From E.C. Hanway & Bro. Hardware to Courtland Hearth & Hardware

Our History

On May 25, 1883 The Aegis and Intelligencer, local Bel Air newspapers, announced the grand opening of a new hardware store, the earliest record of any hardware store to open in the town of Bel Air. At the corner of Main St. and Port Deposit Ave (Presently Rt 22) E.C. Hanway & Bro. Hardware, owned by E.C. Hanway and Thomas Hanway, opened its doors to the town of Bel Air. Little did anyone know that this hardware business would carry on for over a century.

Over the next 67 years the company changed locations (from Main St. and Port Deposit Ave to Main St. and Courtland St.), names (E.C. Hanway & Bro. Hardware to Boarman and Bradford Hardware to Courtland Hardware), and ownership (E.C. and Thomas Hanway, F. Bond Boarman and William W. Bradford, Horace Boarman and W. Euguene Graybeal, to present day owners Jim Kunkel and Richard Thomas). All of the while each owner possessing great passion for the strong, positive reputation carried on through the changes.

Horace Boarman and Eugene Graybeal purchased the hardware business in 1950 and changed the name from Boarman and Bradford Hardware to Courtland Hardware. In 1973 Jim Kunkel (employee since 1968 and now present day owner) purchased 50% interest in the firm and not long after, in 1979, Richard Thomas (present day co-owner) purchased interest in the firm, forming a partnership that has lasted many years. After taking ownership Jim and Richard continued to carry on the tradition of dedication and devotion, well known by the public.

Courtland Hardware has now evolved from the corner hardware store on Main and Courtland Street to Courtland Hearth and Hardware on Bond St. in Bel Air, Fallston Rd. in Fallston, Pulaski Highway in White Marsh and Commerce Rd. (Forest Hill Industrial Park) in Forest Hill, MD.

Our Mission

Through superior service, listening to customer’s needs and finding the correct product or service that provides the appropriate solution, we solve customer problems and fulfill their home improvement desires, even if it is as simple as answering a question.

Because our customer base crosses all markets, ages, income levels, and needs requirements, our products and services provide convenience, comfort, and value to all making the communities we serve a better place to live.

Over 100 years of experience in friendly customer service with a diverse selection of products at competitive prices... that is the Courtland way!