Tanger's Home	The Tanger Hardware History
The original Tanger's Hardware store. It was built in 1805 and was then known as #1 Broadway.

In 1864 DDS. Tanger purchased this hardware business started by FE. Metzger In 1838. In 1892 the present building at 37 Broadway was erected by J. C. Tanger. The picture shows the store as it appeared in 1888.

In May 1864, David S. Tanger and two partners bought the existing hardware business of F. E. Metzger. At the same time, General Sherman's Union Army left Chattanooga, Tenn. to begin its campaign to take Atlanta, Ga.; and General Grant threw Meade's Army of the Potomac around General Lee's right flank - culminating in the Battle of Spotsylvania, Va.

In a May 1864 issue of the "Spectator", a Hanover newspaper, this announcement appeared.

"New Firm and New Goods". - Messrs. Bucks. Michael and Tanger having purchased the hardware store of Mr. F. E. Metzger, and having greatly enlarged their stock, are now prepared to accommodate everybody that will give them a call. The new firm are perfect gentlemen and everything in their line of business can be had at their store, from the smallest tack up to a blacksmith's bellows. Builders. Coachmakers, Saddlers, carpenters, shoemakers and all others that are in want of hardware, would do well to give them a call."

By 1880 after a series of changes in the original partnership, D. S. Tanger bought the entire business and took his son, John C. Tanger into a partnership. The business was then known as D. S. Tanger & Son.

After the death of D. S. Tanger in 1887 the firm's name was changed to J. C. Tanger & Co. J. C. Tanger purchased the property from his stepmother and in 1892 erected a new store at the same location, 37 Broadway, Hanover.

The business was first incorporated between 1902 and 1912. At that time J. C. Tanger purchased all the outstanding stock and ran the business as an individual until 1937 when he admitted his son, John C. Tanger Jr. as a full partner. The name of the firm became J. C. Tanger & Son at that time.

After the death of J. C. Tanger in 1943, by his will, his wife Ida S. Tanger inherited his interest and J. C. Tanger Jr. bought the buildings from his fathers estate. In 1952 Sue Y. Tanger and Louise T. Kilgore each inherited a share of the family business from their mother. In 1953 John C. Tanger 3rd was admitted into the family partnership.

In 1962 the business was incorporated and the firm acquired a large warehouse at 228 High St. to facilitate conducting the wholesale portion of their business.

The corporation was dissolved in 1972, and a family partnership was reformed with J. C. Tanger 3rd inheriting Sue Y. Tanger's share following her death in 1%9.

In 1976 J. C. Tanger Jr.; although continuing to serve as manager, gave his remaining shore of the partnership to his son J. C. Tanger 3rd.

J. C. Tanger Jr. retired in 1980 after 76 years with the business at the age of 91. At that time he was one of the oldest active hardware men in the country

By 1985 the business at the High St. location had grown to be the major portion of the business and a decision was reached to close the downtown location at 37 Broadway, and move the entire operation to one location at 228 High St.. Hanover.

The move was completed by January 1, 1986.

Since, that time the business has grown considerably due to easy accessibility, free parking, greater ease of operation and the addition of many new lines for the contractor trades.

In 1988 Louise Tanger Kilgore gave a share of her part of the partnership to her grand niece, Susan J. Tanger, and grand nephew, David L. Tanger, making them the fifth generation in the family hardware business.

The new generation brings new sales ideas, experiences and energy into the business.

J. C. Tanger & Son Hardware has strengthened the quality oriented family business with the co-op buying power of the True Value Hardware Stores. While remaining an independently owned business we provide wide lines of specialty items and more selections from Major Producers and specialty manufacturers at better prices than most discount chains through our True Value buying power.

We offer you quick service, product knowledgeable people and wide selections. You can buy a handful of nails (over 25 varieties) or a pallet load, 4 wood screws or a box, and you get fast service and friendly advice. With our wide selection of hardware for cabinets, doors and windows you can build or repair almost everything. We also stock electrical, plumbing, masonry, drywall, and framing supplies as well as gardening, home repair, painting and home security products.

When you come to Tanger's on High Street you will find ample parking with enough room for station wagons, pickups and long trailers, a showroom of self service displays and a large sales counter where we can serve you from our large selection of warehoused products. Hanover's new residents are always welcome, let us serve you as we have served Hanover for over 140 years.

Tanger's Hardware Today.

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