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Colonial Hardware
This is the Knoxville Business Mom and Pop story of Colonial Hardware, 6204 Chapman Highway, which was purchased by a true Mom and Pop couple, Roy and Gerry Garnett, in August of 1978.At the time, Colonial Hardware was just 2 years old, and they were young entrepreneurs in love, having just met and gotten married as school teachers in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bobby Huffaker and his wife Janet, local retirees who have become regulars in Colonial's "Liar's Corner," a part of the store set aside for morning and lunch-time socializing and discussion when business allows, spoke with me while the Garnetts took care of customers.
"There was an older lady who came in here with a lamp that had an electrical problem,” said Bobby Huffaker. “Roy replaced the old part and made sure the lamp worked for her before she left. You just don't get that kind of service at the big box stores these days."
Old tools, fish caught and mounted by the Garnetts and their customers, a cigar store Indian prominently displayed as you enter the store (carved on the premises by regular customers) and other memorabilia adorn walls and shelves all over this unique and pleasant Mom and Pop store.
All of the items tell their own story about the History of Colonial.
“Caught in South America by a missionary,” chimed in Roy. “A local South Knoxville boy.”
When I asked if they had a favorite story about Colonial, everyone in the Liar's Corner replied that for over 10 years Colonial used to have live music – mostly folk and bluegrass.
It was a perfect Mom and Pop moment that they had every Thursday morning. Ages of musicians ranged from younger than 10 to folks in their 80's and 90's sharing a lifetime's musical learning on harmonica and banjo.
Colonial Hardware's Music Thursday was featured on the Heartland TV series, and was a regular draw until it became so popular that there was no parking left for customers of Colonial Hardware or its neighboring businesses.
I asked Roy what he thought of the new development coming into South Knoxville, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
“I’ve noticed a difference since Home Depot moved in…but I’m not bitter. Development and progress are good things for South Knoxville. Ultimately, it means more people will be staying here to spend their money, which will mean more business for everybody.
“The thing that gives me a thrill about this business is getting to know the folks who live in the neighborhoods around here. People brought their kids in here when we first got started. I watched the kids grow into teenagers who I had to tell not to skateboard on my sidewalk; now those kids are bringing in their own kids.
“We know their names, their families, and they know us. It’s a nice way to do business.”
It sure is!
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“That’s a real piranha,” said Gerry Garnett as she pointed at a toothy fish on one shelf.