HISTORY OF THE
MICHIGAN RETAIL HARDWARE ASSOCIATION

More than 100 years ago a small group of far-sighted retail hardwaremen from several parts of our state conceived the idea that the philosophy of '"In Union There Is Strength" applied just as much to the future success of their hardware business as it did to the success of our nation.

In 1985 Frank S. Carlton of Calumet wrote other hardware retailers throughout the state suggesting they meet and organize a hardware association.  The call by Carlton for organization of the Association brought 19 retailer to Detroit on July 9, 1895.  They knew it would be more effective and less expensive to handle matters of mutual importance to the hardware industry as a group rather than individually. 

During that July meeting the organized participants drafted a constitution, adopted the ByLaws, and the original officers were elected.  Frank S. Carlton of Calumet was elected the first President, H.C. Weber of Detroit was elected Vice President and H.C. Minnie of Eaton Rapids served as the Secretary-Treasurer. 

MRHA witnessed dynamic growth in retail membership during the 1895 - 1920 period.  The Association expansion included an annual major product show for manufacturers and retailers, development of group meetings and continued legislative activities.  Membership grew to 1455 retailers which was the largest of all Associations in 1920. 

The Association continued it's leadership role among other trade groups in Michigan and throughout the nation.  The next 25 years witnessed a depression and World War II when hardware products were difficult to acquire.  These "special" times in history tested the Association's leadership to survive.

The Association survived very well during the next 50 years.  The tireless effort of retailers serving as President and dedicated employees attributed to the strong MRHA presence.

We give thanks to our Almighty God for the privilege of being able to celebrate over one hundred years of continuous service to our members and our industry, having survived periods of war and depression proves that the principles upon which our Association was founded were basic and fundamental. May we, the members of this great organization, continue these same principles so the chain of our service shall live forever.