdoor grilling, Vanderhoof Hardware has been hopping. For example, in a normal season, they would sell one or two gas grills. In 2020, they sold more than 70. Scott is grateful to Thomas – and to their helper, Alex Lee from Concord Academy - who put together each and every one of those grills!

Akin to the West Concord 5&10, Vanderhoof’s also provides Concord Center with knick knacks ranging from Band-Aids to sewing kits to picture hangers – they even make keys. “With Maynard retiring and closing the 5&10, we are one of the last of the old-school retail anchors in town,” lamented Scott. “We will do our best to help fill the gap here in Concord Center, but we know everyone will miss the 5&10.”

Thankfully, the future of Vanderhoof Hardware is secure for another generation, with Thomas on board. As for who will run the store beyond that – who knows? While Scott’s two daughters chose other career paths (one in medicine and the other as a teacher), there are three grandkids out there…perhaps one of them will help carry the torch for the 6th generation? One thing is for sure, Scott Vanderhoof has no plans to leave anytime soon.

“This place means so much to me. There is so much history here – so many great stories flow through these doors every single day. I can’t image being anyplace else. I’m always awake and tinkering away in the workshop downstairs for hours before we open. This place is more than a store – it’s a place of possibility – a gathering place for our whole community.”

You can visit Vanderhoof Hardware at 28 Main Street in Concord Center. Bring along photos or parts for your next DIY project….and tell Scott and Thomas we said hello.