Newtown Hardware House Saved by Mystery Buyer

Just days since Newtown Hardware House announced they were closing after 143 years in business, a local man has stepped up to buy the store.

By Tom Sofield
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September 20, 2012

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The Newtown Hardware House has been a staple in the borough for over 100 years.

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The Newtown Hardware House has been a staple in the borough for over 100 years.

Credit Tom Sofield

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Newtown Hardware House owner Dave Callahan won't yet name the man who saved the historic shop from being liquidated, but he says the new owner will "keep the shop open with all the same perks."

Callahan announced late last week that the 143-year-old business would be closing in the coming weeks. Just days later, a Newtown man stepped forward and purchased the store.

The official change in ownership of the wooden-floored store will take place in the coming weeks, Callahan said.

"I'm happy the store will stay open and the community should be too," the Newtown Borough fixture said Wednesday.

What's next for Callahan? He says retirement.

"I plan to go out and have a good time," he said with a chuckle. For the peppy 70-year-old that means taking some time to travel and also making more time for volunteering.

Using his knowledge as a hardware store owner of nearly 30 years, Callahan hopes to get the time to make some repairs on his borough home.

The store has suffered in recent years, but Callahan has high hopes for the store under it's new ownership - a husband and wife team.

"I've been very lucky," he said as he reflected on the "overwhelming" support from the community.

What's your reaction to the news that Newtown Hardware House will remain open? Tell us in the comment section.

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Greg Lewis

2:29 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012

I think it is Doug Levin

I'm a hardware store junkie. Whenever traveling and I see an old hardware store like this, I have to check it out and purchase a few smalls. This past Sunday my daughter, who just moved to Newtown, took us there on a visit. Beautiful store with a great mix of new and old hard to find items. Sad to know it would soon close, but today she called with the great news. Congrats.