Marc's
Van Camp Hardware
& Iron Co. Page
Van Camp Hardware was the largest general hardware firm
in the state during the first half of the 20th century.
The founder Cortland Van Camp came to Indianapolis
from Franklin County, Indiana in the 1860s.
He originally formed a partnership in 1876
with J. A. Hanson and D. C. Bergundthal to sell blacksmith
supplies, general store goods, and general hardware.
The company was known as Hanson-Van Camp until 1888,
when it became Van Camp Hardware & Iron Company,
it incorporated in 1893. By that time its line of goods had
expanded to include tinners' supplies,
woodwork for carriages and wagons, and guns.
The downtown location of the company changed several times,
but its longest residence was in an eight-story structure it built
at 401 W. Maryland St. where it remained until 1961.
The final move was to the 5000 block of West 86th Street.
Warehouses Van Camp used in 1892
The new Maryland St. home of Van Camp Hardware
& Iron Co. from this photo in 1906
The company expanded in the 20th century, sending salesman
throughout the states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky
and Ohio, as well as into Iowa and Missouri.
Cortland Van Camp was active in the business until
his death in 1923. The firm remained in family hands until 1967.
The company name changed to Graystone Corporation on
November 15, 1976. That corporation dissolved on December 2, 1977.
This information is from the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis
by Leigh Darbee of the Indiana Historical
Society
This picture of the founder
Cortland Van Camp was taken shortly before his death in 1923. They
used this photo in a tribute to him in the 1924 catalog. The photo in
the original frame was from the estate of a long time Van Camp
Hardware employee.
The residence of Cortland Van Camp was located at 714 North Delaware.
The John Morton-Finney Education Center now occupies this site.
This information is from Then & Now
Indianapolis by W. C. Madden
1906 Van Camp employees picture (click on photo to
enlarge)
Van Camp Hardware & Iron Co. 1911
Van Camp Hardware & Iron Co. 1922
Old oak & glass showcase from Van Camp
Hardware & Iron Co. around 1900?
Hardware delivery made many changes over the years.
Article from a 1948 Indianapolis news paper
These photo used in the 100th anniversary celebration in 1976
top is the Maryland St. address - bottom is the
west 86th St. location.
This list of employees is from the 1976 100th anniversary celebration brochure.
Article from a 1956 Indianapolis news paper
The modern Van Camp warehouse in 1976 on west 86th street, their final home.
This Parker shotgun, purchased from Van Camp Hardware,
has been in the Johnson family for 110 years.
Thanks Walt
Page from 1924 catalog
Here are my other
Van Camp Hardware pages
Van
Camp Hardware Advertising
Page
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