McClanahan’s ownership changes hands after 74 years

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Jimmy McClanahan and his mother, Velda McClanahan, are parting ways with McClanahan’s Hardware after three generations and 74-years of ownership and management under the same name. However, they’ve sold the stock and leased the building to Lynn and Valerie Thrasher of Hartselle and the business will continue to operate under the same name.
Looking ahead Jimmy said he would continue to pursue his career as a softball pitching coach and manage the family’s rental property.
The Thrashers, who own and operate the Grey Bull Feed Company in Falkville, assumed ownership of McClanahan’s Feb. 8. Both Jimmy and Velda, who has worked at the store for 45 years, will be available to help with the transition through the end of this month.
Thrasher said plans are to maintain the store’s existing lines of hardware in addition to stocking livestock feed and a few new lines of merchandise.
McClanahan’s Hardware was established at the same location in 1936 by Jimmy’s grandfather, William A. McClanahan, who purchased the frame building from a Mr. Freeman who used it as livery barn. Shortly after it was floored and converted into a store, a Feb.13 snow caused the roof to cave in. The building was razed and a new building was constructed, with a warehouse addition coming later in the same year.
The late Cooper McClanahan joined his father in the business after World War II and operated it until his death in 1999. One of his early employees was Rufus Teague, Cooper’s first cousin. After his health declined, his son, Charles Teague, joined the business and has remained on the job for 31 years.