Rutledge Hardware
An old metal sign hangs above the workshop entrance.
Proprietor: Paul Jones
Phone: 706-557-1770
Email:
barnraisingthe@bellsouth.net
Web site: http://hometown.aol.com/pjgal2000/myhomepage/business.html
Rutledge Hardware is by far the oldest business in town. It has been in continuous operation for over 100 years now and retains all of its original fixtures and even some of its original inventory. In 1997, when the old hardware store last changed hands, a rare Cole Boll Weevil Killer in its original heart pine railroad packing crate was found stored in the back warehouse area. It now calls the Smithsonian Institution home. All the other original old store stock items that were uncovered at the time are now displayed for your viewing pleasure in glass showcases up front.
A revolving octagonal wooden bolt cabinet is still in use.
Entering Rutledge Hardware is like stepping back in time. While viewing the past, you can shop for all your basic hardware needs and also find many not-so-common items such as: hand-cranked ice cream freezers; galvanized tubs; old fashioned milk paint and Gray Seal paints; Father's country ham and bacon; seasonal flowers, plants and seeds; plus a full line of Lodge cast iron dutch ovens, frying pans, etc.
Folks visiting the hardware store also enjoy looking through the old double doors into the back warehouse area and watching as the owner, Paul Jones, brings his hand-crafted 18th century reproduction furniture pieces to life—that is, when he isn't tending to the customers up front!