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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - September 18, 2007)
My mother taught me, “It’s not a crime to ask for help.” When one doesn’t have a relative or know the neighbors, where can a Newcomer go for help? For me, it has turned out to be the friendly, neighborhood hardware store...ACE. Being honest, I’ve got to tell you, moving any household is tough. Stuff happens, ACE Hardware in Oroville, known as:Better Deal Exchange, came to my rescue.
The first time I was in the store, I was desperately in need of a helping hand. It was the manager, Dave Pickler, who opened the door. (A gentleman and scholar for sure). My needs were many, to fix and repair, thus it has required my making numerous visits there. Each time I returned I was greeted as before, with a friendly smile at the door. It didn’t take long to meet more of the crew: Greg Griffin, Bob Kennedy, Jimmy Morgan, Joel Soria, Dave Hammons and last but not least, a new manager Matt McCully, a Navy man, who replaced Gary Norwood.
Everyone was kind and considerate, always greeting me with a pleasant smile. Then each, independently coached me on one repair or another. (I couldn’t have gotten better advise from a kid-brother). On a day I planned to look around, I met up with Office Manager Megan Duffy. Soon after along came the dynamic-secretary type, Lynn Leach, who wanted to help me find my way around. (Not at all what one would expect to be workingin a handyman’s store.) She is a trim-slim, vivacious lady with knowledge galore. When I asked what she did, I was astonished to learn she owned that “little-big” hardware store! Taken back a peg or two, I had to ask; “Lady, why would you want to own a hardware store?”
With a sheepish grin, she immediately shared; “I bought the store from my father and mother, David and Gracelyn Glover, who purchased the ACE Hardware franchise in 1982. Previously it was known as Better Deal Exchange, which was originally a place where customers traded their old tools for new.”
Tickled at the prospect of learning the secret of longevity in owning and operating such a business, I was full of questions and wanted to know more. Lynn continued, “We are a working family. We love what we do, and do what we love. Just ask my five-year old granddaughter, Aubrey Hammersly. She is a perfect example of an ACE in training. Especially when she greets customers at the door. Like the rest of us, Aubrey is developing a special passion for helping others. Who knows...In a few years she might take it over and be the third generation owner.”
Another successful, local ACE Hardware Store is located in the Kelly Ridge area. Different owners, different name. It is known as Lake Oroville Hardware Store and is currently being remodeled inside and out. This writer walked through the old door but got lucky and met up with the owners, Mr. Iris Solis, wife Doris, and their son Mark. We had a lively conversation and shared some memories. They used to live and work in San Francisco. Doris met Iris when both were employed at Western Union, in the early 1950s. It was in 1976 they moved to Oroville and opened Lake Oroville ACE Hardware in 1976. Mark was still a teenager. He took over the family store in the year 2000. That’s when the lumberyard boss John Gunderson began working there. Now his wife Janet is also working at ACE, and once in a while they get to have lunch together. They told me “It is the only lumber-yard from Kelly Ridge to Quincy.” Couldn’t get too much information out of Jim Rector, Bill Hunter or Bill Hodgeson. They kept moving inventory and taking care of the constant flow of customers. Dean Jensen, the manager was preoccupied with computers. I will have to catch him later after all that remodeling is done.
Mistakes Happen. I apologize and plead for forgiveness for the errors in the last issue of The Digger: Gary Lightle, of Lightle Insurance Agency doesn’t have a brother by the name of Jerry or James. James (Jim) Lightle, does sell real estate at Table Mountain Realty. He is also the Pastor of the East Hill Church.
Virginia Rinett does not have two sons who work at the Hospital. She has a son, and one son-in-law...Frank Isham and Don Davidson, both of whom are registered nurses and work in different departments at the Oroville Hospital.
Until Next Time...keep reading. If you discover this writer has goofed, be kind, take the time to notify me by e-mail at della@diggernews.com.
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