Hardware store was one big family
REUNION organiser Sherryl Norris worked at T.T Hardware from 1977 until 1985 and said the team was one big family.
Patriarch of the business Claude Plant founded the store in 1951 when it was originally at 323 Ruthven St in one shop, before it expanded into six.
“It was a family run business and that flowed onto all the staff,” Ms Norris said.
“I worked there from when I was 18 until 26. It was a fun place, if anyone had a party you were always invited. There were lots of staff get togethers, picnics and camping.”
After Mr Plant died in 1974 Julian Wilson took over as manager and built a new store in 1978 where the Rumours complex now is.
From there they moved to Mort
Everyone was talking on the day about that family connection we all had.
— Sherryl Norris
and Russell St before finally closing the doors in 1997.
“It’s taken us 20 years to get around to organising a reunion. We got the word around and the first guy that replied worked there in 1959. We realised this will bigger than we thought.”
Mr Plant’s three daughters were among those who attended the reunion last Saturday, with some past staff members travelling from as far as Mackay and Hervey Bay.
“Everyone was talking on the day about that family connection we all had,” Ms Norris said.
“We forgot to eat we were so busy catching up.
“The oldest lady there worked there in 1953.”