W.W. Fairbairn & Sons Hardware is celebrating their 125th anniversary in 2020. The business was founded by Walter Wayne Fairbairn in 1895, a time when things were just a bit different in Northern Michigan.

It was the height of the lumbering era and Walter had a manually operated grinding stone. He made a living sharpening axes and saw blades for the lumbering camps. He also had a heavy-duty sewing machine he used to repair the lumberjacks’ boots. More than a century later, the grinding stone and sewing machine remain displayed in our sister businesses front office as a reminder of our roots.

From axes, saws and boots the business expanded into a state of the art hardware store on Burr Avenue in downtown Alanson. Walter then grew into the plumbing trade eventually even delving into appliance sales in the hardware store. We like to say, “the rest is history”, because since then we’ve never stopped growing.  

W.W. Fairbairn & Sons started out and remains a family-owned and operated business, now in its fifth generation. Walter Wayne, the original W.W. Fairbairn, was the first generation. Clifford and Morley Fairbairn were the second generation. Tom and Walter Fairbairn were the third generation. Tom Fairbairn Jr. is the fourth generation and Samantha Fairbairn is the fifth generation.

Over 125 years a lot of things changed, but some things remain the same. W.W. Fairbairn & Sons Hardware has always been in downtown Alanson in the big building on the corner and the foundation of the business has always been service and taking care of customers. The Hardware Store building was honored by being listed as a Michigan State Historic Site in 2004.

We like to keep our tradition and history in the forefront of our minds. Our hardware store is a classic hardware store with priority on USA and locally made products. If you’re working on a project, be it home repair, cooking, gardening, or feeding the birds, we have what you need. If you require tools, parts, supplies, or you’re doing a DIY, someone at Fairbairns is always there to help.

Being a fifth generation family-owned business in its 125th year is a blessing, testimonial to hard work, and attribute to adaptability that the present day Fairbairns appreciate and look forward to celebrating. Not many businesses can say that they are fifth generation, family-owned, and still in the same location. We look forward to 50 more rewarding and grateful years.