Hartville Hardware history

Ground breaking for the new True Value Hardware store took place in August 1974.

In the spring of 1983, Roman Wager was hired to add a 9,000 square-foot pole barn to the rear of the store making the total square-footage 31,500.

In the fall of 1986, the John Deere Company and Roy Garmen approached Howard Jr. about the possibility of taking over the John Deere dealership that Wise Hardware in Greentown was giving up.

In March of 1987, the John Deere department was moved in and it has been one of the leading John Deere Dealers in Ohio ever since.

In 1991, the lumber business on Duquette Avenue, came available and Hartville True Value bought it along with the 20,000 square foot building owned and operated by Ray Hall.

In 1993, it was decided to bring the lumber business to the West Maple location and the land west of the building was bought from Thelma Young and Triangle Mold and Machine for future expansion and for a right-of-way from Sunnyside Street.

In 1997, a 36x100-foot pole barn was added to house exterior-type products.

In February 1999, Hartville Building Center was opened complete with offices, a showroom and lumber and building supplies.

In 2000, Howard and Wayne started looking at other suppliers other than TruServe.

In February 2002, the store changed its name to Hartville Hardware and became a Do It Best dealer.