Oatman's+Hardware

Oatman's Hardware The store was first constructed after the fire on the square in 1870. The oldest store on the square has been in operation since 1872, when it was run by Lyman Oatman, Jr.. While Lyman ran the store it was primarily a meat market. The store was located on a street known as the Mechanical Block, because of the specialties of the stores on the street. The store, however, was not a hardware store until 1879, when the Oatmans' added on a small hardware section to the existing section of the store. Also in 1879, Lyman's brother, Orlin, joined him and renamed the building Oatman Brothers. In addition to traditional hardware supplies, the brothers also sold iron, enamel and aluminum roasters. The success of the store was due in large part to the agrarian nature of Medina during the time period. The residents of Medina were more self-sufficient during this time period, therefore Oatman's was a great place for the customers to pick up necessary supplies for their homes or farms.



(4) Before 225 South Court St. was known as Medina Hardware, the building was home to Oatman's. Oatman's was the oldest store in Medina's Public Square, dating back to 1872, when it was not a hardware store but a meat market. Being a meat market, working men, like the man standing on his wagon above, came to Oatman's to get the much-needed meat to feed their families.



(5) Oatman's was also a hardware store like Medina Hardware is today. Oatman's became a hardware store to supply for the agrarian culture of Medina in 1879. The store was a place where farmers could buy any tools or supplies needed to run a farm, so because of this, Oatman's greatly contributed to the growth and development of Medina's economy.

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Mr. Stephenson (May 20, 2011) discussing the founding of Oatman's Hardware after the historical Medina Fires. This really gave insight on not only the history of the building, but the legacy. This building, Oatman's and Medina Hardware, have been around almost as long as Medina itself has existed. While Medina grew as a town, Medina Hardware was able to supplement the town. During the early stages of Medina, many people were expanding, just as America was expanding during the late 19th century. Medina Hardware made this possible for Medina.

(6) 225 South Court St. was owned by the Oatman brothers up to 1933, when it was changed to Medina Hardware by Williard Stephenson. But before then, the Oatman brothers had managed their store into a successful business, becoming the primary hardware provider in Medina.

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Rick Stephenson discusses how his father grew up and became the owner of the Oatman's building. With Willard's background in business and kind attitude, it was easy for Oatman's customers to continue working with Medina Hardware and the Stephenson family. Willard Stephenson graduated from Miami University of Business and brought his knowledge to Medina. Although he was able to better his store, he also helped Medina's community.



This is a 3 Dimensional Model constructed to represent Oatman's Hardware during its time of operation. The model consists of the storefront only.