OVER 75 YEARS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Stetson Bros. Ace Hardware has been serving the North East Community for over 75 years. We are your friends, family and neighborhood hardware store. We are family owned and operated and have three generations worth of hardware experience. We are all about helping our friends and neighbors and supporting the community. Stetson Bros. is committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers personal service, quality products and a convenient shopping experience. Right around the block with products in stock, we promise that helping you is the most important thing we have to do today!
OVER 75 YEARS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Stetson Bros. Ace Hardware has been serving the North East Community for over 75 years. We are your friends, family and neighborhood hardware store. We are family owned and operated and have three generations worth of hardware experience. We are all about helping our friends and neighbors and supporting the community. Stetson Bros. is committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers personal service, quality products and a convenient shopping experience. Right around the block with products in stock, we promise that helping you is the most important thing we have to do today!
The History of Stetson Bros. Hardware
From left to right – Herb Stetson, Harold Stetson, Carter Stetson, and Ernie Stetson
It all started here! During WWII, Herb Stetson was working for the trolley operator in Ripley, NY while Harold was in the Pacific repairing fighter planes in Guam. When Harold returned from the war, the two brothers decided they wanted to start their own business. Herb learned electrical and Harold learned plumbing. Because money was tight, Harold trained Herb how to do plumbing and Herb trained Harold how to do electrical.
The two brothers started Stetson Bros. Plumbing and Electrical Supplies in 1946 in the old Koepke building (next to the current China Jade restaurant) on Main Street in North East, PA.
By the 50’s business was booming and the brothers needed to expand. They built a new building in their current location at 10730 W. Main Rd. (pictured below). They still had their plumbing, heating and electrical business but started selling more and more appliances. During WWII, appliances were difficult to find. Manufacturers had switched their operations to support the war effort and there was an overall shortage of appliances that lasted for years. The brothers had to build on to the store, connecting the original building to the adjacent duplex to accommodate the growing demand for appliances
The 60's brought more change. The North East Hardware on Clinton Street was destroyed in a catastrophic fire. After the owners decided not to rebuild, Harold and Herb decided to meet the community need and add hardware to their plumbing, heating an electrical business. During this transition, the store became a True Value Hardware Store.
![David,_Robert_and_dad[1]](https://stetsonbrothersace.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/David_Robert_and_dad1.jpg#551)
Harold Stetson with his two sons Robert (left) and David.
In the early 70's, David and Robert Stetson took over the family ownership. A kitchen center was added in the 80's and in the 90's storage units were built and a garden center was added. In 2000, Stetson Bros. joined the Ace Hardware family and added the rental department.
After Max Reed Lumber closed its doors in the 2010, Stetson Bros. added lumber and building supplies.
In 2018, The Clubhouse Indoor Golf opened its doors next to Stetson Bros. and 2020, Kyle Stetson joined the family business as a third generation Stetson.
![David,_Robert,_Dad_on_steps[1]](https://stetsonbrothersace.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/David_Robert_Dad_on_steps1.jpg#552)
Robert, David and Harold front of store.