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The Corner of North Main and Lee Streets in Downtown Bel Air.
The corner property showed little change from early 1900 until 1968. The two-story paint store held various businesses over the years, including a jewelry store and photographers studio. The entire corner was purchased in 1947 by George F. Harrison who opened a retail paint and supply store in the wooden building, which also contained an apartment for the family. Part of the middle structure was used as a warehouse for the paint store and the rest was rented to various retail businesses over the years including a TV sales and repair shop and a bakery. The house was used as a residence and/or offices at various times. The two corner buildings were demolished in 1968 and replaced by a two story building for an enlarged paint and decorating store and other retail with offices above. The original paint store building was used for various business until it was torn down in 2004.
Comment on Facebook 119318604899236_1580882298742852
Best paint store EVER!!!
T I believe the church in the background was the original Bel Air Methodist. I know for sure that in summer of 55 it was the Library. I moved into town, North Main, and loved walking there, especially in the summer. That's when my love of reading really kicked in.
I remember as a young child sitting in Harrison’s while my mom went through wallpaper books for what seemed like hours. We would also shop at Lana LoBelle (spell check), Bata Shoes and The Hub. And don’t forget the lunch counter at Richardson’s! I love those memories and many more of Main Street. ❤️
I don’t remember any other place to buy paint and art supplies for school than Harrison’s. They were essential, for sure.
There was a Methodist Church right there on Main Street that we should use for many years for the Harford center I used to work there.There is also a pep boys around there somewhere to this was back in the 70s
I remember buying art supplies for school at Harrison's in the early 90's.
I worked for Thompsons moving back in 03 or 04 when we moved all the paint and shelfs out of the building
I miss old Bel Air when we would drive up (from old Perry Hall).
Harrison's was able to do paint match coloring of choice long before computer scanning. They dispensed the coloring by hand until it matched. In the day I ordered loads of wallpaper from them.
What church is in the background?
Harford County is rapidly becoming a metropolis!!!!!
That’s the M.E. Southern Methodist Church that turned into the library
Looked better before
Bill thought you'd enjoy this
Whose kid is that anyways?
A Message from the President - mailchi.mp/harfordhistory/message-from-the-president-4752382
I have issued a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth in Maryland to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrate the triumph of the human spirit over the cruelty of slavery.
We are reminded of heroes like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, whose legacies are permanently enshrined in the history of our state. May we continue working to realize the vision that they and so many other freedom fighters had for Maryland and for our nation.
The Kurtz family operated this furniture factory in Jarrettsville directly across the street from their Funeral Home on Baldwin Mill Road. Furniture customers could request one of a kind pieces or choose from patterns of furniture displayed at the factory. A few of the patterns remain in the Society’s collection. Caskets for the funeral home were also made here for several years. The factory closed many years ago and the funeral home is now operated by the McComas family.
Comment on Facebook The Kurtz family ...
John Kurtz
Doug Restrick
Ben Kurtz
This prompted me to go for a ride - thanks for the history of this building and keeping our interest in history alive !
Yes....one of our dwindling historical buildings in Jarrettsville (dates to 1840s). Property has been for sale for a long time and i really hope it can be preserved.
Thank you! I've alway wondered what that building was.
Thanks for the information. I had heard it was haunted and the last construction crew wouldn't go back in. Has anyone heard anything like that
I had someone tell me that the work done on the interior was very poorly done, and that was why it wasn't selling for the amount at which it was priced. Its sad it has set empty for so so long.
It looks like they are working on it last time I passed it. Somebody must have bought it!
I have McComas somewhere in my family tree.
Building has been for sale off and on
Very neat!
Bob Bromley Did this belong to Mr. Bill Kurtz?
What year did it shut down?
Tarring Hardware: Bel Air Avenue in Aberdeen
The Tarring Hardware store in downtown Aberdeen, was a mainstay of the town’s business community. Henry, the owner along with two of his sons, also was the town’s funeral director. In addition to regular hardware items, the store sold stoves and dynamite for the construction industry. The latter item would prove catastrophic. In February 1918 fire broke out in a general store at the corner of Bel Air Avenue and Baltimore Pike (now Route 40) and quickly began spreading to adjacent stores. Fire crews were stymied when they realized the nearest hydrants were frozen. The closet operating water source was across the Pennsylvania (now Amtrac) railroad tracks. They strung hoses but a train came through and cut the hoses. They patched them up but a second train took care of that. The fire raged on and when it got to the Tarring store, it touched off the dynamite. The resulting explosion took out four more buildings before burning out. It took until 1927 before all the buildings were rebuilt.
Comment on Facebook Tarring Hardware: ...
Thank you for sharing this.
Wonderful post. Thanks.
The Historical Society of Harford County, thanks to its many volunteers and benefactors, maintains a record of the County’s past and the many people who lived in and contributed to the community. Help us continue the legacy and preserve future generations by making a bequest today. Learn More at www.harfordhistory.org/support-us/the-lasting-legacy-program/
Comment on Facebook Spring Houses of ...
Carolyn and I just watched the entire program. Never realized how many extant spring houses remained in Harford County. Very professional and attractive presentation. Kudos to Jack, Henry, Harford Cable, and all others associated with the production.
Scott Sturgill
A Message from the President - mailchi.mp/harfordhistory/message-from-the-president-4734746
