The Edmunds Story

     Edmunds’ Ace Hardware is family owned and operated since 1942.  There are currently three generations

participating in the daily operations of the business.

Edmunds’ began as a long dream of Clarence Edmunds to own his own store. He started at age 11 at the First National Store in Bennington NH. In 1942 he was finally able to realize his dream.  He and his wife Hattie (Parker) Edmunds opened Edmunds in 1942 in Proctor Square in Downtown Henniker NH. Edmunds served it’s customers by offering a large variety of items from hardware, plumbing, electrical and paint, to house wares, stationary, gifts, jewelry and glassware.  It became a true Department Store. Twenty years later, in 1962, when their son Richard was 18, Hattie and Clarence opened a second Edmunds location in Antrim.  By 1966 Richard took over management of the Edmunds location in Antrim.  With Father and Son working together, they grew the business and prepared for the future.  By 1977 business was going well and the Henniker store was busting out of it’s downtown location. Clarence purchased some land at the intersection of Route 202 and Route 114 with enough space for a bigger store and plenty of parking for the customers!  The Grand opening was in November 1977.  

In1984 Clarence decided to retire and Richard became the owner Edmunds Incorporated, which included both locations. Edmunds joined the Ace Franchise in 1995 and currently operates as an ACE Hardware Store.  

In 2002, the Henniker store underwent a another change and major expansion, increasing the store size to 10,000 square feet.   This expansion included an innovative store front design incorporating 14 overhead garage-type doors and four man-doors.  This design allows bulk goods and outdoor products to be displayed prominently in the front of the store for easy access; minimizing the time and effort required daily to set up goods for display.  On May 10th, 2003, the Henniker store held a grand-reopening to coincide with a 60 year anniversary celebration of the founding of Clarence's first store.   

The Antrim store still remains on Main Street in the original building since 1962.  The third generation of Edmunds, Rick Edmunds is managing the daily operations at Edmunds Ace Hardware in Antrim.  

Since 1942 the Edmunds Family has grown the business based on the principals of always putting the customer first.   At Edmunds’ you’re always greeted with personal and friendly service by a trained and knowledgeable staff.