Decorative Hardware in Downtown York
P.A.& S. Small building with horse collar window display
My recent post gave an overview of the business empire built up by the Small family. P.A. & S. Small Company’s four-story building was a York landmark for many years. George Small purchased the property on the East Market Street corner in 1809 and opened his hardware store there. I’m not sure when the four-story building went up, but it was torn down in 1940 G&D to make way for a “modern structure” to house the G.C. Murphy Co. 5 & 10.
The photos above and below, from the York County Heritage Trust Library/Archives, show the hardware and related items arranged in artistic patterns. They remind me of the way weapons are sometimes displayed in European palaces.
None of the photos are dated, but the one above of the whole building has to be mid-1887 or later, as the market sheds that stood in the middle of the square are gone.
Hatchets, hammers, saws, drills and bits, hook-type scales, scissors, frying pans and eggbeaters are identifiable on this photo.
Some of the items in this photo are locks, brushes, scythes, lengths of chain, hinges of various size and lawnmowers.
