1920s Hardware Store
Yokel Hardware Store
Come visit the original 1920’s Yokels’ Hardware and Home Furnishings Store housed in the Warren Building. As you approach the store look up and you will see the stained-glass window announcing the business as Hardware. When you enter, experience windows on either side of the entrance and imagine a merchandise display to draw customers into the store. Then view the original dark oak store fixtures handmade by a local woodworker. An upper area of shelves on both sides of the store were used for storing merchandise and were reached by the still present ladder on rollers. As you walk down the center of the store, imagine the aisles showing merchandise needed by Friend customers back then.
Some recall the cabinet drawers holding lots of different sizes of nails. In the back of the store look up and view the balcony. Many stores of this era used the balcony as an area for office/bookkeeping staff. The Yokel family business began in 1920 with J.C. Yokel opening his store. In 1937 his sons, Bill & Harvey Yokel, became partners in the family business. Fast forward to recent history when Wayne, from the third generation, owned the business. In 2007 Wayne wanted to ensure the National Register listed, Warren Building-Opera House, was kept as an important part of the Friend business district. The Friend Historical Society accepted the challenge in 2007 and has worked to keep the 1885 building a special Nebraska and National treasure.