UAH Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives

Harrison Brothers Hardware Collection

Dublin Core

Identifier

Harrison Brothers Hardware Collection

Title

Harrison Brothers Hardware Collection

Description

Originally establishing a tobacco shop on Jefferson Street in 1879, brothers James B. and Daniel T. Harrison moved their shop to their current location in Huntsville’s Southside Square in 1897. After the building was damaged by a fire in 1901, the brothers rebuilt and expanded their store, reopening as Harrison Brothers Hardware in 1902. After James’ death in 1908, Daniel T. and Robert Harrison, their younger brother, ran the store. In 1940, Daniel T. Harrison passed away leaving Robert the sole owner of the store. In the 1950s, Robert’s sons, Daniel F. and John Harrison, took over the store. In 1952, Robert Harrison passed away. In 1981, Daniel F. Harrison passed away leaving John Harrison as the sole owner of the store. The Historic Huntsville Foundation purchased the store in 1984, after the store closed due to John’s death in 1983. As one of the first major projects of the Historic Huntsville Foundation, the store was reopened in October of 1984 and is staffed by several volunteers. The Historic Huntsville Foundation currently continues the operation of Harrison Brothers Hardware in Huntsville, making it Alabama’s oldest operating hardware store.

Collection Items

  • loc_hbhc_A.M_Booth_Contractor.jpg

    This is an image of an A.M. Booth accounting page with dates from August 3rd to September 6th of unknown years. The text at the top of the page states "Bought of A.M. Booth Contractor and Builder. Dealer in All Kinds of Building Material." Items, most likely for the reconstruction of Harrison Brothers in 1902, are listed on the page along with prices and payments.
  • loc_hbhc_Ancor_Oak_Stove.pdf

    These images are from Anchor Stove and Range Company catalog and price list volume no. 39, August 1904. The item pictured on the first page is The Oak Anchor stove and price descriptions and product details are written in the text below the image and the second page.
  • loc_hbhc_HB_Pottery_Catalog.pdf

    These images are from a Harrison Brothers' catalog. The No. 35 Special and the No. 30 Special were products of the Steubenville Pottery Company. The Forest Pattern and Daisy Pattern items were glassware products from an unknown company. The No. 9 Ware items were from the Rawstone Engraving and Printing Co. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • loc_hbhc_The_Steubenville_Pottery_Co.pdf

    This is a Steubenville Pottery Company catalog of Queensware and glassware items. A picture of the Harrison Brothers' No. 35 Special is on page 7 and the No. 30 special is on page 9 of the catalog. Other items include the Lois, Roswell, and Avalon toilet sets in various colors, Fruit Bowls, Salad plates, the Ethel Dinner Service in various colors, Cuspidores, Celery dishes, Chop dishes, Princess Jardinieres, lamps, lamp burners, clocks, and knives.
  • loc_hbhc_Sales_Card.jpg

    This is an image of a Harrison Brothers sales card. The text on the card states "We Sell Good People on Easy Payments. Crockery, Glassware, Furniture, Stoves, Tinware, Ice Cream Freezers, Water Coolers and House Furnishing Goods. Harrison Bros., Office and Salesrooms, 2 and 3 Commercial Row, Huntsville, Ala., Presented by H.W. Haynes, General Salesman."
  • loc_hbhc_No.36 Special (2).pdf

    This is an image of a Harrison Brothers advertisement for the "Original Package No. 36 Special." The text at the top of the page states "Harrison Brothers, Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in China, Glass, Tin, Enameled Steelware, Cutlery, Paper and Paper Bags. Original Package No. 36 Special. Ironstone China, Plain and Decorated." The items included in the special and the prices are listed in the center of the page. The Harrison Brothers' terms are written in small print at the bottom of the page.
  • loc_hbhc_No.35_Special.pdf

    This is an image of a Harrison Brothers advertising pamphlet for the No. 35 special, the first Queensware product sold by the store. The text at the top of the left page states "Harrison Bros., Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in Queensware, Glassware, Tobacco, Cigars, Paper, Paper Bags, Etc. Huntsville, Ala,-----1900." The inscription in small print below is an announcement for new Queensware and glassware products. The page on the right side of the image lists the items included in the No. 35 Special and the price.
  • loc_hbhc_No.8_Lamp_Assortment_White.pdf

    The text at the top of this Harrison Brothers advertisement states "Harrison Brothers, Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in China, Glass, Tin, Enameled Steelware, Cutlery, Paper and Paper Bags. No. 8 Lamp Assortment. Colors in Blue, Green & Crystal, With Plain Chimneys." Below this text is listed each of the items included in the assortment and the price. The small print at the bottom of the page details the Harrison Brothers' terms.
  • loc_hbhc_D.T._Harrison_Tobacco_card.jpg

    The text on this card states "Manufactured only by D.T. Harrison, Huntsville, Alabama. Notice: The Manufacturer of this Tobacco has complied with all the requirements of law. Every person is cautioned under the penalty of law not to use this package for Tobacco again. D.T. Harrison, Factory, 1, District, Alabama. Hay Bros, Print, Huntsville, Ala."
  • loc_hbhc_American_Triple-Coated_Enameled_Ware.pdf

    This is an image of a Harrison Brothers advertisement for a "100-Piece Assortment of American Triple-Coated Enameled Ware". The advertisement also states "Quality Highest Standard" and features images of several enameled ware products such as pans, dippers, coffee pots, and tea pots. Each of the items included in the 100-piece assortment is listed and priced below the image. The description at the bottom of the page lists the freight charge for the purchase and describes the high quality of the "American Ware".
  • daily_accounts_book3_440_no36Asst_no8Lamp.Jpeg

    This image of a C.C. Smith transaction from December 8, 1903, is cropped from page 444 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903. C.C. Smith was from Eva Alabama, as noted at the top of the transaction. In this transaction, C.C. Smith purchased 1#36 asst., 1#8 lamp asst., 1 novelty asst, 2 doz. opal chicks, 1 doz. rabbits, and 1 doz. #150 syrup cans for $55.25. The no. 36 and no. 8 lamp assortments were advertised as special deals offered only by Harrison Brothers.
  • daily_accounts_book3_439_BlackOakStove.pdf

    This image of a Hampton + Wade transaction from December 5, 1903, is cropped from page 443 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903. In this transaction, Hampton + Wade purchased a Black Oak Stove for $8.50. The Harrison Brothers began selling hardware products, such as stoves, in 1903.
  • daily_accounts_book3_427_MollieMcGee_pipes.pdf

    This image of a Miss Mollie McGee transaction from November 23, 1903, is cropped from page 431 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903. In this transaction, Miss Mollie McGee purchased 8ft pipes + 2 collars, 2 elbows, and 2 stove mats for $2.55. The Harrison Brothers began selling hardware products, such as pipes, in 1903.
  • daily_accounts_book3_475_Jan1903_AssetsandLiabilities.Jpeg

    This is an image of the Harrison Brothers' January 1903 assets and liabilities from page 481 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903. The Harrison Brothers' assets were: accounts considered good, leases and notes, cash on hand, stock of merchandise per invoices, store fixtures, 1 horse+ 1 buggy + 1 dray, and 2 storehouses + lots. Each item's cash value is listed next to it on the page. The Harrison Brothers' liabilities were: owe Holmes Earl note and D.T. Harrison note. The amount owed to each person is listed next to the name. The Harrison Brothers Hardware Company's net worth in January 1903, according to this page, was $6731.86.
  • daily_accounts_book3_494_HBRebuild.pdf

    This is an image of the Harrison Brothers' contractor account page on page 500 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903. The dates on this page range from January 30 to January 12 of unknown years. This page lists several contractors, such as D.S. Brandon and A.M. Booth, who worked on the Harrison Brothers store rebuild project in 1902 after a severe fire in December 1901. This page lists payments to various workers, such as a plumber, and the costs of supplies, such as bricks.
  • daily_accounts_book2_522_HBrandon.pdf

    This image of an H. Brandon transaction from November 27, 1900, is cropped from page 530 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, H. Brandon purchased lamp burners and chimneys. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 28 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Henderson Brandon and his son, Daniel S. Brandon, were Black business owners in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • daily_accounts_book2_087_DSBrandon.pdf

    This image of a D.S. Brandon transaction from September 5, 1898, is cropped from page 89 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, D.S. Brandon purchased a tobacco product. The transaction on this page corresponds to H. Brandon's customer account on page 28 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Henderson and his son Daniel S. Brandon were Black business owners in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (90)_HBrandon.pdf

    This is H. Brandon's customer account page on page 28 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this ledger page correspond to Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902, and date from January 31, 1898, to February 25, 1901. Henderson Brandon was a Black business owner in Huntsville, Alabama, but "Col." is not written beside his name.
  • daily_accounts_book2_472_Rebeeca_JuliaJones_MargretWeaver.pdf

    This image of the Rebecca Jones, Julia Jones, and Margret Weaver transactions from August 25, 1900, is cropped from page 480 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. The transactions on this page were paid for by note and cash and do not correspond to a customer account page. Rebecca Jones's transaction cost was erased and no payment type is listed for her purchase. In these transactions, the customers purchased plates and tea sets. "Col." was written after the three customers' names to indicate that they were Black.
  • daily_accounts_book2_445 (2)_ME_Williams.pdf

    This image of an M.E. Williams transaction from June 26, 1900, is cropped from page 453 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. The transaction on this page was paid for by note and does not correspond to a customer account page. In this transaction, M.E. Williams purchased various Queensware items. "Col." was not written after M.E. Williams' name to indicate that the customer was Black although it is written after the customer's name in later transactions.
  • daily_accounts_book2_466 (2)_ME_Williams.pdf

    This image of an M.E. Williams transaction from August 13, 1900, is cropped from page 474 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. The transaction on this page was paid for by note and does not correspond to a customer account page. M.E. Williams purchased a lamp in this transaction. "Col." was written after M.E. Williams' name to indicate that the customer was Black.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (603)_ME_Williams.pdf

    This M.E. Williams customer account page is on page 55 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this ledger page correspond to Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902, and date from September 29, 1900 to October 12, 1901. "Col." was written after M.E. Williams' name to indicate that the customer was Black.
  • daily_accounts_book3_273_WLHalseyCo.pdf

    This image of a W.L. Halsey + Co. transaction from October 21, 1903, is cropped from page 273 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 63 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. In this transaction, W.L. Halsey + Co. purchased various Queensware, metalware items, and 1 dozen opal chicks. W.L. Halsey + Co. was a grocery company in Huntsville, Alabama, and was a frequent customer at Harrison Brothers. Harrison Brothers began selling hardware products in 1903 and hardware and home furnishing items gradually became their primary merchandise.
  • daily_accounts_book2_463_WLHalsey.pdf

    This image of a W.L. Halsey transaction from August 7, 1900, is cropped from page 471 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. The transaction on this page was paid for in cash and does not correspond to a customer account page. W.L. Halsey purchased tobacco products in this transaction. W.L. Halsey owned a grocery company in Huntsville, Alabama, and was a frequent customer at Harrison Brothers.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (125)_WLHalseyCo.pdf

    This is a W.L. Halsey customer account page on page 63 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this ledger page correspond to Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902, and Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 3, 1901-1903, and date from September 6, 1901 to November 17, 1903.
  • daily_accounts_book2_094_GoldsmithCo.pdf

    This image of a Goldsmith + Co. transaction from September 8, 1898, is cropped from page 96 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 24 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. In this transaction, Goldsmith + Co. purchased tobacco products. Goldsmith + Co. was a grocery company in Huntsville, Alabama, and were frequent customers at Harrison Brothers.
  • daily_accounts_book2_577_GoldsmithCo.pdf

    This image of a Goldsmith + Co. transaction from March 7, 1901, is cropped from page 585 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 24 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. In this transaction, Goldsmith + Co. purchased various Queensware, metalware, and cutlery items. Goldsmith + Co. was a grocery company in Huntsville, Alabama, and was a frequent customer at Harrison Brothers.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (86)_GoldsmithCo.pdf

    This is a Goldsmith + Co. customer account page on page 24 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this ledger page correspond to Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902, and date from March 26, 1898, to August 7, 1901.
  • daily_accounts_book2_408_DallasMills.Jpeg

    This is an image of page 414 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer accounts ledger 1, 1897-1904. One customer was noted as being from Dallas Mills Ala. and each of the following transactions are assigned the same customer account number as this Dallas Mills Ala. customer's account. This page is not in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Each of the customers that were assigned account number 115 bought Queensware items and paid by note. Customers on this page include: Peter Lumbardo, J.F. Weeks, Youngblood, S.L. Hall, T.L. Wilson, D.W. Smith, Ella Price, Ada Reynolds, Mrs. M.V. Taylor, W.E. Foxx, and Wooly + Jordan.
  • daily_accounts_book2_632_Ada Reynolds_MVTaylor.Jpeg

    This is an image of page 644 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. This page lists several transactions of customers without customer accounts, two of which, Ada Reynolds and M.V. Taylor are recurring customers and employees of local cotton mills. Customers on this page bought various Queensware products and paid by cash and by note. Many of the customers on this page are women.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (311)_HarkerPotteryCo.pdf

    This is a Harker Pottery Company account page from page 251 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this page date from February 3, 1900, to December 28, 1900. The Harker Pottery Company was the first company that the Harrison Brothers bought Queensware merchandise from in 1900.
  • daily_accounts_book2_396_Q-Ware.Jpeg

    This is an image of page 400 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. On this page, almost every customer purchased 1#35 Assortment & Ware, a Queensware product. Prior to March 1900, the Harrison Brothers only sold tobacco products. The transactions on this page correspond to customer account pages in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger, 1897-1904.
  • daily_accounts_book2_435_LizzieBarclift.pdf

    This image of a Lizzie Barclift transaction and payment from May 29, 1900, is cropped from page 441 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, Lizzie Barclift purchased various Queensware and home furnishing items and paid $9.70 to her customer account. The Harrison Brothers began selling Queensware, crockery, and various home furnishing items in March 1900. The transaction on this page corresponds to the Mrs. Lizzie Barclift account page 497 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904.
  • daily_accounts_book2_362_LBarclift.pdf

    This image of a Mrs. Lizzie Barclift and an L. Barclift transaction from December 5, 1899, is cropped from page 366 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In these transactions, Mrs. Lizzie Barclift purchased tobacco products and paid $9.31 to her customer account. The Harrison Brothers sold primarily tobacco products until March 1900 and Mrs. Lizzie Barclift was one of only a few women to be a frequent tobacco customer and have a customer account. The transaction on this page corresponds to the Mrs. Lizzie Barclift account page 497 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904.
  • daily_accounts_book2_216_MrsLizzieBarclift.Jpeg

    This image of a Mrs. Lizzie Barclift transaction from February 4, 1899, is cropped from page 218 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, Mrs. Lizzie Barclift purchased tobacco products and paid $2.60 to her customer account. Mrs. Lizzie Barclift was from Valhermosa Springs. c/o P.W. Williams is written at the bottom of the account. The Harrison Brothers sold primarily tobacco products until March 1900 and Mrs. Lizzie Barclift was one of only a few women to be a frequent tobacco customer and have a customer account. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 497 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (549)_MrsLizzieBarclift.Jpeg

    This is the Mrs. Lizzie Barclift account page on page 497 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this account page date from February 4, 1899, to September 4, 1900. The balance book pages referenced here coorespond to Harrison Brother Hardware Company daybook 2, 1896-1898.
  • daily_accounts_book2_290_LJHughes.pdf

    This image of an L.J. Hughes transaction from July 10, 1899, is cropped from page 294 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, L.J. Hughes purchased a tobacco product and sold merchandise for credit toward his wife's customer account. The Harrison Brothers sold primarily tobacco products until March 1900 and Mrs. L.J. Hughes was one of only a few women to be a frequent tobacco customer and have a customer account which was also used by her husband. The transaction on this page corresponds to account page 5 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904.
  • daily_accounts_book2_251_MrsLJHughes.pdf

    This image of a Mrs. L.J. Hughes transaction from April 17, 1899, is cropped from page 253 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, Mrs. L.J. Hughes purchased a tobacco product and paid $13.20 to her customer account. The Harrison Brothers sold primarily tobacco products until March 1900 and Mrs. L.J. Hughes was one of only a few women to be a frequent tobacco customer and have a customer account. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 5 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904.
  • loc_hbhc_ledger1_000223 (67)_MrsLJHughes.Jpeg

    This is a Mrs. L.J. Hughes account page on page 5 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904. Transactions and payments on this account page date from October 21, 1897, to August 28, 1899. The balance book pages referenced here coorespond to Harrison Brother Hardware Company daybook 1, 1896-1898 and Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902.
  • daily_accounts_book2_483_LaxsonKelly.pdf

    This image of a Laxson + Kelly transaction from October 12, 1899, is cropped from page 336 of Harrison Brothers Hardware Company daybook 2, 1898-1902. In this transaction, Laxson + Kelly purchased several Queensware products. The Harrison Brothers began selling Queensware, crockery, and other types of home furnishing items in March 1900. Laxson + Kelly were local Huntsville grocers. The transaction on this page corresponds to page 45 in Harrison Brothers Hardware Company customer account ledger 1, 1897-1904.

Collection Tree