Postcard Memories: Stovepipes and Alligators at Jeffery’s Hardware (4 photos)

Saturday morning Anne left me alone to my own devices.

This meant a trip to the hardware store, which, back in the day, meant Jeffery’s on Dominion, and advice from Ron or Sherry about stovepipe diameters and other arcane matters.

Now, this can only be achieved by what is known as “chewing the fat.”

A quick drive downtown, walked into the shop and here is how it goes for those who are unfamiliar with the local patois.

“Mornin!…hey Sherry…got any five-inch diameter stovepipe and lid for the top?” My thingy…trying to  remember… the chiminea - needs pipe and cap.

Fortunately, Sherry understands human nature and walks purposefully toward the rear of the store  with me in tow. Deftly pulling the five-inch pipe, a little searching for the cap and “Bob’s yer uncle,” as the expression goes - job done.

Rung in and out within two minutes and on my way. No mall,  just local merchants within a block or two.

In that period, when the transaction occurred, I found out a dozen things. Overheard from another voice three shelves away, “Everything weird I need, I find here!” Other saltier comments were overheard, but this story is rated PG.

Store was getting busier, but not back to pre-pandemic levels.

Ron is toughing it out and Pat is holding her own. Parking metres are useless. Yes, we are still cutting glass to order. The Sports Hall of Fame has Ron’s downhill skis and darn don’t the malls offer free parking.

All the kibitzing that is part of small-town life.

The Jeffery family have been in this area since Stephen Jeffery supplied stone for the officers quarters and the soldiers barracks in 1829-30, owned a tavern at the Establishment and built the former Canada House. Edward Jeffery built the first big block on the Northwest corner of Main and Robert.

A number of streets in Penetang were named after the family. They had the fourth store in Penetang in 1847.

The old Crow’s Nest building was theirs until they built the new hardware store west of the corner of King and Dominion.

They have been in the business for years as builders. The Alligators are gone, but they can still  find you just about anything in hardware.

René Hackstetter April 1, 2022.