California Hardware Company was a wholesale hardware distributor based in Los Angeles. Founded in 1892, the company supplied hardware such as housewares, tools, plumbing, and electrical supplies in the Western United States. Customers included hardware dealers, lumberyards, and home centers in California, Nevada, Oregon, and Arizona. The company operated a 400,000 square-foot warehouse and office.
History Foundation and early years (1892–1906)
The company was founded by John A. Henderson (1844–1915) and William F. Marshall (1851–1922) following their earlier ventures in hardware and building materials. Henderson, a Civil War veteran, moved to Los Angeles after the war and entered the hardware business in 1875. Marshall arrived in Los Angeles in 1876 and worked with Henderson to establish the company.
The Company was initially located physically at 128 S. Spring Street, and later moved to 115–119 S. Los Angeles Street. The company operated as a regional supplier, providing goods to builders, contractors, and merchants during a period of rapid urban growth in Los Angeles.
Growth and leadership (1906–1949)
California Hardware Company expanded its product lines and distribution area. By 1915, the company relocated to a larger facility at 500 E. 1st Street, at the SE corner of Alameda and 1st Streets. Shannon Crandall Sr. (1871–1964) joined the company in 1897 and became president in 1918, holding the position until 1949. Shannon Crandall Jr. (1902–1966) became president in 1949. During his tenure, the company experienced substantial growth and joined civic organizations such as the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Reserve Industrial Advisory Committee.
Mid-20th century expansion (1950s–1970s)
By the mid-20th century, California Hardware expanded its distribution network across several Western states. In 1974, California Hardware acquired Baker & Hamilton Hardware, a San Francisco-based company founded in 1849.
Challenges and transition (1980s–1990s)
By the 1990s, the company relocated its headquarters to a 411,400‑square‑foot distribution center at 3601 E. Jurupa Street in Ontario, California. However, the company faced growing financial pressures. The rise of big-box retailers such as Home Depot, Builders Emporium, and HomeBase during the 1980s and 1990s created growing competition for independent hardware stores.
In 1997, Amarillo Hardware Company, a Texas-based distributor, acquired California Hardware's assets. This acquisition created one of the largest hardware distributors in the Southwestern United States, with combined facilities of over 500,000 square feet.
Final years and legacy (1997–2013)
Despite the acquisition, The Amarillo Company struggled under competition from large retailers and e-commerce. Amarillo Hardware eventually went out of business around 2013.
Key figures in California Hardware's history +Key figuresPositionNoteCiteJohn A. HendersonFounder, PresidentCo-founded the company and served as its early presidentWilliam F. MarshallFounder, PresidentCo-founded the company alongside John A. HendersonShannon Crandall Sr.President, 1918–1949Oversaw the company's expansion to become the largest hardware distributor west of the MississippiShannon Crandall Jr. President, 1949–1966Expanded the company's operations and influence during the post-war boomWalter B. Brekke President, 1968–1979Guided the company through modern challenges and the acquisition of Baker & HamiltonTerrence L. SmithPresident, 1979–1993Guided the company as it outgrew two distribution centersR. Joseph Wildman President, 1997–2012Managed California Hardware after its acquisition by Amarillo Hardware
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