Establishing+Medina+Hardware

Transitioning to Medina Hardware The store was operated by the Oatman brothers until 1933 when the current owner's father purchased the building. The Oatman brothers sold the store in 1933 to Willard Stephenson. Willard Stephenson was one year out of business school at Miami University and faced the task of starting a business during the Depression Era. Willard Stephenson named his business Medina Hardware because he wanted to separate himself from Oatman and he did not want to put his family's name on it in case the store failed. Willard only planned to run the business for five years but Medina Hardware is still owned by the Stephenson's today. During World War II, Willard enlisted in the military and his Uncle took control of the store. Fortunately, his life was spared and he was able to return to the store and take over the reins. During the Boom Era, Medina Hardware saw much success. Medina at the time was going through Rural Electrification. Electricity was being moved from cities to suburbs and more houses were being built in Medina. This increased business and allowed Medina Hardware to establish itself as the main hardware store in Medina.

(7) In 1954, Medina Hardware was owned and managed by the Stephenson family. To promote their business, they created many flyers that acted as advertisements, which appealed to many Medineans around the area. In the flyer above, Medina Hardware is trying to take advantage of the seasons by advertising their spring sales, which appeal to spring activities like lawn care and other outdoor activities like barbecuing.

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Mr. Stephenson tells how his father took over Medina Hardware and describes rural electrification. This was a pivotal time period in Medina's history and Willard Stephenson helped Medina step into the era of electricity. Rural Electrification was an extremely important time in not only Medina but all of America. This was a time where electricity became more readily available for people outside of cities and towns. This created more consumers to help Willard Stephenson and Medina Hardware.

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Mr. Stephenson discussing how it takes a whole family to run a business sometimes, especially during World War 2. Without the help of his family, Willard could have possibly lost his store during his time in the service. World War 2 was a hard time for America. It forced many people into the same position as the Stephenson family. During this time, many people had to help out to keep America whole at home. Medina Hardware is an excellent example of this.

(8) Willard Stephenson, the founder of Medina Hardware, is still present in the store today through many objects, especially his original cash register. The cash register, which has lasted over seventy years of use, embodies the ideas of tradition and old-fashion business which Willard Stephenson promoted when he first bought Medina Hardware from the Oatman brothers.

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How did Medina Hardware get its name? Why? Although the story of how Medina Hardware is quite lighthearted, it is very important and provides insight to the time period. A name can tell a lot about a store. The simplicity of Medina Hardware shows what the store stands for. With its name acting as a model for their business, Medina Hardware is able to keep a strong customer base.