Robinson Hardware lauded for expertise to ‘build and repair the world around us’

GUILDERLAND — Generations of family have owned and run Robinson Hardware just as generations of customers have shopped at the Guilderland store on busy Route 20.

This constancy was lauded at a ceremony on Friday morning where the 65-year-old store was officially added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, which recognizes businesses “that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their community’s history.”

Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, who nominated Robinson Hardware for the honor, hosted the event among the shelves packed with useful goods and tools as family members, staff, and local officials crowded around.

“The key to our success,” said Garry Robinson, “is the helpfulness … the knowledge of our staff. That’s the glue that holds this whole thing together.”

Robinson said he had a picture of his father — Donald Robinson who founded the store in 1958 with Matthew “Bud” Hennet — over his cash register. “I’m sure he’s looking down every day,” he said, “and just so proud of what’s happened to this business over the years.”

The store has become an Ace Hardware Co-Op; Judd Robinson, Garry’s son, and William Swartz III in 2015  opened a rental and outdoor power equipment center next to the store; and in 2016, they purchased a garden center in Slingerlands, which became Robinson Hardware and Garden Center.

Garry Robinson, who retired from running the store a decade ago, also highlighted the many charitable and community causes the store has supported over the years.

Small, family-owned businesses like Robinson, Fahy said “are the heart of the community.” She praised the store for surviving “the big-box craze” and noted its many services from cutting keys to repairing screens.

Kathleen Howe, director of the Community Preservation Services Bureau of the state’s Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, said that Robinson Hardware holds more than tools and merchandise — it also holds values.

“It’s that expertise that helps to build and repair the world around us,” she said.

“The registry was established in 2020 to great fanfare,” said Howe, adding, “We now have about 160 businesses all across New York state.”

She said there is “a very cool interactive online map” that tells about these businesses, ranging from farms to funeral homes.

Guilderland Supervisor Peter Barber recalled coming to the store as a boy with his father and learning about different kinds of nails. Years later, he brought his own son to the store, where his son learned about different kinds of paint, said Barber.

“It’s the helpfulness; it’s the care,” said Barber of what distinguishes Robinson Hardware.

Fahy concluded by lauding the “team effort” and named each family member, including wives who had not spoken during the ceremony.

“Behind every good man,” said Fahy, “is an even more amazing woman.”