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1922
Year in Review
The "Year in Review" interprets Larchmont history, year by year. Larchmonters speak for themselves through the news articles, pictures and official documents of the times. Larchmont Gazette's first year in review is 1922.
BUSINESS
A Larchmonter-Times Editorial
Robinson's Hardware
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The Robinson's Hardware Fire
At 6:55 a.m on April 27, 1922, Robinson's Hardware called the Larchmont Fire Department to report a fire. Fire Department records suggest that flammables such as sternum, turpentine, varnish, and alcohol made the fire a difficult and dangerous one to extinguish. However, John McLean Robinson, the owner, reported that they (the firefighters) "did good work." Based on the incident, Chief Towle proposed, and the Village Board approved a new Village Ordinance that regulated how flammables were stored.
Robinson's was a hardware and home improvement store that sold a wide range of products, including that they called "housethings." Mr. Robinson was a leader in the "Larchmont Business Men's Association" and always noted this in his advertising. His advertising always included a jingle that he made up each week. His primary advertising slogan was "Brighten The Corner Wa' You Be!"
The following documents relate to the fire and to Robinson's Hardware.
- The entry from the Fire Department Day book on the day of the fire.
- Several ads about the fire -- showing community spirit and an positive attitude.
- An ad featuring how Boehm Insurance promptly settled the claim.
- A few more of Robinson's jingles from later in the year.
From the Larchmont Fire Department Day Book,
Thursday, April 27
6:55 a.m. Received call from J. Grivel that Robinson's Hardware Store was on fire. Station 56 put for full alarm.
9:35 Chift Towle gone to Robinson's Store look over the Fire ruins on the Brockway. Wm. Cox driving.
Friday, April 28
Chief Towle requested Village Attorney
Rogers to prepare an ordinance prohibiting the storage
of sternum, turpentine, varnish, and alcohol.
This ad was placed the week after the fire.
"BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WA' YOU BE"
We may look smudged and smeary;
but we're "comin thru" and cheery.
One lesson we have truly learned
Can very clearly be discerned --
"Brighten the Corner Wa' You Be"
Means more that a "motto" to him and me!
Come, see! New White Ware Shines!
Garden Tools! All Kinds!
We can now fill your every want!
We are "at your service," Larchmont.
ROBINSON'S HARDWARE STORE
PAINTS, OILS, PUTTY, GLASS,
HARDWARE, MARINE HARDWARE, HOUSETHINGS
"BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WA' YOU BE"
When a fellow's "down" in Larchmont
For friends he need not want!
The way they show goodfellowship
Makes your heart rejoice and sadness skip.
Gee! We'll show you this good old town of ours
How to "Brighten Up" in a few hours.
The shadows come but they must go.
DROP IN TOMORROW! SEE OUR SHOW!
SMOKE SPECIAL!Fire Specials!
WET AND DRY ONES!
NEW STOCK! NOW! at
ROBINSON'S HARDWARE STORE
PAINTS, OILS, PUTTY, GLASS,
HARDWARE, MARINE HARDWARE, HOUSETHINGS
From an advertisement placed in the Larchmonter-Times following the fire.
"BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WA' YOU BE"
Joe is a gardener clever!
He's an artist with his clipper!
The Hedges look so nice and trim!
The Walks, he edges straight and prim!
There's no secret to Joe's success,
It's easy enough for you to guess.
He bought good tools, indeed the best.
Where he got them; - You kow the rest!
AT
ROBINSON'S HARDWARE STORE
PAINTS, OILS, PUTTY, GLASS,
HARDWARE, MARINE HARDWARE, HOUSETHINGS
"BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WA' YOU BE"
What's the matter with that old screen door?
It won't swing shut at all any more!
Get new spring hinges at the Hardware Store.
What 's the matter with the lawn this year?
The mower won't cut but here and there.
A "Cauldwell" cuts even everywhere!
Why don't you lay aside that old door mat?
It 's soaked and grimy and trodden down flat!
You can't wipe another bit o mud on that!
Whats' the matter with the Babe tonight?
If the beach is so far that he's tired at night.
Buy hima sandbox! That'll keep him bright.
Now all your troubles will be soothed away!
Call up Robinson's tomorrow and say-
"Send me this and that and some sand today!"
ROBINSON'S HARDWARE STORE
PAINTS, OILS, PUTTY, GLASS,
HARDWARE, MARINE HARDWARE, HOUSETHINGS
"BRIGHTEN THE CORNER WA' YOU BE"
Take a look and you will see
Things are new and shiny
At that store where you can get
Everything. Now I'll just bet -
If you ask for Oars and Paddles
Or even Baby Swings and Rattles
The answer is "Yes, certainly
Just look at our variety."
So if you ever hesitate.
To Robinson's your needs to state,
Just what you want you'll always get,
We're the cure for shopping feet.
ROBINSON'S HARDWARE STORE
PAINTS, OILS, PUTTY, GLASS,
HARDWARE, MARINE HARDWARE, HOUSETHINGS
Do you have material or suggestions for the 1922 Year in Review? Let us know, at info@larchmontgazette.com.
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