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A letter from Tom Clemons to Chelsea about the closing of Chelsea Village Hardware

After 40 years in the hardware business and working at the same location (11 years owning it) it was a very, very hard decision to have to close forever.

It was a dream and a pleasure to have served so many loyal people to which I say, thank you for the opportunity.

I gave it my all and put everything I had into it. I hope that support for downtown businesses will grow and not let this happen to anyone else.

Thank you again, Chelsea.
Sincerely,
Tom and Pattie Clemons

(Publisher’s note: The business closed its doors on Saturday, Jan. 5.)

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15 thoughts on “A letter from Tom Clemons to Chelsea about the closing of Chelsea Village Hardware”

  1. Tom,
    We will miss you – we loved the store and bought many things there over the years. We also loved your service.

  2. I am so sorry to see this has happened despite the efforts of many in Chelsea to shop downtown whenever possible. I had hoped Tom’s takeover would blossom into a Hackney’s type of operation. Unfortunately, it looks like we are moving another step toward a Chelsea where only sushi, sculpture and capuchino are for sale.

  3. Chelsea Village Hardware has been an essential part of our life in Chelsea. Sam before and then Tom and Company have done so many helpful things for our family. I don’t really know how we are going to get along without them. Thank you. We wish we could have done more to keep you open.

  4. Tom, one of the reasons I purchased my home here (on West Middle Street) was the convenience of stores like yours within walking distance. I was so disappointed when the post office and corner market relocated. I am sure that you and your fine store will be missed by many of us local “villagers”. Good luck to you and your family.

  5. “Unfortunately, it looks like we are moving another step toward a Chelsea where only sushi, sculpture and capuchino are for sale.”
    Yep, a mini version of that “city” east of us.

  6. Tom, best wishes to you, your family, and your employees. We were in that store 2 or 3 times a week for years. On more than a few occasions Tom and Company not only had what I needed but showed me how to use it, or showed me a better and often cheaper way to go. You will be missed by many.

  7. I also like this hardware store. Although it seemed surprising when I moved here 4 years ago that Chelsea could support two hardware stores.

  8. The Hardware will be missed. Great Service and Knowledge always just what I needed.
    First Sam then Tom for thirty one years answered my question and responded in the
    disaster moments of life. Thanks!

  9. This saddens me greatly. I loved being able to walk to the hardware store from my house. Now, like everything else, I’m going to have to get in my car and drive somewhere for things that used to be within walking distance.

    Chelsea used to have a downtown that provided goods and services for city residents. Now it’s homogenizing into a bunch of knick-knack shops and restaurants. That’s not a functional downtown, that’s a tourist destination.

    Boy, I sound like a curmudgeon! I’m 39 and I’ve only lived in Chelsea for 10 years!

    My favorite memory of the hardware store: coming into the store with a wad of cash and negotiating a deal on the spot with Tom for an enormous Weber gas grill that I had been eying for months. That was the only time I have ever haggled over the price of something. I’ve had that grill for 7 years and I still love it.

    Aco just isn’t the same. Chelsea Hardware will be sorely missed.

  10. Tom and Chelsea Village Hardware will be missed. Thanks for the many years of service. Best wishes Tom & Pattie

  11. Tom and Pattie Clemons, I too am so sorry about you leaving the Chelsea business district. A while ago I had a letter printed in the Chelsea Standard and Dexter Leader concerning support of our local businesses who contribute so much to the life of a successful community.

    I consider you to have been extremely helpful and honest in all of the dealings I’ve had with you. My main regret is that I did not have an opportunity to talk to you before you closed all of your phones down. If possible could you give me a call (475-1623)or send an E-mail. Thanks for all of the great help on everything. Best wishes to you both for a happy, healthy, and prosperous future. John Bulick

  12. Dear Tom:

    Thank you for your years of service to the community. I remember calling you ten minutes to closing time in urgent need of some crocus cloth – and I live 20 minutes from town, and you waited for me. I remember your working with me to fix an old but otherwise usable weed eater when there were no parts available, saving me time and money. I remember— the list goes on and on.

    When this sad event is finally behind you, I hope that you and your family are able to start fresh and that you do well. We need good and decent people like you in business in our community.

    Regards

    Deacon Tom Franklin

Comments are closed.

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