Hardware Store on Main Street
The building where Placerville Hardware resides has been in Placerville since the Gold Rush days on Historic Main Street. Below is the chronological history of the Building and the Placerville Hardware Store, boasted as the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi.
1850
In 1850, before the City of Placerville existed, a frame building hotel occupied this site.
1852
In June 1852, Mr. Franklin Stevens was deeded the property.
1854
Mr. Stevens and Franklin S. Randall erected a stone building on this site in 1854.
1855
Mr. Franklin acquired the business in December 1855 and sold it on July 9, 1856 to I.H.Nash. Nash started his business as Tinsmith Shop and Hardware.
1856
Joseph Smith and I.H. Nash built the brick building in August 1856 because the building next door burned down. During this time it was known as the I.H. Nash Hardware.
1872
In 1872 it became known as Weatherwax & Pearson Hardware.
1882
In 1882 it was known as Sturges and Alderson which later Alderson sold it to the Pioneer Hardware Corporation. Not sure who occupied the building after that.
1905
McKee and Carr leased the business in January 1905 from Pioneer Hardware.
1907
Placerville Hardware was formed in January 1907 and operated as such until Albert and Edna Kyburz purchased it in 1946. Albert was the son of Samuel Kyburz, namesake for Kyburz.
1952
George Fausel purchased Placerville Hardware in 1952. George along with brothers Elmer and Frank operated this store for 30 years.
1983
David and Dan Fausel, sons of Frank, became partners in 1983 and took over the business from Uncle George. The present owners of this now internationally known hardware store are David and Deanna Fausel.
The Fausel family has continuously operated Placerville Hardware for the past 56 years.
Source:
Brochure provided by David and Deanna Fausel, Proprietors of the oldest hardware store West of the Mississippi.