Watson Hardware — Local services in Oberlin

Not the Watson Hardware of years ago. Called asking about 3M two-sided tape, the guy said "let me check." Three minutes later said "Yeah, we got it." O.k. drove up there, walked in , said "I called about 3M two-sided tape," he told me where it was. I went back there and guess what there wasn't? 3M two-sided tape! No 3M tape at all! I made sure to bark about their "efficient" customer service all the way out the door for the last time! They obviously don't think anything about leading potential customers on wild goose chases. I like to shop local but that's not the crew I use to...

There is still a hardware store where you can get advice on a project, have a lamp repaired, buy both a garden rake and plumbing supplies, find a match for exactly the screw you need, and pick up windshield washer fluid for your car. You don't ever have to wander up and down the lonely aisles of one of those big box stores again. Instead, let a friendly person at Watson's guide you through their big inventory in a human-scale storefront. They can even help when you don't know the name of the doohickey you are looking for; as a new homeowner, I have purchased many such...

One of the great small town hardware stores, where sales people will help you, and be happy to do so.

Watson Hardware was founded in 1887 by Miles J. Watson and still carries his name. Watson turned it over to his son in law, Glenn Molyneaux, who sold it to his son, Glenn Molyneaux Jr., known as Jim.

I grew up working in this hardware store, which was owned and managed by my dad, Jim, and my mom, Barbara. And it's going strong. Mom and Dad were so proud of this store. They sold it in the 1990s, and the current owner is doing...