N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store

Step back in time and explore the rich history and charming architecture of the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store, a true gem nestled in the heart of downtown Bend, Oregon. This historic commercial building, constructed in 1909, stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit and entrepreneurial drive that shaped the early days of this vibrant community. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply someone looking to soak in the local culture, the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store offers a fascinating glimpse into Bend's past.

The Visionary Behind the Store

The story of the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store begins with Nichols Paul Smith, an enterprising businessman who arrived in Central Oregon at the age of 34. Smith played a pivotal role in the development of Bend, working as a surveyor and carpenter to help establish the town site for Alexander M. Drake's Pilot Butte Development Company. In 1903, Smith and his wife, Cora Bell, opened their first hardware store on Wall Street, near the heart of downtown Bend. Six years later, in 1909, Smith built a new store across the street from the original location, complete with a second-floor apartment where his family could reside.

A Hub of Commerce and Innovation

The N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store quickly became a cornerstone of the Bend community, offering a wide array of household goods, building materials, farm equipment, and hunting and fishing supplies. Smith's store was a one-stop shop for the burgeoning town, providing everything from stoves and butter churns to the first gasoline for the newly arriving automobiles. The store thrived, particularly after the Great Northern and Union Pacific railroads opened routes into Central Oregon in 1911, sparking a building boom in Bend.

Architectural Significance

The N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store is an excellent example of early 20th-century commercial architecture, characterized by its simple and functional design. The two-story wood-frame building features a western false front, a common architectural style of the time. This design includes a vertical facade with a square top, often used to create the illusion of a more substantial structure. The building's original facade, revealed during a 1983 renovation, showcases horizontal lap siding trimmed with vertical wooden molding at the corners, large display windows, and a recessed entrance.

Preserving Bend's Heritage

Over the years, the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store has undergone various changes while retaining its historical charm. The building's street front exterior was carefully restored in the early 1980s, removing aluminum and plywood siding to reveal the original facade. Today, the store stands as the oldest wood-frame structure in downtown Bend, a testament to the city's early development and enduring spirit. Its significance to Bend's history earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Exploring the Interior

Step inside the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store, and you'll find yourself transported to a bygone era. The ground floor, originally home to the hardware business, features walls finished with two-inch tongue-and-groove paneling and flooring made of 1-by-4 tongue-and-groove planking. Though the original built-in shelves have been replaced, the space retains its historic character with brass hardware and period light fixtures. The upstairs apartment, once the Smith family's residence, includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms, all finished with the same tongue-and-groove paneling and planking. Over time, the apartment has been updated with wallpaper, plasterboard, and carpeting, but it still echoes the past with its original woodwork and brass fixtures.

A Living Legacy

Today, the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store continues to serve as a commercial space, embodying the spirit of Bend's early days. While the hardware business ceased operations around 1930, the building has housed various businesses over the decades, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of downtown Bend. Smith's daughter, Marjorie, lived in the upstairs apartment well into the 1980s, further cementing the building's role as a living piece of Bend's history.

Visiting the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store

When you visit the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store, you're not just stepping into a building; you're stepping into a piece of Bend's heritage. Located on Northwest Wall Street, the store is easily accessible and surrounded by other historic landmarks and modern attractions. Take a stroll through downtown Bend, and you'll find yourself immersed in a blend of old and new, where the pioneering spirit of Nichols P. Smith lives on.

In conclusion, the N. P. Smith Pioneer Hardware Store is more than just a historic building; it's a symbol of Bend's growth, resilience, and community spirit. Its walls tell the story of a town that emerged from the wilderness to become a thriving hub of commerce and culture. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a trip to this historic store offers a unique and enriching experience, connecting you to the heart and soul of Bend's past.