The Founding of Raymond Hardware

In 1835 settlers came to this area of Michigan on the west coast of Lake Huron, about 100 miles north of Detroit. At that time in history the encampment went by the name "Bark Shanty". In 1850 Uri Raymond began a hardware business on the beach. Most of his wares arrived from Cleveland by ship, and much of what he sold went out the same way. In 1888, the hardware was moved to its present location, at 29 S. Ridge St. The business remained in the Raymond family until 1969, with Uri's son Fred operating it from Uri's death in 1899 until his own death in 1931, and Fred's son, Oli, operating it until 1969.

The store continues to operate today with the designation, "Michigan's Oldest continually operating Hardware Store." Raymond Hardware is a full service hardware store and lumber yard. A partial list of our goods and services is on another page at this web site. There is a rich history to explore in Port Sanilac. We have the Sanilac County Historical Museum, The Raymond House Bed and Breakfast, the Raymond Hardware and Platts Drugstore, and more than a handful of great antique shops. There are also plenty of great places to eat, the beach to relax with, plenty of golf nearby, charters for fishing and scuba diving, and miles of scenic driving available. For divers there is a dive shop and there are several shipwrecks to explore. Of course we hope you will stop at the Raymond Hardware when you visit, if just to say "hello". Ask to see our photo of the village from 1908!

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