Star Hardware History

Last week, Mr. Bill Caverlee, noted local author, stopped by my office to say hi and do some research. He let me know that at the end of this month, the downtown staple Star Hardware store was closing for good. He wondered if I would like to write an article about it and gave me a copy of a News Star article he wrote for the September 10, 2010 issue about the store. The information about the history and the two accompanying photos are all credited to Mr. Caverlee.

The Star Hardware began in 1941. Two brothers, Frank, Jr. and Vincent Anzalone opened the Star Furniture Company. Their goal was to buy and repair used furniture to sell as well as new furniture. Of course WWII broke out and both men went off to war, leaving a cousin in charge. After the war was won, the men came back and picked right back up where they left off. The business moved to the 500 block of DeSiard where it has been ever since. Frank’s son Frank III took over the business and now has plans to retire. The store sells everything from Cane poles to plumbing supplies to bikes! Their motto is, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” and it shows! Stop by before their closing date of June 30th, wish Mr. Anzalone a happy retirement and see if you find anything you might need!

Mr. Frank Anzalone III in front of his business. Both photos courtesy of Bill Caverlee.

KNOE did a feature on Star Hardware last night. You can watch/read it here: https://www.knoe.com/2026/06/11/downtown-monroes-star-hardware-close-june-30-after-decades-service/