Jane Brackman of the Altadena Historical Society has the scoop on what's happening at Altadena Hardware, 849 E. Mariposa:
Altadena has been very fortunate to be home to a family-run hardware store for the last eighty-plus years. The Altadena Hardware store was actually established before the Thomas family came to town in 1923, but the three generations of Thomas owners have left an indelible mark on what has been a local “hang-out” for years.
With current owner Don Thomas retiring and leaving the area in November, along with his sister and her husband, Shirley and Dennis Harrington, it looked like the hardware store was destined to close.
With current owner Don Thomas retiring and leaving the area in November, along with his sister and her husband, Shirley and Dennis Harrington, it looked like the hardware store was destined to close.
But in an eleventh hour deal, life-long Altadena resident Steve Salinas, who owns Steve’s Bikes, purchased the store. Except for beefing up the gardening section, the hardware store will continue to operate as it has for the last 8 decades. In addition, Steve plans on relocating his Lake Avenue bike shop next door to the hardware store.
Don’s inventory will be reorganized slightly to allow room in the east storefront space for the bike shop. Eleanor Montes, who has run the cashier for the last 14 years will stay on. Steve’s wife Kari will work there, too. Steve noted, “I’ve had so many people come in and shake my hand and say, ‘thank you.”
Steve, 38, grew up on New York Drive and attended Muir High School. He delivered newspapers on his bike for ten years, beginning in 1982. His first route was Sonoma, Morada and Boston. His Altadena roots go back to the 1800s. His mother was a Beckwith. Her relatives started the Highlands Dairy, located near Lake.
Steve plans on having everything running smoothly at the new location by December 1. Best of luck to the Salinas family -thank you for keeping the hardware store open!
