Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/tag/hardware/)
Finding the thin line between expanding a community while holding on to it’s hometown environment is something Williamston has found. Through the expansion of its downtown with new apartment buildings and restaurants, the community has still managed to keep its label as a small-town neighborhood.
From horses and buggies traveling down the road to motor vehicles, the Williamston True Value Hardware store has lasted for over 100 years on 139 South Putnam St. The business first began with Rev. Alfred Allen in the late 1800s under the name A. Allen & Company and though it wasn’t the only hardware store around, it was the first specialty hardware store in the city of Williamston, according to a news release that is posted inside of the store. The name has changed from owner to owner about four times over the years, but “Williamston True Value Hardware,” which was given by owners Barb and Jim Vanderberg, has stood strong since 1997. The current manager of the store Jenny Brouwer, who has been an employee for 10 years, said this is the only building in the city that is still the building it was built to be. “We started off as a hardware store and we still are a hardware store,” Brouwer said.
By Danielle Duggan
Clinton County Chatter
ST. JOHNS — The end of spring brings preparation for summer sales among various businesses in Clinton County. With the release of students from school and the coming of warmer temperatures, businesses plan early in hope of increasing funds and customers for summer services. Some businesses begin the process of exchanging winter merchandise for summer merchandise in the spring. Shaggie’s, an ice cream store located at 110 N. Clinton Ave., St.