THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 19, 1995 TAG: 9501170112
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN MILES, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
George Hughes Hardware on First View Street has been a landmark in West Ocean View for 40 years.
But now the store, across the street from the Ocean View Shopping Center, is losing its lease and struggling to find another suitable West Ocean View site.
George Hughes, 69, a former Norfolk city councilman and professional football player who lives in Cottage Line, opened the store in 1955.
He then opened a second store at 3rd Bay and East Ocean View Avenue. In the 1960s, the stores were consolidated at the current location in a building that was once an A&P grocery store.
Since Hughes Hardware moved into its current location, the property has changed hands once and is now part of a family estate that owns a sizable amount of Ocean View property, which will be part of substantial redevelopment of West Ocean View.
Through the years, Hughes says that he never felt he had the option of buying the property. And, at the time of the real estate change, Hughes says he did not feel it would be financially wise for him to buy the property. He also says he thought his lease was secure.
``Back then, you did business with a handshake,'' Hughes said. ``Old mom-and-pop businesses are what this country grew on.''
Hughes' daughter, Kathy Hughes Gillette, decided in the 1970s to follow in her father's footsteps, purchasing Hughes Hardware from her father during approximately a 10-year period. She and her husband, Darden, have worked hard to maintain the good reputation her father built.
``Repeat business is how we survive,'' she says.
Last October, David McMillan, who represents the estate that owns the property, called the Gillettes and told them of plans to tear down the building that houses their hardware store and use the space for a parking lot. According to George Hughes, McMillan said the parking lot ``would enhance the surrounding properties.'' Since then, Hughes and the Gillettes have been trying to find a new location for their store.
McMillan has offered to rent the Gillettes the vacant building next door to Hughes Hardware. That building actually was the site of the first Hughes Hardware store. But the Gillettes say they think it's time to buy their own building. They currently are negotiating the purchase of a building located two blocks from Hughes Hardware.
When their ordeal is over, the Gillettes hope to be into their own building by late spring or early summer.
``It's very difficult to move a hardware store, with all its bits and pieces,'' said Hughes, who continues to help the Gillettes with the store.
Hughes has been known in the community for many years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in education from William and Mary, was in the Air Force during World War II, and he is a former member of the Norfolk School Board, a former Norfolk Neptunes coach, a former coach for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the Canadian Football League, a former NFL player for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a longtime Lions Club member. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by GARY C. KNAPP
George Hughes, left, working with employee Joe Larson, opened his
first hardware store in West Ocean View in 1955.
Darden Gillette and Kathy Hughes Gillette are now the owners of
Hughes Hardware, having bought the business from Kathy's father.
by CNB