[[File:California Hardware Catalog Title Page 1.jpg|thumb|Title page of California Hardware Company’s 5000 page product catalog. Building shown was constructed in 1915.]]
[[File:California Hardware Catalog Title Page 1.jpg|thumb|Title page of California Hardware Company’s 5000 page product catalog. Building shown was constructed in 1915.]]
”’California Hardware Company”’ was a wholesale [[Hardware store|hardware]] distributor based in the Los Angeles area. Business began 1892 and lasted well over 120 years until 2012. At its zenith it was the largest supplier of hardware, housewares, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies west of the Mississippi. Its customers were hardware dealers, lumberyards and home centers in California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. At the height of its business, the company operated a 400,000 square foot warehouse and office employing 260 workers.<ref name=”:0″ />
”’California Hardware Company”’ was a wholesale [[Hardware store|hardware]] distributor based in the Los Angeles area. Business began 1892 and lasted over 120 years until 2012. At its zenith it was the largest supplier of hardware, housewares, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies west of the Mississippi. Its customers were hardware dealers, lumberyards and home centers in California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. At the height of its business, the company operated a 400,000 square foot warehouse and office employing 260 workers.<ref name=”:0″ />
==Foundation and Early Years (1892 to 1906)==
==Foundation and Early Years (1892 to 1906)==
The Company was founded by John A. Henderson and William F. Marshall, following their success in various hardware and building material ventures.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 May 1892 |title=Brief Locals |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/607580433/?match=1&terms=California%20Hardware%20Company |access-date=23 January 2026 |work=Los Angeles Evening Express |pages=8}}</ref>
The was founded by John A. Henderson and William F. Marshall, following their success in various hardware and building material ventures.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 May 1892 |title=Brief Locals |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/607580433/?match=1&terms=California%20Hardware%20Company |access-date=23 January 2026 |work=Los Angeles Evening Express |pages=8}}</ref>
* John A. Henderson (1844-1915) was a Civil War veteran who moved to Los Angeles after the war and entered the hardware business in 1875.<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite news |date=31 December 1915 |title=To the Last Rest |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/380600699/?article=ce198e20-ee26-4776-8152-d5266b63dafc&terms=%22John%20A%20Henderson%22 |access-date=23 January 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |pages=17|last=<!– not stated –>}}</ref>
* John A. Henderson (1844-1915) was a Civil War veteran who moved to Los Angeles after the war and entered the hardware business in 1875.<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite news |date=31 December 1915 |title=To the Last Rest |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/380600699/?article=ce198e20-ee26-4776-8152-d5266b63dafc&terms=%22John%20A%20Henderson%22 |access-date=23 January 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |pages=17|last=<!– not stated –>}}</ref>
California Hardware Company grew steadily, expanding its product lines and geographic reach. By 1915, the company had relocated to a larger facility at 500 East First Street, at the corner of Alameda and Temple Avenues. This location became its main distribution hub for decades.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 1913 |title=Important Project for Wholesale District |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/380172490/?match=1&terms=California%20Hardware%20Company |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |pages=98}}</ref>
California Hardware Company grew steadily, expanding its product lines and geographic reach. By 1915, the company had relocated to a larger facility at 500 East First Street, at the corner of Alameda and Temple Avenues. This location became its main distribution hub for decades.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 1913 |title=Important Project for Wholesale District |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/380172490/?match=1&terms=California%20Hardware%20Company |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |pages=98}}</ref>
* ”’Shannon Crandall, Sr.”’ (1871-1964) joined the company in 1897 and became president in 1918, a position he held until 1949. His tenure marked significant growth, including leadership roles in civic organizations such as the [[Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce]] and the Federal Reserve Industrial Advisory Committee.<ref name=”:3″>{{Cite news |date=16 March 1964 |title=Shannon Crandall Sr., Merchant Pioneer, Dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/382076444/?article=a5f0aa42-f80a-4bf7-a10a-f29db30e07ed&terms=%22Shannon%20Crandall%2C%20Sr%22 |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |pages=53}}</ref>
Shannon Crandall, Sr. (1871-1964) joined the company in 1897 and became president in 1918, a position he held until 1949. His tenure marked significant growth, including leadership roles in civic organizations such as the [[Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce]] and the Federal Reserve Industrial Advisory Committee.<ref name=”:3″>{{Cite news |date=16 March 1964 |title=Shannon Crandall Sr., Merchant Pioneer, Dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/382076444/?article=a5f0aa42-f80a-4bf7-a10a-f29db30e07ed&terms=%22Shannon%20Crandall%2C%20Sr%22 |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=The Los Angeles Times |pages=53}}</ref>
==Mid-20th Century Expansion (1950s-1970s)==
==Mid-20th Century Expansion (1950s-1970s)==
==Challenges and Transition (1980s-1990s)==
==Challenges and Transition (1980s-1990s)==
The rise of big-box retailers such as [[Home Depot]], [[Builders Emporium]] and [[HomeBase|Homebase]] during the 1980’s introduced significant competition. Despite these challenges, California Hardware remained a vital supplier to over 1,200 independent [[Hardware store|hardware stores]], [[Home center|home centers]], and industrial clients in the western U.S.
The rise of big-box retailers such as [[Home Depot]], [[Builders Emporium]] and [[HomeBase]] during the introduced significant competition. Despite these challenges, California Hardware remained a vital supplier to over 1,200 independent [[Hardware store|hardware stores]], [[Home center|home centers]], and industrial clients in the western U.S.
By the 1990’s the company relocated its headquarters to ”’3601 E. Jurupa Street in Ontario, California”’, in a state-of-the-art 411,400-square-foot distribution center.<ref name=”:0″>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1997 |title=Hardware company to locate in Ontario |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/92373443/?match=1&terms=%22California%20Hardware%22 |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=The San Bernardino County Sun |pages=28}}</ref> However, the company faced increasing financial pressures and rumors of closure began to circulate.
By the the company relocated its headquarters to 3601 E. Jurupa Street in Ontario, California, in a 411,400-square-foot distribution center.<ref name=”:0″>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1997 |title=Hardware company to locate in Ontario |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/92373443/?match=1&terms=%22California%20Hardware%22 |access-date=24 January 2026 |work=The San Bernardino County Sun |pages=28}}</ref> However, the company faced increasing financial pressures and rumors of closure began to circulate.
In 1997, ”’Amarillo Hardware Company”’, a Texas-based distributor, acquired California Hardware’s assets. At the time, this acquisition created one of the largest hardware distributors in the Southwest, with combined facilities of over 500,000 square feet.<ref name=”:0″ />
In 1997, Amarillo Hardware Company, a Texas-based distributor, acquired California Hardware’s assets. At the time, this acquisition created one of the largest hardware distributors in the Southwest, with combined facilities of over 500,000 square feet.<ref name=”:0″ />
==Final Years and Legacy (1997-2012)==
==Final Years and Legacy (1997-2012)==
Despite the acquisition, California Hardware continued to struggle in an evolving market dominated by large retailers and e-commerce. By 2012, after 120 years in business, California Hardware ceased operations, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in American hardware distribution.
Despite the acquisition, California Hardware continued to struggle in an evolving market dominated by large retailers and e-commerce. By 2012, after 120 years in business, California Hardware ceased operations, marking the end of in American hardware distribution.
Amarillo Hardware, founded in 1904, also, was unable to withstand market pressures and eventually went out of business (around 2013).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62351092/historic-amarillo/165|title=Amarillo Hardware Company|date=2000|access-date=30 January 2026|website=Yumpoo.com|last=Cox|first=Mike|url-status=live}}</ref>
Amarillo Hardware, founded in 1904, also, was unable to withstand market pressures and eventually went out of business around 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62351092/historic-amarillo/165|title=Amarillo Hardware Company|date=2000|access-date=30 January 2026|website=Yumpoo.com|last=Cox|first=Mike|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Key Figures in California Hardware’s History==
==Key Figures in California Hardware’s History==
* ”’Terrence L. Smith”’ (President, 1979-1993): Guided the company as it outgrew two distribution centers.
* ”’Terrence L. Smith”’ (President, 1979-1993): Guided the company as it outgrew two distribution centers.
* ”’R. Joseph Wildman”’ (President, 1997-2012): Managed California Hardware after its acquisition by Amarillo Hardware.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2016 |title=R. Joseph “Joe” Wildman |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/181501586/?match=1&terms=%22joe%20wildman%22%20obituary |access-date=28 January 2026 |work=Mansfield News Journal |pages=A4}}</ref>
* ”’R. Joseph Wildman”’ (President, 1997-2012): Managed California Hardware after its acquisition by Amarillo Hardware.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2016 |title=R. Joseph “Joe” Wildman |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/181501586/?match=1&terms=%22joe%20wildman%22%20obituary |access-date=28 January 2026 |work=Mansfield News Journal |pages=A4}}</ref>
==Legacy==
California Hardware Company’s contributions to the hardware industry and the economic growth of the western United States remain significant. From its early days as a supplier to a burgeoning Los Angeles, to its rise as the largest distributor in its region, the company’s story reflects the resilience and innovation of American industry during its most dynamic years.
==References==
==References==
Wholesale hardware distributor
California Hardware Company was a wholesale hardware distributor based in the Los Angeles area. Business began in 1892 and lasted over 120 years until 2012. At its zenith it was the largest supplier of hardware, housewares, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies west of the Mississippi. Its customers were hardware dealers, lumberyards and home centers in California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona. At the height of its business, the company operated a 400,000 square foot warehouse and office, employing 260 workers.[1]
Foundation and Early Years (1892 to 1906)
[edit]
The company was founded by John A. Henderson and William F. Marshall, following their success in various hardware and building material ventures.[2]
- John A. Henderson (1844-1915) was a Civil War veteran who moved to Los Angeles after the war and entered the hardware business in 1875.[3]
- William F. Marshall (1851-1922) arrived in Los Angeles in 1876 and partnered with Henderson to establish one of the city’s most prominent hardware companies.[4]
The company initially operated at 128 S. Spring Street, later moving 115-119 S. Los Angeles Street. It quickly became a dominant supplier in the region, serving builders, contractors, and merchants during the city’s early rapid expansion.
Growth and Leadership (1906-1949)
[edit]
California Hardware Company grew steadily, expanding its product lines and geographic reach. By 1915, the company had relocated to a larger facility at 500 East First Street, at the corner of Alameda and Temple Avenues. This location became its main distribution hub for decades.[5]
Shannon Crandall, Sr. (1871-1964) joined the company in 1897 and became president in 1918, a position he held until 1949. His tenure marked significant growth, including leadership roles in civic organizations such as the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Reserve Industrial Advisory Committee.[6]
Mid-20th Century Expansion (1950s-1970s)
[edit]
Under the leadership of Shannon Crandall, Jr. (1902-1966), who became the president in 1949, California Hardware solidified its position as the largest wholesale hardware distributor west of the Mississippi. The company modernized its operations, expanded its product catalog, and built a reputation for reliability among hardware dealers, lumberyards, and home centers.
In 1974, California Hardware acquired Baker & Hamilton Hardware, a historic San Francisco-based company established in 1849. Baker & Hamilton’s legacy as a pioneer in Northern California hardware distribution complemented California Hardware’s dominance in Southern California. Although Baker & Hamilton’s operations were absorbed into California Hardware, this acquisition marked a key milestone in the company’s history.[7]
Challenges and Transition (1980s-1990s)
[edit]
The rise of big-box retailers such as Home Depot, Builders Emporium and HomeBase during the 1980s introduced significant competition. Despite these challenges, California Hardware remained a vital supplier to over 1,200 independent hardware stores, home centers, and industrial clients in the western U.S.
By the 1990s the company relocated its headquarters to 3601 E. Jurupa Street in Ontario, California, in a 411,400-square-foot distribution center.[1] However, the company faced increasing financial pressures and rumors of closure began to circulate.
In 1997, Amarillo Hardware Company, a Texas-based distributor, acquired California Hardware’s assets. At the time, this acquisition created one of the largest hardware distributors in the Southwest, with combined facilities of over 500,000 square feet.[1]
Final Years and Legacy (1997-2012)
[edit]
Despite the acquisition, California Hardware continued to struggle in an evolving market dominated by large retailers and e-commerce. By 2012, after 120 years in business, California Hardware ceased operations, marking the end of an era in American hardware distribution.
Amarillo Hardware, founded in 1904, also, was unable to withstand market pressures and eventually went out of business around 2013.[8]
Key Figures in California Hardware’s History
[edit]
- John A. Henderson (Founder, President): Civil War veteran and hardware pioneer, led the company’s foundation and early growth.[3]
- William F. Marshall (Founder, President): Co-founder, instrumental in building the company’s initial success.[4]
- Shannon Crandall, Sr. (President, 1918-1949): Oversaw the company’s expansion to become the largest hardware distributor west of the Mississippi.[6]
- Shannon Crandall, Jr. (President, 1949-1966): Expanded the company’s operations and influence during the post-war boom.[9]
- Walter B. Brekke (President, 1968-1979): Guided the company through modern challenges and the acquisition of Baker & Hamilton.[10]
- Terrence L. Smith (President, 1979-1993): Guided the company as it outgrew two distribution centers.
- R. Joseph Wildman (President, 1997-2012): Managed California Hardware after its acquisition by Amarillo Hardware.[11]
