How to Hang Your Hardware
SCHRANDT & MILLER HARDWARE STORE RENOVATION
The recent renovation of the Schrandt & Miller Hardware store in the Plainsman Museum is an excellent example of what a museum actually does. Another huge shout-out to the “A-Team” volunteers, and in particular Bob Cool, the mastermind of the renovation, for re-envisioning the hardware store, painting, hanging, finishing, displaying, fixing, building and fulfilling the mission of our museum to preserve and exhibit Hamilton County history. If you haven’t stopped by to look at this splendid re-creation of the Schrandt & Miller Hardware store on our boardwalk, you are missing out on a real treat.
If you've ever walked down the boardwalk of the Plainsman, you already know that the mission of a museum isn't just collecting a bunch of stuff and sticking it in a windowed case with a label or sign.
A museum is a collection of stories told by the artifacts, photographs, newspapers, essays and personal reflections donated by those who realize how important the past is and will be to the future. At the Plainsman we call them the "people of Hamilton County".
A museum is the vision of the board of directors and the executive director, interpreted and manifested by a team of experts who are usually volunteers. At the Plainsman, we call these volunteers the "A-Team".
A museum is hours, weeks, sometimes months of thoughtful process coming together with dedicated, skilled staff and volunteers donating hours and weeks and sometimes months of their time and combined talents.
A museum is the members, visitors, supporters, foundations, and fund-raisers whose every dollar is invested in collecting and protecting the history of the settling of the Great Plains through the stories of the people and objects of our county.
Following is an excerpt from the Hamilton County Advocate, Tuesday January 21, 1913. Full article can be read here.
In November of the year 1899, C. A. Schrandt and F. A. Miller who had been closely associated in business for years came to Aurora looking for a location to engage in the hardware business and were so well pleased with the prospects for Aurora that they purchased the stock of hardware in the Temple block and began building up the big business from the management of which they now retire.
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The new company has all the pioneer days, all the years of the founding of the business and its experience to guide them on to greater achievements and the Advocate predicts continued growth and prosperity to this big business.
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Then here's good luck to the retiring merchants...what will be their next venture remains for another chapter, but sure it is, many Hamilton county friends join the Advocate in extending best wishes for their future happiness and success.
To the new fellows - get busy, very busy. That's all.
Come see this fantastic new exhibit for yourself!
The Plainsman Museum is open 9am-4pm Tuesday through Saturday.
