General Catalogue No 31. Wholesale Hardware, Sporting Goods Automobile Accessories.

Petersburg: [The Company], . . Folio, maroon buckram, titled in black on front cover and name on spin; all edges maroon, as new in original publisher's cardboard shipping box An extraordinarily comprehensive catalogue in untouched condition. No other publication from this firm located, despite the fact that it was in business for 120 years. The building now house condominiums. Originally the building had a large lion on a pedestal on the roof, reflecting the original owners leonine moniker. That is no longer there, but the pedestal remains.Charles Leonard (1826Ð1916) originally from London, went to Petersburg, Virginia in 1830. In 1840 he started learning the gun trade, but eventually went into the hardware business by 1845. His store was located on Old Street. Around the beginning of the Civil War LeonardÕs hardware store was on Sycamore Street. The address for his business at that time was 30 South Sycamore Street.From the Petersburg Progress-Index, Wednesday, January 6, 1965, p. 10 ÒAt the last meeting of the ÔBoard of DirectorsÕ of Charles Leonard Hardware Co. it was decided to dissolve the company and discontinue its operation. Times have changed many times over the 120 years this store has been in business and we have changed with them over these many years. However! Now that the market is flooded with Hardware and Housewares that are seconds, irregulars and inferior imports we no longer wish to continue to compete. This store has never sold anything but first quality, top brand products during all these years and when we close our doors forever it will be with the same reputation of quality that has prevailed during this store's entire history. We say goodbye with deep regret and sincerely hope you will take advantage of the great saving being offered at this long to be remembered Sale. Thank you all for the loyal patronage you have given us over these many years.