CitySquares’ customer, Model Ace Hardware in Allston, MA is celebrating their 50th Anniversary of family ownership! Owner, Bob Webber grew up in the Allston/ Brighton area and remains a staple in the community not only through owning a local business but also through his involvement with the Allston Board of Trade and Allston Village Main Streets. Below you’ll see the story behind 50 years of service. Congrats Bob and the Model Ace Hardware team from your friends at CitySquares!

My father, “Ike” Webber, bought Model Ace Hardware in 1959 from the original owner, Abraham Rome. Ike had worked for Mr. Rome from 1938 on, with time out for WWII. I was 11 years old when our family got the exciting news that dad had bought the store. I was hooked as soon as I walked in. The smells, the people, the atmosphere all got to me. I rode the MBTA to the store to work part time whenever I could; after school, vacations, Saturdays (in those days stores were closed on Sunday.) Model Hardware was a tenant then, occupying only the middle section of the ground floor. Around us were a meat market, a clothing store (our landlord’s), and down stairs a pool hall/bookie joint. It was all very exciting for me and I met some very “colorful” people. I should mention that Mom worked in the store, along with my sister and brother.

Gradually we rented more space as our immediate neighbors either retired or “retired.” Finally in 1995, I bought the property and was able to develop long range plans. Oddly, I got the news about the purchase of 22 Harvard Avenue around the same time that Dad was dying. I think about that as my fathers last of many gifts to me.

I can tell you that through the years, we made plenty of mistakes in business. However, we were able to thrive in diverse economic and business scenarios. I believe that the main component of our success is the approach that Ike took and passed down to me: treat people with respect, with the best customer service possible and with fairness.

The year 2009 makes the 50th anniversary of family ownership and operation of Model Hardware. My goals are to continue to run the store as efficiently as possible and to make our customers’ shopping experience as pleasant and memorable as possible. I pledge to remain part of the Allston community and to give back to the community as much as possible.

- Bob Webber, President – Model Ace Hardware

Model Ace Hardware is Allston’s premier locally owned hardware store. Unlike mega-store chains, where size and volume make a poor substitute for quality and experience, at Model Ace you’ll be welcomed by helpful experts who know you personally. Their service professionals are trained on an extensive line of products, and can help you every step of the way with any job you have. Model Ace carries quality products including everything from Benjamin Moore Paint to Ice Melt for these cold winter days. Head in and experience the difference shopping at an independently-owned store makes.

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– Julie Edwards