By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
The longest running business on Noblesville’s Courthouse Square is closing its doors March 31.
Bill Prater, owner of Kirk Hardware at 848 Logan St., says the hardware has been in business since 1888 when the building in which it is located was built. It is the end of an era for such hardware stores.
Prater, 71, is retiring, something he has wanted to do for the past year. He has had the business for sale for months, but no one has come forward to buy the classic small-town style hardware. March 31 is the last day for business.
An online auction of the store’s contents will begin in April. Contents include everything from coal oil lamps to modern building supplies and small appliances. The store still has ladders on rollers such as those found in 19th century stores, designed to reach high shelves.
The historic three-story building in which Kirk’s is located has been sold, and already under renovation. Owned by the Kingsolver family for many years, its third floor was the original home of the Noblesville Boys Club and also the Logan Theater, now the home of Linden Tree gift and card shop.
The Kirk auction will be conducted by local auctioneer Brian Bailey. The beginning and ending dates of the sale will be found at baileysauctionservice.hibid.com.