Oral History Presentation-"The Hardware Store"

Three decades of hardware business in downtown Bennington. 

The Bennington Historical Society interviewed Robert Dornacker and Dale Mohr who operated hardware businesses in one of Bennington's historical buildings; the Simonsen and Schmitt Building (1888).  

Bennington Historical Society;
(l-r) Gordon Mueller, Dale Mohr, and Robert Dornacker

Robert operated from 1947 to 1968.  Dale took over and started a Gambles business which eventually moved where Chubby's is now located.  Both gentlemen described the challenges of owning and operating a businesses.  They described Bennington's downtown business district; the other businesses and their owners and how competition from businesses grew with western Omaha.  They shared a lot of good stories and fond memories
.

About 35 guests attended and a few contributed memories of their own about the old hardware store.  Coffee, punch and cookies and other refreshments were served and everyone had a good time.

Julie Dunn and Gordon Mueller (great cookie)

The chocolate mint cookies were especially good. 

Next month the Society is going to hold an antique appraisal fund raiser on April 3rd at 6:30 at the Library Community Room.  If you have an antique you would like to know more about, bring it.  We'll have the talented Mr. Jeff Spencer, a locally renown expert on antiques and Omaha history and Gene Mueller who have volunteered to appraise antiques.  

Limit of 2 antiques per person.  Donations are requested and  refreshments will be served.  If you have any questions, give Gordon a call:  402-614-7509.