The Franklin County Hardware Company with spacious and finely equipped quarters at 230 South Main St., is a veritable emporium of anything in the line of hardware, implements and vehicles. 15,000 square feet of floor space is occupied by the display of the large stock on hands which comprise shelf end builder’s hardware, tools, agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, harness, saddles, paint, sporting good, seeds, etc. Only the guaranteed high grade goods are handled which insure satisfactory relations between dealer and patron. A specialty is made of the De Laval Cream Separator, whose merits have gained for it an unsurpassed reputation. This business was established in 1900, and at present gives employment to seven capable salesmen, who cater to the trade in a manner which makes permanent customers. This firm has since its beginning, held a foremost position among similar establishments. The volume of business has increased rapidly and a large trade is enjoyed; this is largely due to the personality of the members of the firm and assistants and the large and comprehensive stock carried. The members of this firm are: W. L. Delano, president; G. A. Hanna, vice president; W. E. Griffith, secretary and treasurer, Merton R. Harris, manager. Mr. Harris, the manager of the firm was born and raised in Franklin County. He began work for the Topping Hardware Company in 1892, and continued as clerk for this company until it was merged into the Jones & Voorhis in 1900, and in 1905 this firm was changed to C. B. Voorhis. In 1907 Voorhis sold out this store and it was incorporated as the Franklin County Hardware Company. At this time Mr. Harris was placed at the head of the institution as its manager and personally supervises the workings and all details of the business.
Source: Ottawa Kansas Souvenir c. 1909-10
Name of Business: Franklin County Hardware Company
Current Address: 230 S Main
Date Business Began: 1900
Persons: Delano, W. L.
Additional Assoc. Persons: Harris, Merton, R., Hanna, G. A., Griffith, W. E.