B & B Hardware

In 1858 an inn known as the Davis House was located on the corner of W. 2 nd ave.. In the late 1800’s Henry Dibbern bought the building and had plans to convert it into a hardware store. The store sold paints, kerosene and most anything for the home. He also began selling fram machinery and farm implements.In 1893 it was remodled and a room was put inFor the display of wagons and buggys. Somewhere in the early 1900’s Mr. Dibbern opened a furniture department upstairs and put in an electric lift to help costumers up the stairs

Mr. Dibbern bought the land to the south of the building and sold lumber.The Dibbern family continued in the hardware business until 1941 when it was bought by Isreal PostAnd the name was changed to Post Hardware. “Is” Post retired in 1951 and sold the store to Harold Brown. Mr. Brown made two changes, it was named B&B Hardware and he joined the Tru-Value Hardware chain.Through the years the location of the store never changed.

At one time the building had been leased to the government for a post office.

Rock Island Historical Society

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