Franzblau’s Hardware

Type of Business: Hardware Store

Years of Operation: 1936-1982

Location: 312-314 Richland Ave W (currently Edward Jones)

Family: Franzblau (Nathan, Esther) & Milton Sawilowsky

Nathan Franzblau (1894-1984) came to Aiken from New York with his wife Nettie in 1934 after doctors recommended a Southern climate to help address his asthma – which was the result of gas warfare during his service in WWI. He previously ran a hardware business on Long Island and soon opened a hardware store on Richland Avenue here. For many years, his store was next door to his competitor and friend Lazar Laurel who owned Laurel Hardware. Nathan was an active member of the Synagogue (often leading services) as well as being active in various civic organizations (e.g. Masons, American Legion).

Meanwhile, Nettie opened a women’s & children’s clothing store on Laurens St that operated for more the 25 years.

Nathan & Nettie had two children: Esther & Arnold. Arnold went on to became a doctor. Esther married Milton Sawilowsky who took over the management of the hardware store in the 1960s and continued to run the store until it closed in the 1980s. Esther & Milt had three children including a son David who along with his sisters (Susan & Renee) recalls working in the store while he was in high school.

There are not many signs remaining of the role of Jewish Merchants in Aiken but you can see an old Franzblau Hardware billboard if you stand on Richland Ave W (near Prime Steakhouse) & look East