Kelly’s Hardware Celebrates 60th Anniversary

The Smiling Irish Have Been a Downtown Presence for Six Decades

by Dennis Rahm, Photos courtesy of Pat and Gene Kelly

Back in 1958, after working for 13 years at Chelan Hardware, Wayne Kelly jumped at the chance to buy the well-established business from long time owner Jim Reed. After continuing to operate briefly as Chelan Hardware, then Kelly’s Chelan Hardware, the store finally settled on just Kelly’s Hardware. Although many know it by the nickname of “the home of the smiling Irishman”.

Wayne’s brother Gene came to work at the store in 1958 and within a short span of time became a part owner working side by side with his brother, and later his nephew, Pat Kelly. Pat and Gene, with 100 years of combined hardware experience, continue to lead the day to day operations of the store.  Ninety-year-old Gene says he doesn’t consider what he does work, because how can it be work when you love what you do! Even at his age, retirement has not entered his mind.

Pat Kelly, who first started working at the store at age 12 so he could earn money to buy a bicycle, says he learned a strong work ethic from his Dad and Uncle, and also learned the importance of delivering outstanding customer service. Kelly’s Hardware is perhaps the most iconic retail store in the Lake Chelan Valley, and their employees, just like the owners, are known for delivering first class customer service.

The portion of the Kelly’s Hardware building that fronts on Woodin Avenue is actually comprised of three separate buildings. The original brick structure is the main entrance. Later, the store expanded into the Richardson Barbershop and Chelan State Bank buildings.

To mark the 60^th Anniversary of the store, Kelly’s will be giving out keys starting on Wednesday, October 17 and continuing through Friday October 26. Up to four daily winners will receive a jar of pickles and a $50 certificate that can be used on the purchase of any Traeger stove. The main anniversary celebration will take place from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, October 27. The day will be highlighted by one lucky winner who will receive a $1000 Traeger barbeque.

In case you’re wondering about the vintage pajama photos, be sure to ask Pat next time you’re in the store. When we asked if there might be a renewal of the pajama day, Pat quipped “you never know”.

Be sure to tune in Thursday to this week’s very special edition of Making Waves, featuring interviews with both Gene and Pat Kelly reminiscing about the history of store.