The Marshall Wells Hardware Store

Scope and Content: Owner John Shand in his Marshall Wells Hardware Store in Fort Macleod. He retired at the end of the day.

History Biographical: John Shand purchased the former Cunningham Hardware store in Fort Macleod in 1933, following a fire that destroyed the building. Mr. Shand's partner was Bishop Wilson of Fernie, British Columbia. They became friends while playing for the Fernie Miners semi-professional baseball team in the East Kootenay Baseball League in the early 1920s. They renamed the business Macleod Hardware. After the difficulty of operating a business through the years of the Great Depression, Macleod Hardware began to prosper during World War 2. The construction and operation of No 7 Service Flying Training School near Fort Macleod boosted business for Macleod Hardware. In 1942 John Shand bought out his partner Bishop Wilson, and in 1949 joined the Marshall Wells chain of hardware stores. The name of the store was changed to Marshall Wells, and the business moved across the street into a new building owned by Ted Kreutzer. John Shand continued in business until 31 March 1967, when he sold Marshall Wells Hardware for just over $20,000, $10,000 in cash and a chattel mortgage on the balance. The new owner of the business closed it after a short time.

Scope and Content: Owner John Shand in his Marshall Wells Hardware Store in Fort Macleod. He retired at the end of the day.